Everything You Need to Make Your Own Kombucha

The steps are quite simple: you brew a strong tea with sugar and let it ferment in a jar with SCOBY (an acronym for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast”), and the result is that fizzy, probiotic-packed, kinda-funky drink we all know and love. The process can take anywhere from one week to 30 days. Once you get the basics down, the real fun begins: flavors! Feel free to play around with all kinds of inventive combinations.

Here’s everything you need to prepare your DIY kombucha.

Upon first glance, your SCOBY might give you the heebie-jeebies on account of the weird string-like things hanging from it, but don’t let those scare you off—it’s the one of the most important components in the kombucha-making process. SCOBY is essentially a slippery, rubbery layer of cellulose that fosters the fermentation of your tea. In short, it keeps bad bacteria out, and the good stuff in. This particular SCOBY is five inches in diameter and comes from a reputable kombucha company. It also includes a 16-ounce bottle of starter tea, which you’ll need to kick things off.

As for what kind of vessel you should use to make kombucha, a big glass jar is the way to go. Take note that the diameter of the jar's opening make a difference in the fermentation process. For example, if you're using a wider-mouthed jar (say, nine inches), the fermentation may occur more quickly and yield a more vinegary-tasting kombucha. This BPA-free, nontoxic one-gallon jar comes with a cheesecloth and rubber band specifically made for brewing kombucha.

When it comes to a cover for your kombucha brew, keep in mind that choosing the correct material is vital. Kombucha can attract fruit flies and other tiny bugs, so the fabric should be tightly woven enough to prevent pests from entering. At the same time, it also needs to be vented enough to allow airflow (no airtight lids allowed!). Your best options are unbleached muslin or cheesecloth (like what comes with the jar above). If you want some extra covers on hand, this unbleached-muslin four-pack includes rubber bands, and keeps out flies but allows your kombucha to breathe easy.

Most beginners opt for basic black tea bags to get their kombucha going, but you can also use loose-leaf tea, like this organic black-and-green blend specifically made for kombucha. Many kombucha brewers insist that a combination of black and green teas makes sure the SCOBY gets all the nutrients it needs to thrive.

The most basic ingredient on this list, sugar is a must for making kombucha. While any white sugar will do, most pros recommend organic white cane sugar.

When it comes to kombucha storage, look for eco-friendly glass bottles with leak-proof steel caps, like these dishwasher-friendly ones from Epica. The set comes with six.

If you don’t want to source each item individually (or mix and match from what you already have in your kitchen), invest in this kombucha starter kit from the Kombucha Shop. The set includes a glass jar, SCOBY and starter pouch, and extra goodies like loose-leaf tea and pH strips (to measure the acidity). It also comes with a helpful step-by-step guide on how to get started.