10 Different Kombucha Flavours to Try At Home
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January 17th, 2023
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Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that is known for its tangy, slightly sweet flavour. While some people love the taste of plain kombucha, others prefer to add a little bit of extra flavour to their brew. If you're looking to add some flavor to your homemade kombucha, read on to find a few ideas to try.
When to add your flavouring
The second fermentation process is the best time to add flavor to your kombucha because it is during this stage that the kombucha becomes carbonated. During this time, the yeast in the kombucha consumes the remaining sugars and produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas is what gives kombucha its fizzy, sparkling quality.
By adding flavour to your kombucha during the second fermentation process, you allow the flavours to infuse with the carbon dioxide gas and become more evenly distributed throughout the beverage. This results in a more evenly flavored kombucha that is full of bubbles and has a more complex taste.
Why do you not add your flavouring in the first ferment?
It is also possible to add flavor to kombucha during the first fermentation process, but the flavors will not be as evenly distributed and the kombucha will not be carbonated. During this process, the bacteria and yeast consume the sugars and produce the initial batch of kombucha. Our tenth suggestion on how to flavour your kombucha is, however, the exception to this rule.
Kombucha Flavouring Ideas
Top Tip: Before adding flavouring and completing your second ferment, keep some of the kombucha from the first ferment as starter for you next fermentation. This ensures that you can always flavour your kombucha as you like and the starter will remain neutral.
1. Lemon and ginger:
This is a classic kombucha flavor combination that adds a refreshing zing to your brew. Simply add a few slices of fresh ginger and some lemon juice to your kombucha during the second fermentation process.
2. Berries:
Any type of berry can be used to add flavor to kombucha, but some of the best options include raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Simply add a handful of your favorite berries to your kombucha during the second fermentation process.
3. Amarena cherries:
Amarena cherries are a type of dark, sweet cherry that is native to Italy. They add a rich, fruity flavor to kombucha, and also give it a beautiful deep red color. To flavor your kombucha with amerena cherries, add a few of them to your brew during the second fermentation process.
4. Jam:
Jam can be a great way to add flavor to kombucha because it is made from fruit and contains natural sugars, which can help to feed the bacteria and yeast in the kombucha and encourage further fermentation.
To flavor your kombucha with jam, simply add a small amount of jam to your kombucha during the second fermentation process. You can use any type of jam that you like, but some of the best options include fruit jams that are made from berries or stone fruits. These types of jams tend to have a more intense fruit flavor and can add a lot of depth to the kombucha.
Keep in mind that adding jam to your kombucha will also increase the sugar content of the beverage. This can increase the carbonation so be sure to burp your bottle daily, or only put in a small amount.
5. Fruit juice:
Another easy way to add flavor to kombucha is to use fruit juice. Any type of juice will work, but some of the best options include orange juice, cranberry juice, and grape juice. Simply add one part juice to six parts kombucha during the second fermentation process.
6. Spices
There are many spices that can be used to add flavor to kombucha, including cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Simply add a small amount of your chosen spice to your kombucha during the second fermentation process.
7. Herbs:
Fresh herbs can add a unique and aromatic twist to your kombucha. Some great options include mint, basil, and lemongrass. Simply add a small amount of your chosen herb or spice to your kombucha during the second fermentation process. You can also try using dried herbs and spices, although the flavor may not be as strong.
8. Cordials or syrups:
Concentrated cordials and syrups are a good hassle-free way to flavour your kombucha. Simply add 1 tbsp of cordial to flavour your kombucha. Elderflower cordial is particularly nice.
9. Fresh fruit or fruit puree:
Fresh fruit and fruit purees can be a great way to add flavor to kombucha because they contains natural sugars, which can help to feed the bacteria and yeast in the kombucha and encourage further fermentation.
To release the sugars in the fresh fruit gently muddle or bash them before adding. If your fruit puree is made from real fruit, then you should get more consistent results as the blending helps the kombucha absorb the flavours and sugars more easily.
Shop our collection of fruit purees here.
10. Tea blends:
Another way to add flavor to your kombucha is to use flavoured tea blends. There are many different types of tea blends that can be used to add flavor to kombucha, including herbal teas, black teas, and green teas. To use tea blends to flavor your kombucha, simply add a small amount of the blend to your kombucha during the first fermentation process.
Some great tea blends to try include chai tea, which adds a spicy, aromatic flavor to kombucha, or earl grey tea, which adds a bold, citrusy flavor. You can also try using blends of multiple teas, such as a mix of green and black teas, or a blend of herbal teas like mint and chamomile.
No matter which flavor you choose, be sure to start with small amounts and gradually increase to your desired level of flavor. This will allow you to fine-tune the flavor of your kombucha until it is just right. Happy brewing!
