Ever wondered if you could make kombucha at home instead of grabbing a bottle at the store? Good news is that you totally can. It’s simpler than you might think, doesn’t cost much, and once you get the hang of it, kind of addictive (in the best way).
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to brew your first batch of kombucha using our SCOBY + Starter Tea Kit.
🧾 What You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather your ingredients. You only need a few basics:
- ✔ 1 Kombucha SCOBY (with starter tea) 👉 [Grab one here]
- ✔ 1 Liter of Filtered Water
- ✔ 2 Tbsp Loose-leaf Black or Green Tea (no flavored or scented teas)
- ✔ 3 Tbsp Sugar (white sugar works best, it fuels fermentation)
- ✔ 1 Glass Jar + Clean Cloth (cheesecloth or a paper towel works)
🍵 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brew the Sweet Tea
Start by boiling about 1 liter of filtered water. Once it’s boiling, remove from heat and stir in:
- 2 tablespoons of your tea leaves, any brand will work
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
Let it steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain out the tea leaves. Allow the sweet tea to cool to room temperature (very important, hot tea can harm your SCOBY).
Step 2: Add the SCOBY + Starter Tea
Once your sweet tea is completely cooled,
- Pour it into a clean glass jar.
- Gently add the SCOBY along with the starter tea it came in (this helps kickstart the fermentation).
Step 3: Cover and Ferment
Cover the jar with a clean cloth and secure it with a rubber band. This keeps out dust and bugs while letting the brew breathe.
Place your jar in a warm, dark spot (like a kitchen cabinet) and leave it undisturbed for 7–10 days.
⏳ What Happens During Fermentation?
Your SCOBY will feed on the sugar and tea, transforming it into tangy, probiotic-rich kombucha. You may notice,
- A new SCOBY forming at the top
- A slightly vinegary smell (normal)
- Some strands or sediment (also normal)
Step 4: Taste and Bottle
Start tasting around Day 7. Like it sweeter? Let it ferment a bit longer. Prefer it more tangy? Store in a bottle.
When ready:
- Remove the SCOBY and save it (plus a cup of the kombucha as starter tea for your next batch).
- Pour the rest into clean bottles and refrigerate.
Optional: Add fruit or herbs at this stage for a second fermentation .
🧡 Bonus Tips
- Always use clean, non-metal utensils when handling your SCOBY.
- Label your brew dates so you can track fermentation.
- Reuse your SCOBY to brew batch after batch!
🎉 Ready to Start Brewing?
Grab our SCOBY + Starter Tea Kit [here] and join the home-brew kombucha movement. It’s the easiest way to start your fermentation journey with confidence.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments, we’re happy to help!