Homemade Lemon Kombucha Recipe

"overhead shot of kombucha brewing in glass vessel with a scoby, fresh lemon slices, ginger pieces, tea bags, white cotton cloth, wooden spoon on a marble countertop in natural sunlight. "

A Refreshing Twist on Classic Kombucha

Looking to add a zesty flavor to your homemade kombucha? This lemon-infused version is not only refreshing but also easy to make. Perfect for those new to brewing or seasoned fermenters seeking a citrusy kick.


🧂 Ingredients

  • 12 cups homemade kombucha (from the first fermentation)

  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice

  • 1 cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)


🛠️ Equipment

  • 4 (25-ounce) bottles with airtight lids

  • Funnel

  • Measuring cups

    22

🧪 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bottles: Line up your clean, dry bottles.

  2. Add Flavorings: Into each bottle, pour:

    • ¼ cup lemon juice

    • ¼ cup maple syrup

  3. Fill with Kombucha: Using a funnel, pour the homemade kombucha into each bottle, leaving about 1–2 inches of headspace.

  4. Seal and Ferment: Seal the bottles tightly and let them sit at room temperature (75°F–85°F) for 3–5 days.

    • Tip: Gently open the bottles daily to release excess pressure.

  5. Refrigerate and Enjoy: Once the desired fizziness is achieved, refrigerate the bottles. Serve chilled.


💡 Tips for Success

  • Taste Test: Start tasting after 3 days to find your preferred level of carbonation.

  • Safety First: Always use clean equipment to prevent contamination.

  • Storage: Keep refrigerated and consume within a week for optimal flavor.

Close-up of sealed glass bottles filled with clear, golden-amber kombucha, lemon juice, and floating ginger slices with a 1-inch headspace, under soft side lighting.

CRUCIAL TIPS

– Never use metal utensils with SCOBY
– Always start with clean, sanitized equipment
– Keep SCOBY away from direct sunlight
– Don’t disturb vessel during fermentation
Stop secondary fermentation if bottles feel very firm

🔗 Related Recipes

Love healthy homemade drinks? You’ll also enjoy our 10 Refreshing Smoothies to Detox Your Body in 2025.

Packed with nutrients and flavor, these smoothies are a great complement to your kombucha routine!

See also  Weight Watchers Tuna Salad (Quick & Protein-Packed)

Refrigerator shelf storing kombucha bottles with visible carbonation bubbles, next to a jar of scoby and starter tea under cool interior lighting

STORAGE

– Refrigerate finished kombucha up to 3 months
– Store SCOBY in starter tea at room temperature
Burp bottles daily during secondary fermentation

COMMON MISTAKES

– Using hot tea (kills SCOBY)
– Metal containers (react with acids)
– Dirty equipment (causes mold)
– Over-fermenting (too vinegary)

VARIATIONS

– Replace lemon with lime
– Add mint leaves
– Use green tea instead of black
– Experiment with different fruit juices

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