Kombucha is a fizzy drink made from fermented tea. Many people say it eases or prevents a variety of health problems, ranging from hair loss to cancer. It is claimed that these drinks improve digestion and diabetes, strengthen the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and detoxify the body.
Kombucha is an easy fermented beverage that anyone can make at home for pennies a glass. Basically, it is sweetened tea to which a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is added. The mixture sits on the countertop for a week or more. During this time, the yeast convert the sugar into alcohol and fizz, then the bacteria consume the alcohol and convert it into organic acids. Fermentation is a common process for preserving foods beyond their freshness date that also enhances the nutritional content and adds healthy probiotic bacteria. For example, cabbage is preserved as sauerkraut or kimchi, or milk is made into yogurt or kefir.
SCOBYs form a cellulosic film on top of the liquid created by the acetobacter (AAB). The low pH naturally preserves and protects the brew making it safe to make at home. The SCOBY also reproduces so it’s easy to scale your batches and make more once you have a quality culture like the ones we grow at KombuchaKamp. Get your SCOBY here
It is primarily composed of acetic acid bacteria though some lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may also be found in some cultures. B vitamins and vitamin C are also found in kombucha in living form.
Those who enjoy Kombucha report that it increases energy, speeds up digestion, and eliminates toxins. In addition, it may also boost immunity, curb cravings for sugar and alcohol, lowers high blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, and could also help prevent cancer.
Kombucha’s unique flavor profile makes it the perfect cocktail mixer. It’s also delicious on its own as a mocktail for those avoiding alcohol. Even though it does contain trace amounts of alcohol, it is non-intoxicating and in fact, many report it reduces alcohol cravings and helps minimize hangovers due to the presence of organic acids that support a healthy liver and B vitamins.
Here are some great combinations of kombucha cocktails, but you can come up with your own.
When combining kombucha with another liquid, such as fruit juice (THRIVE, AMZ), use slightly less. Taste the different flavors of kombucha, then mix in fresh herbs, smashed fruit, and spices as you please. Then add your favorite liquor! We suggest 1 jigger of alcohol to 6oz of Kombucha, then adjust from there to your taste preference.
Kombucha Mamma Hannah Crum joins San Diego Living host Mark Bailey to talk about Kombucha Cocktails and the advantages of combining Kombucha with your alcohol.
