Making your own vegan kombucha at home is a fun and rewarding process. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started! Vegan kombucha is a fermented tea drink that is slightly effervescent and packed with probiotics. It is available in numerous flavors from various brands, making it a popular choice for those seeking a refreshing beverage with health benefits.

Ingredients

• 4 cups filtered water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4-6 bags of black or green tea (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf tea)
• 1 cup unpasteurized store-bought kombucha (this will be your starter)
• 1 SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Tea:
   • In a large pot, bring 4 cups of filtered water to a boil.
   • Once boiling, remove from heat and add the tea bags or loose leaf tea. Let it steep for about 10 minutes.
   • Remove the tea bags or strain out the loose tea leaves.
   • Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until fully dissolved. Allow the tea to cool to room temperature.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • Once the sweet tea has cooled, pour it into a large glass jar (at least 1-gallon capacity).
   • Add 1 cup of unpasteurized kombucha to the jar. This will introduce the necessary bacteria and yeast for fermentation.
   • Gently place the SCOBY on top of the liquid.
3. Fermentation:
   • Cover the jar with a clean cloth or coffee filter secured with a rubber band. This allows air to flow while keeping out dust and insects.
   • Place the jar in a warm, dark place (ideally between 68°F and 85°F) for about 7 to 14 days. The fermentation time will depend on your taste preference; longer fermentation results in a more tangy flavor.
4. Taste Testing:
   • Start tasting your kombucha after about 7 days. When it reaches your desired balance of sweetness and tartness, it’s ready for bottling.
5. Bottling:
   • Remove the SCOBY and set it aside in a clean bowl with some of the kombucha liquid to keep it hydrated for your next batch.
   • Pour the fermented kombucha into bottles, leaving some space at the top. If desired, you can add flavorings such as fresh ginger, fruit slices, or herbs at this stage.
6. Second Fermentation (Optional):
   • Seal the bottles tightly and leave them at room temperature for an additional 3-7 days to carbonate. Check them daily to avoid over-carbonation, which can cause bottles to explode.
7. Refrigerate:
   • Once carbonated to your liking, refrigerate the bottles to slow down fermentation. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavorings during bottling, such as berries, citrus slices, or herbs like mint or basil.
• Storage: Store your homemade kombucha in the refrigerator for up to a month.
• SCOBY Storage: If you’re not making another batch right away, store your SCOBY in a small jar with some kombucha liquid in the refrigerator.

This homemade vegan kombucha is not only refreshing but also packed with probiotics that are great for gut health! Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your creations!

Popular Vegan Kombucha Brands

1. GT’s Living Foods: Known for its wide range of effervescent drinks, GT’s offers the SYNERGY line, which features authentic, raw kombucha in many flavors. Their products are made with organic ingredients and contain billions of probiotics.
2. Health-Ade Kombucha: This brand offers a variety of flavors such as Bubbly Rose and Pink Lady Apple. Health-Ade kombucha is known for its gut health benefits and uses high-quality ingredients.
3. Brew Dr. Kombucha: Brew Dr. features easy-to-drink vegan kombucha made from organic loose-leaf teas and fruits. Their traditional flavors include Watermelon and Superberry, along with unique options brewed with CBD.
4. Better Booch: This brand provides low-sugar, organic kombucha in flavors like Morning Glory and Golden Pear, making it a great afternoon pick-me-up.
5. KeVita: Known for bold flavors, KeVita offers Master Brew Kombucha in varieties like Tart Cherry and Mango Lime, as well as probiotic-rich water kefirs.
6. Cultured Kombucha Co.: Based in Michigan, this brand offers delightful kombucha flavors such as Yooper Berry and Local’s Lemonade.
7. The Bu: This brand uses a Smooth Brew Method to create non-vinegary flavored kombucha, available in unique flavors like Lavender and Ginger Peach.
8. Remedy: Remedy kombucha is no-sugar and organic, offering refreshing flavors such as Cherry Plum and Mango Passion.
9. Whalebird Kombucha: Made with fair trade tea and sugar, Whalebird offers classic flavors like Purple Rain and Manguava, along with hard kombuchas for adult consumers.
10. Mother Kombucha: This brand focuses on low-calorie drinks made from locally sourced ingredients, harnessing solar energy for production.

Benefits of Drinking Vegan Kombucha

• Probiotics: Supports gut health by introducing beneficial bacteria into the digestive system.
• Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants from tea that can help combat oxidative stress.
• Hydration: A refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or juices.
• Variety of Flavors: Offers numerous flavor options to suit different taste preferences.

Creative Flavor Variations for Homemade Vegan Kombucha

1. Ginger-Lemon: Add fresh ginger slices and lemon zest during the second fermentation for a refreshing and zesty flavor.
2. Berry Bliss: Blend in a mix of fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) for a fruity twist.
3. Mango-Pineapple: Incorporate diced mango and pineapple for a tropical flavor that’s perfect for summer.
4. Herbal Infusion: Experiment with herbs like mint, basil, or lavender to add a unique aromatic quality to your kombucha.
5. Spicy Turmeric: Add turmeric root or powder along with black pepper for an anti-inflammatory boost and a warm flavor.
6. Citrus Medley: Combine orange, grapefruit, and lime juice for a bright and tangy drink.
7. Chai Spice: Infuse with chai spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves) during the second fermentation for a warming beverage.
8. Coconut-Lime: Mix in coconut water and lime juice for a refreshing, tropical flavor.
9. Apple-Cinnamon: Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick during fermentation for a comforting fall-inspired drink.
10. Beetroot-Apple: Blend beet juice with apple juice for a vibrant color and earthy sweetness.

Ensuring Proper Fermentation of Homemade Kombucha

• Temperature Control: Keep your kombucha in a warm (68°F to 85°F or 20°C to 29°C) and dark place to promote fermentation.
• Clean Equipment: Ensure all tools and containers are thoroughly cleaned to avoid contamination.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tea and sugar; avoid flavored teas that may contain oils or additives that could interfere with fermentation.
• Monitor the SCOBY: Make sure your SCOBY is healthy and active; it should be plump and have a smooth surface.

Signs That Kombucha Fermentation is Complete

• Taste Test: The best way to determine if your kombucha is ready is by tasting it. It should be less sweet and have a slight tang or vinegar-like flavor.
• Bubbles Formation: You should see bubbles forming throughout the liquid, indicating active fermentation.
• Pellicle Growth: A new layer of SCOBY (pellicle) may form on the surface; it should look smooth or slightly bumpy.
• Sour Aroma: The kombucha will have a distinct sour smell, which indicates that the fermentation process is working.

Using Other Types of Tea Besides Black Tea for Making Kombucha

Yes, you can use other types of tea:

• Green Tea: Produces a lighter flavor and contains antioxidants.
• White Tea: Offers a delicate taste and subtle sweetness.
• Herbal Tea: While some herbal teas can be used, avoid those with oils or additives as they can affect fermentation negatively. Good options include hibiscus or rooibos.

Maintaining a Healthy SCOBY for Continuous Kombucha Production

• Regular Feeding: Always keep your SCOBY in sweetened tea to ensure it has enough food (sugar) to thrive.
• Avoid Contamination: Use clean utensils when handling the SCOBY and avoid introducing any contaminants into the brew.
• Store Properly: If not brewing regularly, store the SCOBY in some kombucha liquid in the refrigerator to keep it dormant but alive.
• Monitor Health: Look for signs of mold or unusual colors; if your SCOBY appears unhealthy (black spots or fuzzy growth), it may need to be discarded.

Vegan kombucha is not only delicious but also beneficial for your health due to its probiotic content. With various brands offering unique flavors, there’s plenty to explore for anyone looking to incorporate this effervescent drink into their diet!