Cranberry Orange Kombucha Recipe
In my exploration of taste, I have had the pleasure of coming across the flavor combination that many people cherish. Cranberry and orange—two of the most favored natural flavorings available—are an invigorating and refreshing medley of tastes.
This recipe is a slight tweak from the original, a simple-brew kombucha stacked with amazing probiotics. The cranberry juice I use is unsweetened and pure; you can find varieties in health food stores or juice bars.
The oranges in this next recipe hark back to my days in California, where I picked the famous naval oranges from my grandparents’ tree. My fondness for citrus and nostalgia are part of the reason I included orange slices in this installment of the recipe.
For ever-increasing flavor complexity, there’s 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Not just your average fruit juice, orange juice serves a few vital functions in kombucha.
It not only complements the acidity of the kombucha but also brings a little natural sweetness (that hint of caramelized orange is probably my favorite part!) and, of course, vitamin C. For sweetness to balance the flavors without making the kombucha taste like orange juice, I’m using organic cane sugar—a tablespoon of it, to be precise.
To generate a citrus scent, you need to include finely grated orange zest, about a tablespoon, in order to get any aroma in your finished drink. I would go so far as to say it is irresistible.
In order to get the point across that this is a refreshing beverage, you really need to be in possession of a drink that is not only effervescent but also has three flavors working in perfect harmony. The refreshing flavor combination of this drink makes it a health-boosting beverage perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 gallon of brewed kombucha: A probiotic-rich drink that is known for promoting gut health.
1 cup cranberry juice: Contributes sharp flavor and antioxidants, which help maintain urinary tract health.
1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice: Delivers a citrussy sweetness that is so refreshing and juicy.
It is also super high in vitamin C and looks so beautiful and shiny in the glass.
1 tablespoon of organic cane sugar: This serves as the fermentation fuel, helps in carbonation, and adds a bit of sweetness.
Half a cup of fresh cranberries: These are full of vitamins and fiber; they give a sharp and refreshing taste.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 gallon of brewed kombucha tea
- 1 cup cranberry juice (100% pure, unsweetened preferred)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon organic cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
Instructions
1. To start, make certain that the kombucha tea you’ve brewed is at room temperature. This assists with the improved mixing of tastes during the second fermentation.
2. In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, combine the cranberry juice with the fresh-squeezed juice of the orange. Stir well to blend the two liquids.
3. Stir in the organic cane sugar until it is completely dissolved in the juice mixture.
4. Add the very finely grated orange zest to the juice mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Stir in the coarsely chopped whole cranberries very carefully until they are combined with the liquid blend.
6. Into a clean gallon-sized glass jar or container, pour the juice and cranberry mixture you prepared.
7. The brewed kombucha tea should be added to the jar very slowly, leaving about 2 inches of headspace at the top.
8. Airtight caps or lids are the key to preventing contamination and enabling carbonation inside the jar.
9. Permit the kombucha to carry out secondary fermentation for 3 to 7 days in a warm, dark place. Begin sample tasting on day 3 to observe the development of flavor and level of fizziness.
10. Once pleased with the flavor and effervescence, chill the kombucha to stop the fermentation. Serve it cold and relish your handcrafted Cranberry Orange Kombucha.
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl or pitcher
2. Stirring spoon
3. Grater (for orange zest)
4. Knife (for chopping cranberries)
5. Cutting board
6. Clean gallon-sized glass jar or container
7. Funnel (optional, for pouring)
8. Airtight caps or lids
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought kombucha for this recipe?You can use store-bought kombucha as a base, but make certain that it is plain and devoid of any flavoring.
- What is the purpose of adding sugar in the recipe?The fermentation process is slightly enhanced by the sugar and the cranberries’ tartness is balanced by it.
- Is it necessary to use fresh cranberries?The most flavorful and fermentation-worthy cranberries are the fresh kind, a fact that seems to evoke incredulity. But bear with me. While somewhat tart and very juicy, fresh cranberries are also very delicious, especially when prepared in the simple and straightforward Southern way, which involves throwing some sugar and a shot of vinegar into the pot with the berries.
- How long should I let the kombucha ferment after adding the fruit juices?Seal the container and ferment the kombucha for 3-7 days for optimal flavor development.
- Is organic cane sugar necessary, or can I substitute it with other sweeteners?Fermentation is best with organic cane sugar, but other sugars can be used. Just be aware that using different sugars can also affect the taste and duration of fermentation.
- Can I use bottled orange juice instead of freshly squeezed?It is urged that for better flavor and fewer additives, one use freshly squeezed orange juice but that, if necessary, one may use bottled juice.
- How should I store the finished kombucha?To keep it fizzy and fresh, refrigerate in tightly sealed bottles.
Substitutions and Variations
Use 1 cup pomegranate juice for a different tart flavor in place of 1 cup cranberry juice.
Replace 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice with 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed clementine juice for a sweeter citrus note.
Substitute honey for sugar. If you’re using honey, use the same amount as the sugar called for in your recipe—that is, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of sugar, use 1 tablespoon of honey.
Instead of orange zest, use 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest for a distinctive citrus twist.
Substitute Try 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries for fresh cranberries if you’re looking for a more concentrated cranberry flavor in your recipe.