Start with a SCOBY and follow the basic first fermentation

Brew 1 gallon of black or green tea with 1 cup sugar. Cool completely to room temperature. Pour into a wide-mouth glass jar, add a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) and 1-2 cups of starter liquid (unflavored kombucha). Cover with a cloth secured with a rubber band. Ferment 7-14 days at room temperature.

Why It Works

The SCOBY and starter liquid contain the microbial community that converts sweet tea into kombucha. The bacteria produce acetic acid (vinegar-like tang) while the yeast produce CO2 (natural carbonation). The cloth allows airflow while keeping insects and debris out.

Tips

• Get a SCOBY from a friend, buy online ($10-15), or grow one from a bottle of raw, unflavored store-bought kombucha
• Use plain black or green tea — herbal teas lack the nutrients the SCOBY needs
• Taste after 7 days: sweet means it needs more time; vinegary means it has fermented too long
• Always use clean hands and equipment to prevent mold contamination