How to Brew Your Own Killer Kombucha

#31DaysofDIY is a tradition here at Brit + Co that's all about kicking off the year, month, or week right. We've challenged ourselves to make or learn something new every single day for the month, and we're inviting all of you along for the ride. From DIY basics like Sewing 101 to learning to design and laser cut our own stencils, we hope a month of making inspires you to create all year long. Now, let's mix up some Kombucha.

Ingredients:

Make sure to check out your kit's instructions, but these are the steps that we followed:

1. Boil 2 cups of water. Then turn off the burner and add the tea bag from your kit. Steep for 20 minutes.
2. Take the tea bag out of the pot.
3. Grab your brewing jar and add the temperature strip to the outside.
4. Measure a 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix it into your tea.
5. Add 4 cups of cold water to the pot.
6. Pour the mixture in the jar (make sure it's not hot!).
7. When the mixture is below 90 degrees, add the SCOBY package. Cover the jar with the cotton fabric provided and secure with a rubber band.
8. Allow the kombucha to fermentin a warm place (about 72-80 degrees) for 10-14 days. Make sure it's not in direct sunlight.
9. Remove the SCOBY and place it in a jar with ¾ cup of kombucha. This is your starter for the next batch!
10. Pour the rest of the kombucha into bottles and add other ingredients to flavor your brew.

Your first order of business is to boil 2 cups of water. Then add your tea bag and let it steep for about 20 minutes. Your tea will be a lovely amber color. While you’re waiting, add your temperature strip to the outside of your brewing jar.

Next, add your sugar packet (it’s a 1/2 cup) and stir until it is completely dissolved. Add 4 cups of water to cool down your tea. Pour the tea into the brewing jar and then wait for the temperature to dip below 90 degrees. Once your liquid has reached the right temperature, add the SCOBY package. It’s weird and slimy but THIS is the key to making kombucha and your starter for the next batch.

Place the cotton fabric over the top of the jar and secure it with a rubber band. Though it’s counterintuitive, don’t use the lid in the kit. Now it’s time to play the patience game. Let this baby brew for the next 10 – 14 days. Clock starts now.

Welcome back! Hope you had a nice couple of weeks. Lift the cotton off the top of your jar and find a gooey surprise inside. Pull the SCOBY out and place it in a jar. Add 3/4 cup of your newly-brewed kombucha to the jar. Hang on to this jar. It’s your ticket to another batch.

Now that your kombucha has fermented, you can add some flavorful ingredients. Here are five tasty combos we tried and loved!

Squeeze some lemon into your jar. If you like it really zangy, add the entire lemon. We went with half for a hint of sour. Then peel and chop your ginger. Add as much as you want. The ginger will make it spicy, so beware!

Ginger + Lemon

Yum sauce!

Lavender + Honey

Believe it or not, this flavor combo is incredibly delicious. It adds an aromatherapy session to your drinking experience. The addition of sweet honey only increases your chilled out state.

Add your ingredients and give it a swirl.

Easy as pie!

Mint + Lime

This is the mojito of our kombucha concoctions. The mint-lime mixture creates a refreshing libation perfect for a warm day. Or if it’s cold where you are, it’ll remind you of summer. Ah summer.

Squeeze some lime juice into your jar and add a few mint leaves. That’s all it takes.

Summertime drink perfection!

Goji + Sour Cherry

This robust berry duo really gives the kombucha a kick. And the addition of goji berries, which are nutrient-rich, makes for a healthier tea. Trust us, it’s berry delectable.

Berries on berries.

Berry delicious!

Cayenne + Agave

If you love spice as much as we do, you’ll dig this zippy kombucha. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper and a small spoon of agave for that to-die-for hot and sweet taste.

You only need a hint of cayenne to add heat to this tea.

Since this is a DIY project, it only makes sense to make your own labels. Design them on your computer or just grab a pen and some colorful paper. You don’t want a spice hater to get a cayenne ‘buch surprise.

We are giving Kombucha Brooklyn two thumbs up. The kit comes with everything you need, and the instructions are straightforward.

If you get really into brewing, check out our recipes for kombucha mojitos. What?! Yes please.

Have you ever made kombucha? If so, what flavors did you make? Tag us in all your creations @BritandCo.

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This post has been updated.