Craving a fizzy, flavorful drink that's good for your gut? Look no further than homemade kombucha! This ancient fermented tea is packed with probiotics and boasts a unique tangy taste.
Kombucha, a fermented tea known for its tangy flavor and health benefits, can be made even better with the addition of ginger. Ginger kombucha enhances the drink’s flavor and adds its health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory properties and digestive support.
If you’ve been considering making kombucha at home, this ginger kombucha drink recipe is the perfect starting point. It’s easy to prepare and requires only a few basic ingredients.
Ready to give it a try? Here's a step-by-step guide to making a homemade ginger kombucha drink.
Why make ginger kombucha at home?
Making ginger kombucha at home comes with several advantages that make it worth the effort:
1. Healthier choice
When you brew your kombucha, you have full control over the ingredients. You can limit the amount of sugar and avoid any artificial additives found in some store-bought options.
This ensures you’re drinking a healthier, more natural version packed with fresh probiotics to support your digestion and immunity.
2. Cost-effective
Brewing kombucha at home is significantly cheaper than buying pre-bottled versions. The cost of ingredients like tea, sugar, and water is minimal, and you can brew large batches that last longer.
Plus, the SCOBY or starter kit can be reused for multiple batches, making it a long-term investment.
3. Customizable flavors
One of the best parts of making ginger kombucha at home is that you can personalize it to your taste.
Whether you want to add lemon, mint, or berries for extra flavor, the possibilities are endless. You can also control how strong the ginger flavor is, making your kombucha as mild or bold as you like.
Now that you know why ginger kombucha is such a great choice, let’s jump into the ingredients and steps required to make it at home.
Ingredients for ginger kombucha drink
To make a delicious and refreshing ginger kombucha at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Probiotic-rich ingredients
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1 bottle of plain kombucha: You can use store-bought or homemade kombucha as your base.
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2-3 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger: Fresh ginger provides a robust flavor, but ginger juice can also be used if you prefer a smoother consistency.
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1/4 cup of cane sugar: This serves as the primary sugar source for fermentation.
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Filtered water: Use for dilution if needed to adjust the strength of your kombucha.
Optional for variations
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Lemon juice: Adds a zesty twist to your Lemon Ginger Kombucha.
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Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint or thyme can enhance the flavor profile of your kombucha.
With your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the essential tools required for brewing your ginger kombucha.
Tools required
Having the right tools makes the kombucha-making process smoother and ensures the best results. Here’s what you’ll need:
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1-gallon glass jar: A large glass jar is ideal for fermenting your kombucha.
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Cheesecloth or breathable cloth: This allows the kombucha to breathe while keeping out dust and contaminants.
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Rubber band: To secure the cloth cover on your jar.
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Bottles for second fermentation: These are used to bottle your kombucha after the initial fermentation, allowing it to carbonate and develop additional flavors.
Tip: Avoid using metal containers as they can react with the kombucha and damage the grains.
Also read: Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water for Gut Health
With your ingredients ready, let’s go through the simple steps to make this refreshing ginger kombucha.
A step-by-step guide to making ginger kombucha drink recipe
Making ginger kombucha at home is straightforward and only takes a few days for fermentation. Here’s how to do it:
1. Make the sweet tea
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Boil water: Start by bringing 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a pot on the stove.
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Steep tea: Once the water is boiling, add four black tea bags to the pot. Black tea is a good choice for kombucha because it's robust and provides a solid foundation for the fermentation process. Let the tea bags steep in the hot water for 5 minutes to extract the maximum flavor.
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Remove tea bags: After 5 minutes, carefully remove the tea bags from the pot.
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Add sugar: Now, it's time to sweeten the tea. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the pot and stir vigorously until the sugar has completely dissolved in the hot tea.
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Cool completely: Once the sugar is dissolved, let the tea cool down completely to room temperature. This is crucial because adding the SCOBY to the hot liquid will kill it, and your kombucha will fail. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot in an ice bath.
2. Prepare the ginger
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Peel the ginger: Use a spoon or the back of a knife to peel a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root.
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Grate the ginger: Grate the peeled ginger using a fine-grated cheese grater or a microplane grater. This will release the maximum amount of ginger flavor into the kombucha.
3. Combine ingredients
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Pour the tea into the jar: Pour the cooled sweet tea into a clean, sterilized 1-gallon wide-mouth glass jar.
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Add ginger: Add the grated ginger to the jar.
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Introduce the SCOBY: Gently add the kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) and 1 cup of starter liquid (from a previous batch of kombucha) to the jar. The starter liquid provides the necessary bacteria and yeast to kickstart the fermentation process.
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Stir gently: Use a sterilized spoon to stir the mixture gently, evenly distributing the SCOBY and starter liquid throughout the tea. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can damage the delicate SCOBY.
4. Cover and ferment
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Cover the jar: Cover the jar loosely with clean cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Secure the cloth or filter in place with a rubber band. This allows for air exchange while preventing dust and insects from entering the jar.
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Find a fermenting spot: Find a dark, warm place to ferment the kombucha. A temperature between 70-85°F (21-29°C) is ideal for optimal fermentation. A kitchen counter, a pantry, or a dedicated fermentation chamber can all work well.
5. First taste
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Monitor fermentation: After 7 days of fermentation, carefully remove the cover and taste the kombucha.
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Check for sweetness: If the kombucha is still too sweet, cover it back up and allow it to ferment for a few more days. Taste it again every day until it reaches the desired level of sweetness and tartness.
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Proceed to bottle (Optional): Once the kombucha has reached the desired taste, you can either drink it as is or proceed to the second fermentation for added carbonation and flavor.
6. Second fermentation (Optional)
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Bottle the kombucha: If you want a fizzy kombucha, carefully bottle it into clean glass bottles.
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Add flavor (Optional): For extra flavor, add a piece of fruit to each bottle. Popular choices include:
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Lemon: Add a slice of lemon for a refreshing citrusy flavor.
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Berries: Add a few raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a fruity twist.
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Other fruits: Experiment with other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or even herbs like mint.
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Seal and carbonate: Seal the bottles tightly with airtight caps.
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Carbonate at room temperature: Allow the bottles to carbonate for 1-3 days. As the kombucha carbonates, you may hear a gentle fizzing sound.
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Refrigerate: Once the kombucha has reached the desired level of carbonation, refrigerate the bottles to slow down further fermentation and preserve the flavor.
Must read: Using Ginger for Stomach Issues: Bloating, Indigestion, and Acid Reflux
With your ginger kombucha bottled and ready, let’s explore some tips and variations.
Flavor variations for your ginger kombucha
While this ginger kombucha recipe is fantastic on its own, you can get creative with flavor variations to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
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Lemon ginger kombucha
For a refreshing twist, add the juice of 1-2 lemons when bottling your ginger kombucha. The citrusy zing pairs beautifully with the spicy warmth of ginger.
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Mint ginger kombucha
For a cooling, fresh flavor, add a few sprigs of mint to your kombucha after fermentation. The combination of ginger and mint is both invigorating and soothing.
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Turmeric ginger kombucha
For an extra anti-inflammatory boost, try adding a pinch of turmeric powder to your ginger kombucha. Turmeric’s earthy flavor complements the ginger, creating a rich, vibrant drink.
Health benefits of ginger kombucha
Homemade ginger kombucha not only tastes amazing but also offers several health benefits, making it a great addition to your daily routine. Here are some of the key health perks:
1. Supports gut health
Kombucha is naturally rich in probiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. These probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, improve digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption.
For a more comprehensive solution to gut health, explore The Good Bug's prebiotic products, specially designed to enhance digestion.
2. Boosts immunity
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help strengthen your immune system. When combined with the probiotics in kombucha, it creates a powerful combination for better overall health and immune function.
3. Aids digestion
Both kombucha and ginger are known to soothe digestive issues. Kombucha’s probiotics help balance gut bacteria, while ginger has natural digestive properties, reducing bloating, relieving gas, and calming stomach discomfort. This makes ginger kombucha an excellent choice for supporting healthy digestion.
Do you feel like you're not taking care of your gut? Listen to the audio as our guest, Ashdin Doctor provides some simple strategies for developing mindful habits for a healthy gut!
Now that we know the health benefits let’s move on to some essential tips for perfecting your ginger kombucha.
Tips for perfecting your ginger kombucha
Making ginger kombucha at home is easy, but a few key tips can help you get the best results:
1. Use fresh ginger
Freshly grated ginger gives your kombucha the best flavor. Ginger powder can make the kombucha too strong and overpower the other flavors. Always opt for fresh ginger to achieve a more vibrant, natural taste.
2. Adjust sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter kombucha, feel free to increase the sugar in the recipe. However, keep in mind that the fermentation process will reduce the sweetness over time. Taste it after fermentation to see if you need to adjust before bottling.
3. Experiment with flavors
Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ginger kombucha. Adding fruits like berries or spices like cinnamon can bring exciting new flavors and added health benefits. Feel free to try combinations that work best for you.
Now that you know how to make ginger kombucha, let’s wrap up with some quick notes.
Making ginger kombucha at home is simple and rewarding. The combination of probiotics, ginger, and other flavor additions creates a refreshing and health-boosting drink.
Whether you enjoy it as a gut-friendly beverage or a natural energy booster, this easy homemade ginger kombucha recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a little fizz to their day.
If you’re looking for more probiotic-rich options or need a starter kit, The Good Bug offers a variety of kombucha products to help you get started on your fermentation journey.
Visit our website and connect with our expert dieticians today to develop a new healthy regime!
References:
https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-ginger-kombucha-drink-recipes-from-the-kitchn-206552
https://thewildgut.com/homemade-ginger-kombucha/
https://www.fermentationrecipes.com/making-your-kombucha-fizzy-with-ginger/1116
https://brewbuch.com/lemon-ginger-kombucha/
https://www.beetsandbones.com/ginger-kombucha/
https://nourishedkitchen.com/ginger-kombucha/
https://revolutionfermentation.com/en/blogs/kombucha/ginger-kombucha-recipe/