Original Article Posted – 6/24/2021
Kombucha Mocktail: Alcohol-free and Delicious
This Kombucha Mocktail is a wonderful alcoholic beverage replacement and a refreshing afternoon tea. It’s fun to drink, promotes a healthy gut, and helps me stay hydrated!
Those who know me well, are aware that I love drinking fancy and fun beverages. But the truth is, I struggle with staying hydrated. To combat dehydration, I add some flavor and elegance to my waters and beverages.
I enjoy adding things like citrus, bubbles (with my soda stream or store-bought fizzy waters), and/or small amounts of fruit juice. But the ingredient list for things you can add to a mocktail is endless. You could add whipped cream, bitters, herbs, citrus peels, fresh fruit, fancy ice, and much much more.
I’ll dive into the when, the why, and the how I make this simple and easy Kombucha Mocktail.
Kombucha! What the heck is it?
Kombucha tea is fermented and sweetened green or black tea. Kombucha has a natural effervescence, that sparkling tingle many of us love. Also, did you know, Kombucha tea originated in northeast China and is quickly becoming an influential beverage in today’s economy?! Many of you may be familiar with GT’s Kombucha.
GT’s continues to be the leading Kombucha brand in the United States, and for good reason, it’s super yummy.
Due to Kombucha’s tea base and fermentation process, it has earned the title of “Healthy Beverage” with many benefits. It has probiotics that encourage gut bacteria diversity aiding in healthy digestion.
Additionally, Kombucha is brewed with black and green teas, it has all the same health benefits of teas. Kombucha has antioxidants and may even lessen the risk of developing many chronic diseases.
When and Why I make this Mocktail
When: About a year ago, I received a SodaStream as a gift and I use it almost every day to make my own sparkling water creations. I also feel really good about reducing my usage of plastic and cans. So yeah, I make fun drinks daily.
Why: There is something about having a fancy glass of wine (or not), in hand, while I am fixing an evening meal. The ritual helps me relax and I know it’s my time to unwind. There are many mocktails on the market that advertise this very concept, ways to unwind without alcohol.
Take for instance, one of my favorite booze-free craft cocktail brands Curious Elixirs. Their drinks are seriously tasty and just as fun to sip on. They even utilize herbs and adaptogens to further help the drinker relax and unwind.
Nonetheless, this Kombucha Mocktail is a wonderful and fun Friday night beverage I can make while grilling up some Salmon or Steaks. Just pour this drink into a glass, fancy or not, and enjoy!
How to Make a Kombucha Mocktail: You Need Just Two Ingredients
Can you add sparkling water to kombucha?
Yes, you can add sparkling water to kombucha. I mix most of my kombucha drinks with sparkling water. Doing so decreases the vinegary flavor, and makes it it’s cheaper because my kombucha supply lasts longer.
Kombuchas run around $3 to $5 per 16oz. So, if I cut 6oz of my kombucha with 6oz of sparkling water, that is about 1/2 the price, and I still reap the benefits of those antioxidants and probiotics.
What are the differences in the fizzy waters?!
Soda, Sparkling, and/or Seltzer waters: Just carbonated water! Different names for the same thing. It contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas, either artificially injected under pressure or occurring due to natural geological processes.
Mineral Water: Mineral water from natural springs commonly has high contents of calcium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, potassium, and sodium sulfate. It oftentimes also has Carbon Dioxide giving it that “fizziness” I love so much.
Club Soda: Club Soda is sparkling water with potassium bicarbonate and potassium sulfate in the water. This gives Club Soda a salty taste, which is why bartenders often use this as a mixer; salty + sweet is a winning combination for the taste buds!
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)
What goes well with kombucha?
There are many dishes that go well with kombucha. Below are my top 5 favorite dishes to pair with kombucha.
- Fresh Fruit: Ever heard of frozen grapes in wine? Try it in your kombucha mocktail!
- Salads or Grain Bowls: Light and refreshing all year long.
- Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Because bubbly drinks pair so well with cheese and Charcuterie
- Pasta or Pizza: I like to swap a glass of wine or beet I normally might go for with pasta or pizza with a kombucha mocktail.
- Cookouts with grilled veggies, plant-based proteins, or meats: Rather than serving only beer at your next BBQ or Cookout, include some kombucha for a non-alcoholic alternative.
Enjoy the below Kombucha Mocktail with any of these recipes!
Brunch: Coconut Flour Pancakes
Cookout/BBQ: Yogurt Cilantro Lime Slaw
Pasta: Lemon Feta Pasta Salad
Salad: Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad
Synergy Trilogy Kombucha Mocktail
Equipment
- Fun Cocktail glasses
Ingredients
Mocktail
- 16 oz Sparkling Water
- 8 oz GTs Synergy Trilogy Kombucha or other kombucha per your preference
- 2 tsp Lime Juice Option for Fresh Squeezed
Garnish
- Edible Flower, petals removed optional
- Lime Wedges optional
Instructions
- Pour 8oz Sparkling, and 4oz Kombucha into a glass.
- Garnish with either edible flower petals and/or lime wedge.
- Repeat for remaining beverages.
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
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