How to Make Kombucha at Home: A Crunchy Mom’s Guide to Brewing Bliss
Ready to swap store-bought bottles for your own bubbly brew? Making kombucha at home is easier than you think - and surprisingly fun for little kitchen helpers too! Here’s everything you need to get started with your first fizzy batch.
What You’ll Need
- 1 gallon of filtered water
- 1 cup of organic cane sugar
- 6–8 bags of black or green tea (or a mix)
- 1 cup of starter tea (from a previous batch or a bottle of raw, unflavored kombucha)
- 1 SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast)
- A large glass jar
- A breathable cloth or coffee filter and a rubber band
Let’s Brew It
- Boil about 4 cups of water and dissolve the sugar.
- Add the tea bags and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and pour in the remaining water to cool it down. Your tea should be room temperature before the SCOBY comes to the party.
- Pour the tea into your glass jar, then gently add your starter tea and SCOBY.
- Cover the jar with your cloth and secure it with a rubber band.
- Place your jar in a warm, dark spot where it won’t be disturbed - no fridge!
Fermentation Station
Let it ferment for 7–10 days. Taste it around Day 7. Too sweet? Let it go another day or two. Too tangy? Brew a new batch a day earlier next time.
Time to Bottle
Carefully remove the SCOBY (save it with 1 cup of kombucha for your next batch), then pour your brew into bottles. Want bubbles? Add fruit or ginger before sealing. Let the bottles sit for 2–5 days, then refrigerate.
Kombucha Tips from the Crunchy Trenches
- Use glass, never metal!
- Wash hands before handling your SCOBY—no soap residue.
- Label your bottles with brew dates and flavors (mango-ginger, anyone?)
- Make a “booch shelf” in your pantry so curious toddlers can’t turn it into a science experiment.
Benefits Worth the Brew
Kombucha is rich in probiotics, supports gut health, and can give your immune system a gentle high-five. Plus, it’s delicious—especially when it’s made with love in your own crunchy kitchen.
Bottom Line
Making kombucha at home is one of those crunchy mom moves that feels like magic. It’s simple, satisfying, and totally customizable. So brew, sip, and share your fizz with the fam.
