20 Best Kombucha Flavors

Updated Jan 16, 2024

Let’s learn about the basics of flavoring kombucha and for inspiration for your next batch the 20 best kombucha flavors. For more you can check out the complete kombucha flavor library

top 20 kombucha flavors

In addition to the sweetened tea and starter liquid used to make your kombucha, several additional flavoring agents can be added to the finished kombucha to change the resulting flavor profile and make delicious kombucha

Without added flavors kombucha from the first fermentation can range from a slightly tangy version of tea to a mild lemonade or tart sparkling apple cider.

While kombucha can be enjoyed at this stage, I prefer to take it through a second fermentation ands add flavors and carbonation to increase its deliciousness.

Here I put together links to my favorite 20 kombucha flavor recipes so you can find inspiration for your next brew!

Kombucha Flavoring Basics

Three main components determine the flavor of your finished kombucha:

  • Tea: The tea you use to start your kombucha fermentation will affect the taste of the finished kombucha. Black tea is most commonly used; however, you can use a wide variety of teas. Check this out to learn all about the best tea for making kombucha
  • Primary fermentation time & temperature: The longer kombucha ferments, the more sour and vinegar tasting it will become. 
  • Additional Flavors: After primary fermentation the SCOBY is removed and flavoring ingredients like fruits, herbs and spices are added to the raw kombucha to enhance the flavor of the kombucha.

Today we’re focusing on the final step, adding flavors to your homemade kombucha. The concept is simple: add fruit or flavorings and seal shut in an airtight bottle and let it rest to infuse and carbonate.

While the flavors are being infused into the kombucha, the live cultures in the kombucha “eat” the sugars in the fruit and produce carbonation as a byproduct resulting in a tasty effervescent flavor-infused kombucha.

Generally, to flavor about 14 cups (one gallon minus 2 cups saved to start your next batch) (7 bottles), I typically use about:

  • 1 cup finely chopped or pureed fruit, fruit or vegetable juice
  • 1-2 Tbs chopped fresh herbs
  • 2 tsp dried spices
  • 2 Tbs sugar or honey

Like any aspect of kombucha brewing (or cooking), finding the best balance of flavors can take some experimentation and sometimes lead to frustration,

It’s good idea track the combination and amounts of flavors you use for each batch so that you can adjust if needed for subsequent batches or remember what your favorites are.

Let’s get to it!

My 20 Best Kombucha Flavors

1. Green Tea Pineapple Basil

green tea pineapple basil kombucha

Pineapple basil kombucha made with a green tea has layers of flavor from the delicate and subtle earthy green tea kombucha foundation with sweet, tropical the pineapple and herbal fresh basil.

2. Lemon Gingerade Kombucha

lemon gingerade kombucha

This could be my favorite kombucha flavor of all time and it’s so simple to make!

Combining the bright flavors of fresh lemon with the with the pungent and spicy aroma of ginger, lemon gingerade kombucha is tart, slightly peppery and sweet.

3. Mango Dragon Fruit Kombucha

mango dragon fruit kombucha

This kombucha is an otherworldly pink color from the red (female) dragon fruit. 

Showcasing a stunning deep pink color, Mango Dragon Fruit Kombucha recipe pairs the subtle dragon fruit and ripe, juicy mango for an unbeatable tropical taste!

4. Orange Creamsicle Kombucha

orange creamsicle kombucha

Bursting with orange and vanilla, this brilliant Orange Creamsicle Kombucha is sweet, refreshing, and effervescent. A throwback to your carefree childhood days awaiting the ice cream truck. 

5. Mint Chocolate Chip Kombucha

mint chocolate chip kombucha

The first time I made this one was skeptical the flavors would come through and the chocolate would clash with the tart kombucha. Boy was I wrong!

This mint chocolate chip kombucha is a truly unique and great combination of sweet, minty, and chocolatey flavors, making it a unique and irresistible flavor!

6. Clean Green Kombucha

clean green kombucha

This clean green kombucha recipe combines the probiotic benefits of kombucha with the addition of four superfoods for an unbeatable delicious healthy kombucha!

I like to use it as the liquid addition to a power greens smoothie in the morning.

7. Peachy Keen Kombucha

peachy keen kombucha

Peachy Keen Kombucha has a layers of rich peach flavor with a refreshing zip from the additional of peppercorns and fresh basil.

8. Grapefruit Hopadelic Kombucha

grapefruit hopadelic kombucha

Made with fresh grapefruit and hops, Grapefruit Hopadelic kombucha packs a powerful citrus punch with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for the person that loves kombucha and beer.

9. Mexican Hot Chocolate Kombucha

mexican hot chocolate kombucha bottle - top

Here’s another recipe that has cocoa nibs to impart a nice chocolaty note. 

This recipe combines and oolong tea kombucha base, cocoa nibs, hot peppers and cinnamon to replicate the taste of Mexican hot chocolate in kombucha form!

10. Very Veggie Kombucha

very veggie kombucha

Very veggie kombucha is a  fusion of exquisite hojicha tea, farm-fresh carrots and beets, and a hint of habanero pepper. An interesting sweet, tart and earthy beverage.

11. Pumpkin Pie Kombucha

pumpkin pie kombucha

Savor the fall season with homemade Pumpkin Pie Kombucha. Made with pumpkin puree and spices this kombucha is delicious twist on a classic brew.

12. Blackberry Vanilla Kombucha

blackberry vanilla kombucha

Blackberry vanilla kombucha combines the flavors of ripe, juicy blackberries and rich vanilla for a deliciously sweet and slightly tart kombucha.

13. Butterfly Pea Lavender Lemon Kombucha

butterfly pea lavender lemon kombucha

Butterfly Pea Lavender Lemon Kombucha, made with green tea, butterfly pea flow tea, lavender and fresh lemon, has an amazing purple / blue  color with flavors of floral lavender and fresh juicy citrus!

14. Kicking Ginger Kombucha

kicking ginger kombucha

In this recipe, adding a some chili peppers to ginger kombucha transforms it into kicking ginger kombucha, making a great flavor combination even better!

15. Chai Pear Kombucha

chai pear kombucha
This chai pear kombucha recipe combines the subtle sweet flavor of pears with the bold flavors of chai spice mix.

16. Springtime in Paris Kombucha

springtime in paris kombucha

Springtime in Paris Kombucha is a unique blend of green tea, black tea, sweet strawberries, rich vanilla bean, almond extract, and clover honey.

17. Orange Blossom Kombucha

orange blossom kombucha

Made with lime blossom herb tea, jasmine green tea, orange blossom honey, orange zest, and orange flower water Orange Blossom Kombucha is a unique flavor of kombucha

18. Dry Hopped Kombucha

hopped kombucha

Another kombucha flavor infused with hops which is sure to please the beer lover in your family!

19. Orange Rosemary Rose Hip Kombucha

orange rosemary rose hip kombucha

Orange rosemary rose hip kombucha is made with green tea and layers the subtle earthy kombucha foundation with fresh herbaceous rosemary and the floral, slightly sweet flavors of rose hips. 

20. Harvest Apple Kombucha

bottles of apple cinnamon kombucha

Adding apples to kombucha with a touch of cinnamon creates and beautiful effervescent beverage with a complex, fruity background and a hint of cinnamon in the aroma.

Helping you learn to brew kombucha, find inspiration for new kombucha flavors and use kombucha to make kombucha mocktails