Lemon Ginger Kombucha

By Sarah 13 This post contains affiliate links Updated Nov 20, 2019

This Lemon Ginger Kombucha recipe is a classic citrusy flavor, perfect for your homemade kombucha!

Lemon ginger kombucha in a mason jar on a white background

There’s a magical tonic the tulip-man blends up anytime one of us so much as sneezes. It involves blending lemon and ginger and good quality honey, which he then uses as a syrup for adding instant healthy flavor to water.

So naturally I had to make a kombucha version of it. Because lemon + ginger + kombucha are a match made in heaven. The result is a slightly tart, slightly sweet, seriously refreshing kombucha! Let’s brew.

(Pro tip: use this Lemon Kombucha to make a Kombucha Radler beer cocktail!)

There are two main fermentation phases when making homemade kombucha:

First Fermentation: This is when you transform sweet tea into tart and delicious kombucha (see our comprehensive guide to homemade kombucha here)
Second Fermentation: This is when you carbonate the kombucha by adding flavor and sugars and bottling it (this is what we’re doing today with this Lemon Ginger Kombucha!)

In order to make this citrusy kombucha, you will need to have finished the first fermentation already and have some kombucha that’s ready to be carbonated! This video shows you how to get to that point.

Ingredients for Lemon Ginger Kombucha

Kombucha: You’ve brewed your kombucha in the first fermentation with the help of your SCOBY and it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart (step-by-step first fermentation instructions here).
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is packed with flavor and antioxidants, and gives this kombucha a delightfully tart taste.
Ginger: We’ll chop it finely (or grate it) to infuse the kombucha with ginger flavor.
Honey: A dash of honey will provide the sugars needed to carbonate the kombucha. For a vegan option, substitute the honey for white sugar.

For a fun twist, you can also try adding pepper to your kombucha (like the tulip-man did with this Ginger Pepper Kombucha).

Ingredients to make lemon ginger kombucha on a white counter

How to Make Lemon Ginger Kombucha

Making your own Lemon Ginger Kombucha is super easy. The process goes something like this:

Prep: Juice the lemons and finely chop or grate the ginger.
Bottle: Add kombucha, lemon juice, ginger, and honey to fermentation bottles.
Ferment: For 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like.
Enjoy: Chill in the fridge before serving.

Lemon Ginger Kombucha

This Lemon Ginger Kombucha recipe is a classic citrusy flavor, perfect for your homemade kombucha!

Print Pin Rate

Course: Beverages (Non-Alcoholic)

Cuisine: American

Keyword: ginger kombucha, lemon ginger kombucha, lemon kombucha

Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Time: 60 minutes or more

Prep: 3 d

Total: 3 d

Servings: 8 cups

Calories: 50kcal

Author: Sarah Bond

4.47 from 15 votes

INGREDIENTS

½ gallon kombucha from a first fermentation this is not store bought kombucha, 1.9 L
2 lemons ¼ cup lemon juice
1 thumb fresh ginger 1 Tbsp chopped or grated
2 tsp honey sub white sugar for vegan option

INSTRUCTIONS

Prep: Juice the lemons (you need ¼ cup of juice). Finely chop or grate the ginger (you need 1 Tbsp).
Bottle: Transfer kombucha into fermentation bottles*, leaving about 2 inches empty at the top. Equally distribute lemon juice, ginger, and honey into bottles. Seal tightly.
Ferment: Place in a dark, room temperature area for 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like. This process will go faster in warmer climates, and slower in cooler climates.
Enjoy: Chill in the fridge before serving. Can be stored in the fridge, tightly sealed, for several weeks.

NOTES

*If this is your first time brewing, it may be helpful to use a plastic water bottle as a gauge. Fill a disposable plastic bottle with kombucha (leaving 2 inches empty at the top). When this bottle becomes rock hard, you’ll know the glass bottle are also ready. This will help you gauge how quickly kombucha brews in your climate and will prevent bottle explosions.

NUTRITION

Serving: 1cup (differs by fermentation length) | Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Sodium: 10mg | Sugar: 12g

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