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Summertime calls for lazy days, plentiful sunshine, and endless refreshments. But don’t the usual beverage options seem monotonous? Not all of them are healthy, either. So, is it too much to ask for a summer drink that's not only refreshing but also nourishing?
Enter kombucha—a fizzy, tangy drink that offers a perfect base for creating a range of delightful summer beverages. Whether you're lounging on the porch or hosting a summer gathering, these unique, healthy summer drinks made with kombucha will instantly cool you and your guests. So, get ready to make your summer more exciting!
Understanding kombucha: A refreshing fermented tea
Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage that has captured the hearts of many with its delightful mix of tanginess and sweetness. Beyond being a refreshing drink, kombucha is a nourishing ally for your health.
To craft this unique beverage, you must first understand its simple yet fascinating brewing process. It begins with brewing and sweetening the tea, which can be black or green, to create an inviting environment for fermentation. Then, a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast), which resembles a pancake and floats atop, is added to the sweetened tea.
This introduction of the SCOBY to the sweetened tea initiates the fermentation process, transforming the tea into a bubbly beverage known as kombucha. This drink is not only flavourful but also rich in beneficial compounds, making it a refreshing and nourishing choice for any time of day.
So, as the summer days roll in, why not embrace them with kombucha? Let’s see why it's a perfect drink for the summer!
Also read: Is Kombucha Suitable for Vegans?
Why is kombucha ideal for making summer drinks?
Let's be honest: Making kombucha from scratch can be a bit of a project. But once you've brewed a batch, you can conveniently store and use the beverage to whip up a refreshing summer concoction. But what makes kombucha an ideal candidate for such drinks?
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Versatility: Kombucha’s unique flavour profile—tangy, slightly sweet, and subtly fizzy notes—is a versatile canvas. You can easily blend it with fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, creating an explosion of flavours to suit your mood or occasion.
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Refreshing qualities: Kombucha's natural carbonation and slightly tart flavour provide a refreshing base for any summer beverage. This makes it a superb alternative to regular sodas, as it quenches thirst and invigorates the senses during sweltering summer days.
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Healthier hydration: Kombucha delivers a boost of probiotics, supporting digestive health and ensuring overall wellness. It’s also a low-calorie choice, perfect for those aiming to cut down on sugar. Moreover, it’s rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals and reduce inflammation, making it more than just a thirst quencher.
The Good Bug has come up with an exciting range of products—Ferments! Watch the video below to discover the story behind its beginning and why you must include it in your diet.
Now, let's explore some delicious drink recipes that'll make kombucha your go-to refreshment this summer!
Best healthy summer drinks with kombucha
To escape the hot summer, you might be tempted to grab those brightly coloured juices and smoothies on the grocery store shelves. But, many of these pre-packaged options are loaded with sugar and lack the nutritional value you crave. Here are a few healthy summer drinks made with kombucha that can replace those sugary juices and soda!
Strawberry Kombucha Crush
This lively summer refresher is made by blending chilled strawberry kombucha with ice. It is a revitalising and delightful thirst-quencher.
Ingredients:
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1 cup chilled strawberry kombucha
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8 strawberries
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Crushed ice
Instructions:
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Combine chilled kombucha and strawberry in a blender.
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Blend until smooth and frothy.
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Add crushed ice to a chilled glass.
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Pour the mixture into the glass and enjoy immediately.
Peach Green Ginger Smoothie
This vibrant smoothie comes alive by combining peach kombucha with spinach, ginger, and a touch of honey. It's both energising and nourishing.
Ingredients:
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1 cup peach kombucha
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1 cup spinach
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½ inch fresh ginger (peeled and chopped)
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½ banana (optional)
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1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a blender.
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Adjust sweetness with honey to taste.
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Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy!
Cran-Raspberry Limeade Slushie
For a tangy experience, blend cranberry-raspberry kombucha with lime juice and ice. It's a refreshing slushie that carries a hint of tartness.
Ingredients:
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1 cup raspberry kombucha
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¼ cup fresh cranberries
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¼ cup fresh lime juice
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Honey (optional)
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Handful of ice
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a blender.
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Blend until smooth and slushy.
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Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to adjust tartness.
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Pour into a chilled glass and garnish it with fresh mint leaves.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Indulge in a creamy delight by blending strawberry kombucha with banana and spinach, adding a touch of honey for sweetness.
Ingredients:
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1 cup strawberry kombucha
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1 banana
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Handful of spinach (optional)
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1 tsp honey (optional)
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Ice
Instructions:
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Peel and cut the bananas and add them to a blender.
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Add kombucha and combine it well until you reach a smooth consistency.
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Adjust sweetness with honey to taste.
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Pour into a chilled glass.
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Garnish it with a thin slice of strawberry.
Minty Mojito Magic
A refreshing twist on the classic mojito by muddling mint leaves with lime juice and kombucha.
Ingredients:
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4-5 fresh mint leaves
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½ lime, juiced
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1 cup ginger kombucha
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Sparkling water (to top)
Instructions:
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Muddle mint leaves and lime juice in a glass.
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Add ginger kombucha.
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Top with sparkling water.
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Garnish with mint sprigs.
Dragonfruit Dream Slushie
An exotic and vibrant drink made by blending dragonfruit and kombucha that captivates your senses.
Ingredients:
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1 cup dragonfruit chunks (fresh or frozen)
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¼ cup lime juice
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1 cup dragonfruit kombucha
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Ice
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a blender.
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Blend on high until you achieve a smooth and icy consistency.
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Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy the vibrant colour and refreshing taste.
Cantaloupe Cooler
This drink is an ideal summer treat that combines cantaloupe and kombucha for a hydrating experience.
Ingredients:
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1 cup diced cantaloupe
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¼ cucumber (sliced)
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¼ cup mint leaves
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1 cup cantaloupe-flavoured kombucha
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Ice
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a blender and pulse a few times to create a slightly chunky texture.
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Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a cucumber slice and mint sprig.
Pina Colada Paradise
Offer yourself a tropical escape by blending pineapple kombucha with coconut milk, a zesty hint of lime juice, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Ingredients:
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1 cup pineapple kombucha
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¼ cup coconut milk
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¼ cup pineapple chunks
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½ lime, juiced
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Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
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Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy.
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Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Watermelon Wonder
This hydrating treat is crafted by blending watermelon chunks with watermelon-flavoured kombucha and finishing with a squeeze of lime juice.
Ingredients:
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2 cups watermelon chunks
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1 cup watermelon-flavoured kombucha
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½ lime, juiced
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Ice
Instructions:
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Blend all ingredients in a jar until you achieve a smooth and vibrant pink hue.
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Pour into chilled glasses and enjoy immediately.
Cucumber Mint Cooler
A fabulous, light summer drink consisting of cucumber slices, mint leaves, and kombucha with a splash of sparkling water.
Ingredients:
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¼ cucumber (sliced)
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4-5 mint leaves
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1 cup kombucha
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Sparkling water (to top)
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Ice
Instructions:
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Gently muddle cucumber slices and mint leaves in the bottom of a glass.
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Add kombucha and ice, then top with sparkling water.
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Garnish with cucumber slices and mint sprigs.
Feeling adventurous? Why not explore some tried-and-true tips for crafting the perfect kombucha summer drink?
Also read: 10 Best Juices for Gut Health and Digestion
Tips for making perfect kombucha summer drinks
Are you eager to try a new kombucha-based drink? Probably, things didn't quite turn out as expected. The drink might be too tart, sweet, or simply lack the extra kick. To avoid such mishaps and ensure your summer drinks are a resounding success, here are a few tips to guide you through the process:
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Embrace the chill: Always use chilled kombucha. This preserves its refreshing effervescence and ensures that your drinks are perfectly chilled from the start, ideal for a hot summer day.
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Seasonal goodness: Summer is a time of abundance, so embrace the season by incorporating fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables into your drinks. Not only will they add vibrant flavours, but also provide a boost of vitamins and antioxidants. Fruits such as mangoes, strawberries, and stone fruits are excellent choices.
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Blend it up: A blender is your best friend when creating smooth and delicious kombucha-based drinks. Experiment with different blending times to achieve the desired consistency for your palate—whether you prefer a thick smoothie or a lighter, more frothy beverage.
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Get creative with garnishes: Don't forget to unleash your creativity with garnishes. Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary add a touch of elegance and enhance the flavour. Edible flowers, such as lavender or pansies, can add a vibrant touch of colour. Slices of fresh fruit, such as citrus or berries, look stunning and provide an extra burst of flavour.
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Taste as you go: As you craft your drink, remember to taste-test it along the way. Adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding honey, agave, or a squeeze of lime or lemon, based on your preference. This ensures the right balance and enhances the overall drinking experience.
Now, summer evenings don't have to be dull or lazy; these kombucha-based drinks can make them vibrant, refreshing, and nourishing. Spice things up or keep it simple; the choice is yours. Due to an array of flavours, you can try new combinations for creating healthy summer drinks with kombucha.
Are you curious to give it a try? Get your preferred kombucha flavour from The Good Bug. We offer high-quality flavoured kombucha, which can be easily integrated into your summer beverage. Visit our website to explore our collection and make your summer even more interesting!
References
https://www.brewdrkombucha.com/blog/refreshing-drinks-to-make-with-kombucha
https://elanaspantry.com/healthy-easy-recipe-for-kombucha-mocktails/
https://www.innichkachef.com/post/tropical-summer-slushies-with-kombucha-spirit-video
