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How to Make Kombucha at Home showing first fermentation jar with SCOBY and fruit flavored bottles during second fermentation on wooden kitchen counter
Olivia

How to Make Kombucha at Home

Learn how to make kombucha at home with this easy beginner recipe. Step by step brewing guide, ratios, fermentation tips, and flavor ideas.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
16 days
Total Time 16 days 25 minutes
Servings: 16 cups
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: Fermented, Traditional
Calories: 40
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 cups filtered water
  • 3 tablespoons loose leaf black tea or 6 black tea bags
  • 1 cup organic cane sugar
  • 1 SCOBY
  • 1 to 2 cups starter liquid from previous batch or raw store bought kombucha

Method
 

First Fermentation
  1. Bring 4 cups of filtered water to a boil.
  2. Remove from heat and steep tea for 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Remove tea leaves or bags and stir in sugar until fully dissolved.
  4. Pour into a 1 gallon glass jar and add remaining cool water.
  5. Allow liquid to reach room temperature.
  6. Add SCOBY and starter liquid.
  7. Cover with breathable cloth and secure with rubber band.
  8. Ferment in a warm dark place for 7 to 12 days. Taste starting at day 7.
Second Fermentation (Optional for Fizz)
  1. Remove SCOBY and reserve with 1 cup kombucha for next batch.
  2. Pour kombucha into airtight bottles.
  3. Add fruit or juice for flavor if desired.
  4. Seal and leave at room temperature 2 to 4 days.
  5. Refrigerate once carbonation reaches desired level.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per 240 ml Serving)
Nutrient
 Approximate Amount
Calories
 25 to 40 kcal
Total Carbohydrates
 6 to 8 g
Sugars (residual)
 4 to 6 g
Protein
 0 g
Fat
 0 g
Sodium
 5 to 10 mg
Caffeine
 10 to 15 mg
Alcohol
 0.2 to 0.5 percent
Probiotics
 Variable
 
Nutrition values vary depending on fermentation time, sugar ratio, and flavor additions.