beverage

Kombucha

I love how brewing my own kombucha fills my kitchen with a delightful tangy aroma, plus it’s such a fun way to experiment with flavors and create something refreshing at home.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 2880 min
Total Time: 2895 min
Servings: 8
Difficulty: medium
Kombucha - Vegan recipe hero image

Kombucha has been a staple in my home for years now.

I remember the first time I brewed a batch—I was nervous but excited.

Watching the SCOBY transform the sweet tea into something fizzy and delicious felt like a little magic show.

This recipe is all about brewing your own kombucha with intention, and I promise, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked!

My tip?

Always keep a little extra sweet tea on hand to feed your SCOBY while brewing.

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are easy to find
  • No animal products - completely vegan and cruelty-free
  • Perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike
  • Delicious results that everyone will love, vegan or not

Ingredients & Substitutions

I love using filtered water because it really impacts the flavor of the tea. If you can’t find a SCOBY, check out local kombucha brewers or online communities—there's often someone willing to share! Adjust the sugar to your preference; just remember that it’s food for the SCOBY.

Tips & Notes

  • I always keep my SCOBY in a bit of starter tea in the fridge if I’m not brewing regularly, it keeps it happy.
  • If you find your kombucha too sweet, let it ferment a bit longer next time. You’ll find the perfect balance for your taste!

Recipe Variations

  • Sometimes I add a few slices of fresh ginger during the second fermentation for a spicy kick.
  • If I'm feeling adventurous, I'll toss in some fresh mint or basil for a refreshing twist!

Storage & Freezing

Store your kombucha in the fridge in sealed bottles. It’ll keep for weeks, but the flavor might evolve over time—sometimes getting even tastier!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I keep my kombucha?

Once refrigerated, it can last for a month or more. Just keep an eye on it—if it starts to smell off, it’s best to toss it.

Can I use flavored tea?

Absolutely! Just make sure it doesn’t have any added oils or flavorings that could harm the SCOBY.

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I love how brewing my own kombucha fills my kitchen with a delightful tangy aroma, plus it’s such a fun way to experiment with flavors and create something refreshing at home.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 2880 min
Total Time: 2895 min
Servings: 8
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Boil 8 cups of filtered water in a large pot.

  2. 2

    Once the water is boiling, remove it from heat and add the black tea bags. Let them steep for about 10-15 minutes.

  3. 3

    After steeping, remove the tea bags and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until it’s fully dissolved. Let this sweet tea cool to room temperature.

  4. 4

    Once the sweet tea is cool, pour it into a large glass jar (at least 1-gallon capacity).

  5. 5

    Add 1 cup of starter tea to the jar.

  6. 6

    Gently place the SCOBY into the jar. It may sink at first, but it should float to the top within a few days.

  7. 7

    Cover the jar with a clean cloth or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band. This allows air to flow while keeping out dust and insects.

  8. 8

    Place the jar in a warm, dark place, ideally between 70-85°F (21-29°C), for about 7-14 days. The longer you let it ferment, the more tangy it will become.

  9. 9

    After 7 days, start tasting your kombucha daily until it reaches your desired flavor. Once it’s ready, remove the SCOBY and set it aside.

  10. 10

    If you want to add flavors, now’s the time! Pour the kombucha into bottles, leaving about an inch of headspace.

  11. 11

    Add your desired flavorings (like ginger, berries, or herbs) and seal the bottles. Let them sit at room temperature for another 3-7 days to carbonate.

  12. 12

    Once they're fizzy enough, refrigerate the bottles to stop the fermentation process. Enjoy your homemade kombucha chilled!

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