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How to Flavour Kombucha: A Second Fermentation Guide
Learn how to flavour kombucha in the second ferment: fruit, herbs and spices, bottle sizes, headspace, burping and safe carbonation, step by step.
Brewing and Flavoring
Flavoring
Second fermentation, fruit, herbs and fizz.
Blueberry Kombucha Recipe
Make blueberry kombucha two ways, with mashed berries or a cooked blueberry syrup, in a 3–5 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts and straining tips.
Can you make kombucha with apple cider vinegar?
Can you make kombucha with apple cider vinegar? Not real kombucha, but a splash of raw vinegar can help a new batch. Here's what to use instead.
Cayennade Kombucha Recipe (Lemon and Cayenne)
Make a lemon and cayenne kombucha in a 2–3 day second ferment. Start with a tiny pinch of cayenne, control the heat, and learn what makes it fizzy.
Elderflower Kombucha Recipe
Make elderflower kombucha with fresh elderflower heads in a 2–4 day second ferment. Foraging safety, per-bottle amounts, and how to tell when it's ready.
Feijoa Kombucha Recipe
Make feijoa kombucha with scooped feijoa flesh, lemon and an optional ginger kick in a 2–3 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts and straining tips.
Ginger Kombucha Recipe
Make ginger kombucha at home with fresh grated ginger in a 2–3 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts, burping tips and fixes for spicy or flat batches.
How long can a SCOBY sit in starter liquid?
A SCOBY can sit in starter liquid for about four weeks at room temperature. For longer breaks, use a SCOBY hotel, feed it and check for mould first.
Is kombucha good for kidneys?
There's no good evidence kombucha helps kidneys. If you have kidney disease, check with your care team first. Here's what to know about fluids and kombucha.
Jalapeño, Kiwi and Cucumber Kombucha Recipe
Make jalapeño, kiwi and cucumber kombucha in a 2–3 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts, how to control the chilli heat, and burping tips for a sweet-hot drink.
Lavender Kombucha Recipe
Make lavender kombucha with culinary lavender and mashed berries in a 3–10 day second ferment. Start small to avoid a soapy taste, with per-bottle amounts.
Lemon Lime Bitters Kombucha Recipe
Make lemon lime kombucha with fresh juice and a few dashes of bitters. Learn how much to use, why bitters contain alcohol, and how to keep the fizz steady.
Mango Kombucha Recipe
Make mango kombucha with purée, nectar or diced mango in a 2–5 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts, pulp and foam tips, and a passionfruit option.
Pineapple Kombucha Recipe
Make pineapple kombucha with fresh pineapple or pure juice in a 2–5 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts, fizz control and tips for a sweet tropical batch.
Pink Lady Apple and Basil Kombucha Recipe
Make Pink Lady apple and basil kombucha in a 2–3 day second ferment. Starting amounts for apple and basil, plus answers on apple flavours and fizz.
Raspberry Kombucha Recipe
Make raspberry kombucha with fresh or frozen raspberries in a 1–5 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts, seed and pulp tips, and how to avoid a messy burst.
Rise Kombucha Copycat Recipe
A copycat-style kombucha with bright citrus and a light sweetener, made in a 3–5 day second ferment. Starting amounts, fizz tips and first-ferment ratios.
Strawberry Kombucha Recipe
Make strawberry kombucha with pureed fresh or frozen strawberries in a 2–5 day second ferment. Per-bottle amounts, a lemonade version and burping tips.
Turmeric Kombucha Recipe
Make turmeric kombucha in a 3–5 day second ferment with fresh or ground turmeric. Per-bottle amounts, staining tips and a calm note on health claims.
What are some recipes for second fermentation kombucha?
Simple second-ferment kombucha ideas, from berry and tropical fruit to citrus, herbs and spice, all using one method. Start here and adjust to taste.
What are the health benefits of Ginger Kombucha?
Ginger kombucha has limited proven health benefits. Here's what ginger, tea and fermentation can and can't offer, and who should check with a doctor first.
What bacteria ferment kombucha?
Kombucha is fermented by acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts living together in a SCOBY. Here's who they are and what each one does.
What is kombucha?
Kombucha is a fizzy, tart fermented tea made with a SCOBY. Learn what's in it, how it's made, its alcohol and caffeine, and who should check with a doctor first.
What is the best fruit to add to kombucha?
The best fruit for kombucha is high in natural sugar. Berries, pineapple and mango are the most reliable. Here's how much to use and what to avoid.
Why Is My Kombucha Not Fizzy? Fixing a Flat Second Ferment
Flat kombucha usually means a leaky seal, too little sugar, a cold room or not enough time. Here's a checklist to fix a flat second ferment, step by step.
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