by Cath
When you’re looking to spice up your homemade beverage game, a strawberry lemonade kombucha might just be the perfect twist you need. This fizzy, fermented drink marries the sweet tang of strawberries with the classic zing of lemonade, all buoyed by the gut-friendly probiotics of kombucha. It’s a refreshing option that not only delights your taste buds but also offers a beneficial boost to your wellness routine.
Crafting your own strawberry lemonade kombucha at home is simpler than you might think. It starts with a basic kombucha, which ferments until it reaches just the right balance of sweet and sour. Then, you bring in the flavors of summer by adding fresh strawberries and a pop of lemon, initiating a second ferment that yields that signature effervescence.
This DIY approach not only lets you customize the flavor to your liking but also puts you in control of the ingredients, so you can savor a healthier, preservative-free version of this fizzy favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned fermenter or a curious newbie, making strawberry lemonade kombucha can be a fun and satisfying project.
Crafting the Perfect Brew
Creating a delicious strawberry lemonade kombucha comes down to the quality of your ingredients, understanding the brewing basics, and mastering the infusion of fruity flavors.
Selecting Ingredients
Your kombucha’s taste starts with high-quality ingredients. For the tea base, use organic black or green tea for the best results; these teas have the necessary nutrients for the kombucha culture. Fresh, organic strawberries and ripe lemons will provide the most natural and vibrant flavors for your kombucha.
- Tea: Organic black or green
- Sugar: White granulated sugar feeds the fermentation
- Water: Filtered is best
- SCOBY: Healthy and active
- Strawberries: Organic and fresh
- Lemons: Ripe and juicy
Kombucha Brewing Basics
Getting the first fermentation right is key. Start by brewing your tea and dissolving sugar in it. Once cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a fermenting jar, add your SCOBY, and cover it with a cloth. The ideal brewing time is typically 7-10 days, depending on the temperature of your brewing area; warmer temperatures can speed up fermentation.
- Temperature: Keep between 75-85°F
- Time: 7-10 days for proper fermentation
Flavor Infusion: Strawberry & Lemon
After the initial fermentation, add flavor to your kombucha with a second fermentation. This is where you’ll infuse the strawberry and lemon. Slice your strawberries and lemons, and add them to the kombucha, making sure to leave some room at the top of the bottle. Seal it tightly and let it sit for another 2-7 days. Taste it to decide when it’s perfectly carbonated and flavored to your liking.
- Ingredients: Sliced strawberries and lemon
- Second Fermentation: 2-7 days for flavor and fizz
Remember to refrigerate your kombucha once it reaches the desired flavor and carbonation. Enjoy your refreshingly tangy and effervescent homemade strawberry lemonade kombucha!
Finishing Touches
After infusing your kombucha with fruity flavors, you’re ready to add those special final touches that will perfect your homemade beverage.
Carbonation Methods
To get that satisfying fizz in your strawberry lemonade kombucha, you’ve got two primary carbonation options. You can allow a longer second fermentation for natural carbonation—usually around 4 to 10 days depending on the temperature and tea type, as the sugar continues to ferment and produce carbon dioxide. If you’re in a hurry, though, a carbonation drop or a small amount of sugar added to the bottle before sealing it can expedite the process. Don’t forget to check the pressure of the bottles to avoid over-carbonation.
Final Taste Adjustments
Here’s where your personal preference takes center stage. If your kombucha is too tart, stirring in a little honey or sugar can balance it out. For a stronger lemon tone, simply add a bit more lemon juice. Start with small amounts—you can always add more, but you can’t take it back once it’s in there. Give your kombucha a taste after each adjustment to hit the right note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your strawberry lemonade kombucha chilled for the most refreshing experience. Garnish with a slice of lemon or a strawberry on the rim of the glass for an eye-catching presentation. If you’re serving it at a gathering, pouring it into a clear pitcher will show off the vibrant pink color, making it as much a treat for the eyes as it is for the taste buds.
Yield: 8
Strawberry Lemonade Kombucha
Sip on the refreshing and zesty goodness of homemade strawberry lemonade kombucha. This fizzy and tangy drink combines the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries and zingy lemons with the probiotic benefits of kombucha. The perfect balance of sweetness and acidity makes this beverage a delightful summer refresher.
Ingredients
- 1 gallon (128 oz) brewed kombucha (preferably a blend of green and black tea)
- 16–24 strawberries, finely diced
- 2 lemons, cut into small wedges
Instructions
- Begin with your base kombucha, which has been fermented and is ready to be flavored.
- After removing the SCOBY, add the diced strawberries and lemon wedges directly into the brewed kombucha.
- Using a funnel, pour the kombucha into air-tight swing top bottles, leaving some room at the top.
- Close the air-tight bottles and allow the kombucha to go through a second fermentation with the fruit and lemon added. This typically takes about 2-7 days, depending on the temperature and desired level of carbonation.
- Once the second fermentation is complete, strain out the strawberries and lemon wedges.
- Chill the strawberry lemonade kombucha in the refrigerator.
- Serve cold and enjoy!
