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Black tea kombucha served in a transparent glass, light amber color
Refreshing and healthy homemade kombucha from fermented black tea

Classic Black Tea Kombucha (Master Recipe)

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Vegetarian & Vegan Dishes Drinks
This is the 'base recipe', the origin of kombucha making. The tannins and caffeine in black tea, paired with sugar, provide the ideal breeding ground for the SCOBY. Fermentation creates a rich, cider-like, slightly vinegary yet sweet drink. This is the 'parent brew' from which you can create any flavored version later, but it's also a great morning tonic consumed pure.
🕒 Prep Time 15 mins
🍳 Cook Time 10 mins
⌛ Total Time 10 days 25 mins
🍽️ Servings 8 servings
🔥 Calories 30 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Chinese / International

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Large glass jar (2-3 quarts)
  • Breathable cloth cover
  • Pot for brewing tea

Instructions

1 ✓

Boil water, then make a strong tea concentrate: steep the tea leaves in half of the water for 10-15 minutes.

Tip: Black tea provides nitrogen and minerals the mushroom needs to grow.
2 ✓

Strain the tea, and while still hot, stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.

Tip: Do not use honey or sweeteners for the base recipe! The mushroom needs simple sugar (sucrose).
3 ✓

Pour in the remaining cold water and wait until the entire mixture cools to room temperature (68-77°F).

Tip: Dilution helps cool it faster. Always check by hand: if it feels lukewarm, it might still be too hot!
4 ✓

Pour the tea into the clean jar. Add the starter liquid, then place the SCOBY in with clean hands.

Tip: The starter liquid instantly lowers the pH below 4.5, where harmful bacteria (e.g., botulism) cannot reproduce.
5 ✓

Cover with cloth, secure with a rubber band, and place in a dark, airy spot for 7-10 days.

Tip: Start tasting from day 7. It's ready when it's still slightly sweet but distinctly tart.

Recipe FAQ

The mushroom sank, is that bad?
No. The SCOBY can float, sink, or stand sideways. All are normal.
There are brown strings hanging from it, what are they?
Those are yeast strands. It's completely natural and a good sign that the culture is active.

Ingredients

  • 1 quart Water
  • 2 tbsp Loose Leaf Black Tea (or 4 tea bags)
  • 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp White Granulated Sugar
  • 1 piece SCOBY (Kombucha Culture)
  • 1/2 cup Starter Liquid (mature kombucha)