Homemade Kombucha

Instructions

1. Brew the sweet tea base
   Bring 1 quart of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, remove from heat and add sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Add tea bags and steep for 15-20 minutes. Remove tea bags and allow the tea to cool completely to room temperature (about 70°F/21°C).
2. Prepare the fermentation vessel
   While the tea is cooling, thoroughly clean a 1-gallon glass jar with hot water (avoid soap as residue can harm the SCOBY). Add the remaining 2 quarts of room temperature filtered water to the jar, then pour in the cooled sweet tea mixture.
3. Add the SCOBY and starter tea
   Gently place the SCOBY into the jar with clean hands, then pour in the starter tea. The starter tea creates an acidic environment that protects the kombucha from harmful bacteria during the initial fermentation stage.
4. Cover and ferment
   Cover the jar with a coffee filter or tightly woven cloth and secure with a rubber band. Place in a warm location (75-85°F/24-29°C) away from direct sunlight and drafts. Allow to ferment for 7-10 days, checking periodically. The longer it ferments, the less sweet and more vinegary it will become.
5. Test for doneness
   After 7 days, taste test your kombucha by inserting a straw beneath the SCOBY and withdrawing a small amount of liquid. It should be slightly sweet and tangy. If too sweet, let ferment longer; if too sour, reduce fermentation time in your next batch.
6. Bottle for secondary fermentation
   With clean hands, remove the SCOBY and 2 cups of liquid (set aside for your next batch). Pour the kombucha into airtight bottles, leaving 1-2 inches of headspace. If flavoring, add fruit juice, herbs, or spices at this stage. Seal bottles tightly and allow to carbonate at room temperature for 1-3 days.
7. Refrigerate and enjoy
   Once carbonated to your liking, transfer bottles to the refrigerator to slow fermentation and prevent over-carbonation. Chill completely before serving. When opening, do so slowly to prevent overflow from carbonation. Strain if desired before drinking.