How to Make Kombucha - Your Guide to Making a Kombucha Mocktail Sangria
Written by RD, Elis Halenko, and nutrition student, Sydney Grier MHSc.
Blog Sponsored by The Canadian Sugar Institute
Grocery Store & Cookie Crumb Adventure Leading Up to Kombucha Making
I'm a huge Kombucha fan and having spent hundreds of dollars on store-bought Kombucha, I have always wanted to try making my own. The other day my husband and I set off to the store to grab the ingredients with our toddler, Ella, in tow.
My husband and I did our regular grocery shopping, plus purchased the sugar, black tea, a kombucha starter and an extra large mason jar. Ella was a tad cranky in the store, so when we loaded our groceries in the back of the car and made our journey home, we were surprised that Ella was so quiet in the back seat.
Turns out Ella was a big fan of the brown sugar molasses cookies too. She very stealthily grabbed the cookie box from our grocery bag and bit through the packaging. When we opened the backdoor to take Ella out of her car seat, we found her in a pile of cookie crumbs and the cookie box, with a bite right out of the middle.
This is right before the cookie explosion.
After having a little laugh, I took the cookie box away and distracted Ella by having her help me make the Kombucha. Ella both loves fruit and mixing, so she was a very helpful sidekick. While kids under the age of 4 are generally not recommended to drink Kombucha, small amounts can be watered down for 2+ year-olds.
A Bubbly Healthy Brew with Ancient Origins
If you are wondering where this magical bubbly brew with ancient origins and healthful charms began, let's rewind the clock and travel back in time to ancient China, where the story of kombucha begins. Legend has it that this magical brew was discovered over 2,000 years ago during the Qin Dynasty. The wise Emperor Qin Shi Huang wanted to unlock the secrets of immortality (who doesn't?), and so he sent his alchemists on a quest to create the ultimate elixir. Lo and behold, they stumbled upon the mystical kombucha!
But what exactly is kombucha, you ask? Well, it's a fermented tea concoction made from a blend of black or green tea and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Picture a floating jellyfish-like mass, and you've got yourself a SCOBY! Sounds strange, I know, but bear with me.
In this beverages we welcome the power of sugar as the staple ingredient in creating this simple fermented tea! You cannot substitute any sweeteners here, the sugar is actually food for the bacteria and yeast. When feeding on the sugar, the bacteria creates an acidic flavour profile and generates the carbonation factor we love about Kombucha.
While kombucha's origins may be shrouded in myth, its health benefits are very much grounded in reality. So, what's the big hype? Let's dive into the fizzy goodness!
This bacteria we spoke of earlier is actually GOOD for your health, also known as Probiotics. Billions of bacteria live inside of us, especially in our digestive system to help digest your food and keep things moving along. A happy tummy means better digestion, improved nutrient absorption, and a stronger immune system. So, bottoms up for a healthy gut!
But wait, there's more! Kombucha is also bursting with antioxidants. These little warriors help combat harmful free radicals and oxidative stress in our bodies, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall well-being. So, sip on that tangy goodness and let those antioxidants work their magic!
But hold your SCOBY, we're not done yet! Kombucha has been praised for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in kombucha can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to a plethora of health issues. While the research on the health benefits of Kombucha is still ongoing, it is nonetheless a delightful beverage to consume in moderation.
Now that we've covered the health benefits, let's not forget about the fun factor! Kombucha comes in a dazzling array of flavors, from zesty citrus to fruity blends and even exotic herbs. It's like a party for your taste buds, with every sip offering a tantalizing surprise. Plus, that natural effervescence gives it a delightful fizz that tickles your tongue. Or make your own Kombucha, mix it into a mocktail and now you’re really talking…
Fellow Kombucha lovers this recipe will not disappoint,
Recipe notes: You will need a large mason jar that is at least 4L in volume. The warmer the spot you rest your tea to ferment, the faster it will ferment!
Kombucha Mocktail Sangria
Ingredients:
2L of filtered water
250 grams of white sugar
16 grams of black tea (in bags)
SCOBY
Sangria Add-ons
250mL chilled pomegranate juice
500mL store-bought or home-brewed Kombucha
2 Tbsp sugar
1 lime
2 blood oranges or 2 cara oranges
1 Cup blueberries
Mint for garnishing
Optional: 250 ml of carbonated water
METHOD→
Bring 2L of water to a boil. Once boiled, remove from heat and add in the tea. Steep the tea for 8-10 minutes and discard the bags when done.
Add in the sugar and stir well. Transfer to a large 4L jar. Add an extra 1.5L of cold water to top off the jar.
Let the tea cool to room temperature (23°C). Add in your SCOBY, which will help to ferment the tea.
Cover the mouth of the jar with a cloth and secure it with a rubber band. Place the jar in a warm and dry place that is out of direct sunlight for 6 days (e.g., a closet). The warmer the spot is, the faster the tea will ferment! After 6 days, your Kombucha should be finished fermenting and ready to use. Proceed to the next step and use some for Sangria, store the rest in the fridge or you may keep fermenting for a few more days.
Sangria
Combine pomegranate juice, Kombucha, sugar, and lime in a large pitcher. Add in ice and extra carbonated water if desired. Add in blood orange slices, blueberries and garnish with fresh mint.
Whether you're an ancient Chinese emperor seeking immortality or just an everyday health-conscious individual, kombucha has got your back. It's a bubbly elixir that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also nourishes your body from the inside out.
Remember, moderation is key, and it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before adding any new food or beverage to your diet. But hey, kombucha is a tasty adventure worth embarking on!
So, give brewing your own a try, add some fun ingredients and make it a mocktail, raise it high, and toast to good health and great taste. Cheers to kombucha, the ancient elixir that's still making waves today!