Lavender Pink Peppercorn Kombucha with Elderberry Syrup

First Fermentation: Brewing Your Base Kombucha

This is where your kombucha begins to ferment and transform. Patience is key—this stage builds the foundational tartness and fizz.

1. Boil 1 gallon of water. Add your tea bags and steep until strong and fragrant.

2. Add the sugar. Stir in 1 cup of dark brown sugar until completely dissolved.

3. Cool to room temperature. It’s important to let your tea cool fully so it doesn’t harm the SCOBY.

4. Transfer to a large glass jar or pitcher.

5. Add your SCOBY along with a small amount of starter liquid from a previous batch or store-bought unflavored kombucha.

6. Cover the jar with a clean cotton kitchen towel or tea towel, and secure it with a rubber band.

7. Store in a dark, warm spot (a pantry or cupboard works great) and allow to ferment for at least 7 days.

8. Taste test after a week. If it’s still too sweet, give it a few more days until it reaches your desired level of tanginess.

Second Fermentation: Flavor & Fizz

Now comes the creative part—adding your unique flavor twist and bottling for fizz.

1. Remove the SCOBY and set it aside in a SCOBY “hotel” (a clean jar with 1 cup of your kombucha to keep it alive for your next batch).

2. Strain your kombucha into clean mason jars or flip-top glass bottles.

3. Add your flavors:

   • Drop in a small handful of dried pink peppercorn

   • Add 2–4 tablespoons of Wooden Spoon Herbs Elderberry Syrup per bottle

   • Optional: Add a few dried lavender buds for extra floral notes

4. Seal the bottles and let them sit in a dark, warm space for up to a week to carbonate.

5. Refrigerate once fizzy. Open slowly and enjoy your naturally effervescent, herb-infused kombucha!

Notes & Tips

• Always “burp” your bottles once a day during second fermentation to release pressure and avoid overflow.

• Flavoring is flexible, try other botanicals like hibiscus, rose, or chamomile if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Elderberry syrup not only enhances flavor, but also adds antioxidants and herbal support for immunity, making it perfect for daily sipping.