A Method to Create Ginger-Flavored Kombucha, Emulating the Style of Rise Kombucha
Ready to Brew Your Own Rise Kombucha-Style Ginger Kombucha? Here's How!
Hey there, 'shroomy brew lover! Let's make some kick-ass ginger kombucha inspired by the legendary Rise Kombucha Ginger. You'll find out just how easy it is to whip up a tantalizing ginger concoction right at home.
Did you know that David Côté, the co-founder of Fermentation Revolution, also co-created Rise Kombucha - one of the first kombucha companies outta Quebec? And guess which flavor is the most beloved among kombucha fans? That's right, you're spot on - it's ginger!
But what makes Rise's ginger kombucha so special? Well, they've got a knack for keeping the ginger notes refined and subtle. In this DIY, I'll show you how to replicate that smooth flavor with a twist, so you can dial up the zing if that's your thing! Let's get brewing!
Ginger Kombucha Recipe
Makes: Approx. 3 liters (3 quarts)
WARNING: It's important to note that consumption of unpasteurized fermented products may pose health risks for certain individuals, such as those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants.
Equipment
- 1 Wide mouth jar (1 gallon)
- 1 Cloth and rubber band to cover the container
- 1 funnel with sieve
- 4 Pressure resistant bottles (750ml)
Ingredients
- 1 kombucha scoby
- 3 Tbsp tea bag (black, green, or a combination)
- 1 cup granulated or organic cane sugar
- 10 cups filtered or chlorine-free water
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1⁄3 cup fresh ginger, peeled and grated
Steps
Step 1: Prepare Sweet Tea
- Boil Water: Heat the 2 cups of water in a medium-sized pot until boiling.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the sugar until it's fully dissolved.
- Steep the Tea Bags: Remove the pot from heat, add the tea bags, and steep for 10 minutes.
- Cool the Tea: Remove the tea bags, then let the sweet tea cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare Fermentation Vessel
- Transfer to Fermentation Jar: Pour the cooled sweet tea into the gallon jar.
- Add Scoby and Starter Tea: Add the grated ginger, kombucha scoby, its liquid culture, and 2 cups (500ml) of starter tea from a previous batch or store-bought kombucha.
Step 3: Primary Fermentation (F1)
- Cover and Ferment: Cover the container with a breathable cloth or paper towel and secure it with the rubber band.
- Place at Room Temperature: Let it ferment in a warm, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight (around 68-72°F) for 10-15 days. Taste daily after day 5 to ensure it's to your liking.
Step 4: Secondary Fermentation (F2)
- Bottle the Kombucha: Once the flavor is to your liking, carefully transfer the kombucha to the pressure-resistant bottles using the funnel with a sieve.
- Add Additional Ginger (optional): You can also add extra ginger slices or grated ginger to each bottle if you want more zing in your kombucha. The amount can vary based on desired ginger flavor.
- Secondary Fermentation: Tighten the bottle caps and let them ferment at room temperature for 2-5 days for more carbonation (burp the bottles daily to release pressure). Alternatively, refrigerate them immediately for less carbonation.
Storage Tips
- Chill and Serve: Once fermentation is complete, transfer the kombucha to the refrigerator to slow down the process and prolong the shelf life.
- Proper Storage: Store the bottles in the refrigerator, and consume within 2 weeks for the best flavor and freshness.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with different types of tea, sweeteners, or additional flavors to create your perfect kombucha brew!
- Other Sweeteners: Substitute honey, agave, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for granulated sugar.
- Extra Spices: Add turmeric, lemongrass, or cinnamon to the sweet tea mixture in Step 1.
Get ready to indulge in the refreshing, gut-friendly goodness that is homemade Rise Kombucha-inspired ginger kombucha! Share your creations and remixes with us on social media. Happy brewing, my friends! ☘️
Bonus: How to Extract Ginger Juice for More Concentrated Flavor
- Extract Juice: Use a juicer or cheesecloth to squeeze the juice from the grated ginger.
- Add Ginger Juice and Pulp: In Step 2, combine the ginger juice and pulp with the sweet tea in the gallon jar before the initial fermentation.
This technique allows you to use a smaller amount of ginger while increasing the taste in your ginger kombucha. Give it a try and let us know your thoughts!
- Embrace a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle by learning the art of cooking global cuisines, including this recipe for homemade ginger kombucha inspired by Rise Kombucha-Style Ginger.
- Still curious about the origins of Rise Kombucha Ginger? The creator, David Côté, co-founder of Fermentation Revolution, also co-created Rise Kombucha, one of the first kombucha companies in Quebec.
- Beyond the kitchen, discover further ways to incorporate healthy-cooking and sustainable-living practices into your food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and overall lifestyle.