Lemon Kombucha Recipe (So Tangy!)

Lemon kombucha is tasty and easy to make! All you need is a fresh batch of kombucha, lemons, and sugar or maple syrup!

If you’re brewing kombucha at home, you will know that making different flavors is both fun and tasty!

This lemon-flavored kombucha recipe is easy to make and only requires fresh lemons and sweetener of choice! 

How To Make Lemon Kombuch

For this recipe, you will need a fresh batch of kombucha, 2-3 lemons, and maple syrup.

Juice the lemon with a citrus juicer. 

Pour 1/4 cup of the lemon juice into a 24oz swing-top bottle or mason jar. 

Add 1/4 cup of maple syrup (or sugar) and top with fresh kombucha. Leave 1-2 inches at the top of each bottle. 

Cover tightly with the lid and gently shake to mix the juice with the kombucha.

Let the bottle sit at room temperature for 3-5 days. Pop or “burp” the bottle every other day to release pressure. It’s essential to do this to release excess pressure and prevent the bottles from exploding.

Once the lemon kombucha is fizzy and flavorful, refrigerate and enjoy!

How To Make Fresh Kombucha

If you’ve never made kombucha and want to jump on the bandwagon, buy a starter kit. You can find these kits online or at the health food store. 

The kit will come with a starter, tea, and often a glass bottle or ferment container. You can also buy a kombucha mushroom and make your own starter by brewing tea, adding sugar, and adding the mushroom. 

Follow the instructions in the kit. Usually, you brew black tea and add sugar. Once cooled, you pour the tea into a glass jar and top it with a kombucha mushroom or scoby. Cover the lid with a cotton cloth or coffee filter. Let the tea ferment at room temperature for seven days. 

After seven days, you can do a second ferment and make a flavored kombucha, like this lemon kombucha!

Lemon Kombucha FAQ

What is kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea drink made from tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). It’s slightly tangy, fizzy, and packed with probiotics.

Can I use any type of tea to brew kombucha?

Yes, you can use black, green, or white tea. Black tea is the most common, but green and white teas also work well and provide different flavor profiles.

What’s a SCOBY?

A SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is a living culture that ferments sweetened tea into kombucha. It looks like a gelatinous disc and is essential for brewing kombucha.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Fresh lemons are recommended for the best flavor, but you can use bottled lemon juice if necessary. Just ensure it’s pure lemon juice with no added ingredients.

Can I use a sweetener other than maple syrup or sugar?

Yes, you can use honey or maple sugar as alternatives. However, the taste and fermentation process may vary slightly with different sweeteners. Kombucha needs sugar to ferment, so avoid using sugar alternatives like stevia or xylitol. 

How do I know when my lemon kombucha is ready to drink?

Your lemon kombucha is ready when it’s fizzy, tangy, and has a balanced sweetness. This usually takes 3-5 days at room temperature, but you can adjust the time based on your taste preference.

What should I do if my kombucha is too sour or too sweet?

If your kombucha is too sour, shorten the fermentation time for your next batch. If it’s too sweet, you can let it ferment for an additional day or two until it reaches your desired taste.

How do I prevent my bottles from exploding during fermentation?

It’s important to “burp” the bottles by opening them every other day to release excess pressure. This prevents the buildup of carbon dioxide that can cause bottles to explode.

How long can I store lemon kombucha?

Once refrigerated, lemon kombucha can be stored for up to a month. The flavor may continue to develop, becoming slightly more tangy over time.

Can I reuse the SCOBY for future batches?

Yes, your SCOBY can be reused multiple times to brew more kombucha. Simply store it in a bit of the fermented kombucha (starter liquid) in a clean jar between batches.

What if I don’t have a kombucha starter kit?

You can buy a SCOBY online or from a health food store, or even ask a friend who brews kombucha to share one. Follow the instructions for brewing sweet tea and add the SCOBY to start fermenting.

Is it safe to drink homemade kombucha?

Yes, homemade kombucha is generally safe to drink as long as proper hygiene is maintained during the brewing process. Always use clean equipment, and discard any batch that smells off or has mold growth.

Related:

• The Best Way to Store Kombucha
• How To Make Coconut Kefir
• Easy 4 Ingredient Coconut Milk Yogurt Recipe

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