You may have noticed that mocktails are everywhere. You can find them in trendy restaurants and bars, on shelves at your local grocery and liquor stores, and served with brunch or at dinner parties. They’re no longer a passing trend confined to Stoptober, Dry January, or the latest wellness trend. They’re here to stay, and for good reason! Many people associate social occasions with a tasty drink. And mocktails, especially these kombucha mocktails, offer a fun way to socialize while staying alcohol-free.
Why Kombucha Mocktails?
Kombucha mocktails provide complex flavors combined with healthy nutrients and a touch of effervescent to give the feeling of a cocktail without the negative consequences. No need to find a D.D. or fight that not-so-fresh (or downright cloudy) feeling the next day!
Because of its versatility and the wide range of kombucha flavors available, it’s a go-to ingredient in many mocktail recipes. The naturally tangy flavor pairs well with fall and winter ingredients. Think cranberries, herbs, and warming spices. Plus, its natural effervescence mimics the fizz of champagne or soda for a festive vibe. And if your idea of a perfect winter evening is sipping on an old-fashioned by the fire, you can make a black tea kombucha for a similar sip.
Kombucha Benefits
Kombucha offers more than a nice base for your mocktail recipe. It may also provide health benefits. Kombucha is made from fermented tea and contains probiotics that may help support digestion and gut health and thus promote a healthier immune system. Many varieties are also rich in antioxidants.
Kombucha has a long, fascinating history. It originated over 2,000 years ago in China and was traditionally valued for its healing properties, likely due to the probiotics. Interestingly, it was once referred to as the “Tea of Immortality.” It then made its way through Russia and Eastern Europe and continued to be sought after to support health.
The drink again rose to popularity in the U.S. during the 1970s, fueled by a health-conscious counterculture movement that embraced natural foods and more holistic health practices. The popularity waned for a while until the early 2000s when modern health and wellness trends again prioritized gut health, probiotics, and natural alternatives to sugar drinks.
In the last few years, kombucha has really taken off, becoming a popular drink for those interested in health and wellness. From boutique brews to mainstream grocery store shelves, kombucha is more accessible now than ever. And you can find a vast array of flavors.
That said, not all kombuchas are created equal. So, it’s important to choose wisely. Be especially mindful of sugar and calorie content. Some store-bought kombuchas can rival sodas in their sugar content. Fortunately, there are brands that offer low-sugar, low-calorie options. One of my personal favorites is Remedy Kombucha, as it’s so low in calories (5 per can), contains 0 sugar, and is flavorful yet mild (that is, it doesn’t have an overly vinegar flavor). Other brands to consider include Health-Ade and G.T.’s Living Foods, which both offer a range of flavors to suit your palate while keeping the sugar count in check.
Must-Try Kombucha Mocktails
While you can easily enjoy a glass of kombucha on its own, with a few extra ingredients, you can make a fun and festive mocktail perfect for the social season. Here are a few of our favorites:
Ingredients
- 4 ice cubes
- 2 fl oz of kombucha
- ½ cup 100% cranberry juice
- 1/8 tsp ginger
- ½ can flavored sparkling water
Instructions
- Place ice in old-fashioned glasses and then pour half the kombucha into each glass. Pour a quarter cup of cranberry juice. Stir in ginger. Then, top with your choice of flavored sparkling water. (I used Cherry Bubly.)
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary for a festive glass.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 6 fresh strawberries
- 6 ice cubes
- Juice from ½ lime
- 2 fl oz of kombucha
- Stevia to taste
- Fresh mint
Instructions
- Gently wash strawberries and place them in a blender with ice and lime juice. Blend and pour into two tall cocktail glasses.
- Top each glass with half of the kombucha. Add stevia drops to taste. (I used two drops of lemon-flavored Sweetdrops.)
- Serve with a mint and strawberry garnish.
- Enjoy cold.
Nutrition
Ingredients
- Ice
- 1 cup brewed black tea cooled
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain kombucha
- ½ orange
Instructions
- Add ice to an old-fashioned glass and pour in ½ cup black tea into each glass. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add kombucha and stir gently.
- Serve with orange slices.
- Before drinking, twist the orange into your drink.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Supporting Healthy Aging with Mocktails
These kombucha mocktails aren’t just perfect for almost any occasion—from a night of chilling on the couch with a movie to a fun brunch or dinner party to a festive holiday party—but they also support your overall healthy aging goals. Kombucha’s probiotic and antioxidant properties, combined with the alcohol-free approach, make them a great choice for anyone interested in promoting their health span.
So, the next time you’re reaching for a drink, instead of choosing a traditional cocktail, why not give one of these kombucha mocktails a try for a refreshing, guilt-free alternative?
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