Are you a ginger fan? If so, you’ll love this Ginger Ale Kombucha! With citrusy orange juice, spicy fresh ginger, and aromatic cloves, this kombucha flavor is more than meets the eye.

Ginger kombucha in a glass with a paper straw

Some flavors are just an obvious choice for certain foods and drinks. Like strawberry popsicles. Or chocolate ice cream. Or lemon sorbet. Or ginger kombucha.

When it comes to bottling day, if I’m feeling uninspired or unsure of what kombucha flavor to make, I usually reach for the ginger. Because ginger just never fails when it comes to creating deliciously fizzy, flavorful kombucha!

So to spruce up your go-to ginger buch, here’s a fun new flavor to try…Ginger Ale Kombucha!

It’s important to note that this isn’t a true ginger ale, which you can make at home in a process similar to kombucha, using a “ginger bug” in place of a SCOBY. This is simply kombucha flavored liked ginger ale, with the fresh flavors of orange, cloves, and ginger. Let’s brew!

Kombucha in fermentation bottles on a white counter

There are two fermentation phases when making kombucha:

  1. First Fermentation: This is when you transform sweet tea into tart and tasty kombucha (see our guide to homemade kombucha here).
  2. Second Fermentation: This is when you carbonate the kombucha by adding flavor and sugars then bottling it. Orange juice will be the main source of sugar in this batch, with ginger and spices adding flavor.

In order to make this Gingerade-inspired kombucha, you need to have completed the first fermentation and have some kombucha ready to be carbonated!

Ginger kombucha in fermentation bottles on a white counter

HEREโ€™S WHAT YOUโ€™LL NEED

  • Kombucha: Youโ€™ve brewed your kombucha in the first fermentation and are ready to flavor it (first fermentation instructions here).
  • Ginger: Ginger brightens up the flavors of this kombucha while helping to make it even more fizzy!
  • Orange Juice: This provides the main sugar source for the kombucha yeast and bacteria to feed on, which then makes carbonation.
  • Spices: Black peppercorn (optional) and cloves add subtle depth to the flavor, making it irresistible!

HOW TO MAKE THIS Ginger Ale KOMBUCHA

Making this ginger kombucha is as easy as throwing everything into fermentation bottles and letting the kombucha work its magic! The process goes something like this:

  1. Prep: Finely chop or grate the ginger, and gather the rest of your ingredients.
  2. Bottle: Evenly distribute the ginger, orange juice, and spices into fermentation bottles then pour in kombucha, leaving 1 to 2 inches free at the top
  3. Ferment: For 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like.
  4. Enjoy: Chill in the fridge before serving, optionally straining out the ginger and fibers.
Ginger kombucha in a glass with a paper straw

If you love this Ginger Ale Kombucha, be sure to try our other fresh flavors, like Lemon Ginger, Ginger Beet, Orange Creamsicle, or Grapefruit Ginger!

Ginger Ale Kombucha

4.56 from 52 votes
Prep: 3 days
Total: 3 days
Servings: 8 cups
With citrusy orange juice, spicy fresh ginger, and aromatic cloves, this Gingerade copycat kombucha flavor is more than meets the eye.

Ingredients 

  • ยฝ gallon kombucha from a first fermentation, this is not store bought kombucha, 1.9 L
  • 3 inches fresh ginger, about 3 Tbsp grated
  • 4 Tbsp orange juice, 60 mL
  • 4 whole cloves
  • Optional: ยฝ tsp whole peppercorns
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Instructions 

  • Prep: Finely chop or grate the ginger, and gather the rest of your ingredients.
  • Bottle: Evenly distribute ginger, juice, and spices intoย fermentation bottles*. Pour inย first fermentation kombucha, leaving 1 to 2 inches free at the top.
  • Ferment: Place in a dark, room temperature area for 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like. This process will go faster in warmer climates, and slower in cooler climates.
  • Enjoy: Chill in the fridge before serving, optionally straining out the ginger fibers. Can be stored in the fridge, tightly sealed, for several weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup (depends on fermentation length) | Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g

Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.

did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what youโ€™ve made!

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4.56 from 52 votes (52 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

  1. Lark says:

    Ginger ale and kombucha, YUM. I want to make this but I donโ€™t have whole peppercorns or whole cloves. Would it work if I used freshly ground black pepper and ground cloves? If so, how much? Thanks

    1. Sarah says:

      Yes! I’d probably to 1/4 tsp of each.

  2. Linda says:

    Do you recommend pulp or no pulp orange juice, or does it matter?

    1. Sarah says:

      It shouldn’t matter! Whatever your preference is ๐Ÿ˜€

  3. Melanie says:

    What will happen if I added ginger in my first fermentation??

    1. Sarah says:

      It could lead to mold or impact the colonies of bacteria and yeast. I’d wait until the first fermentation ๐Ÿ˜€

  4. Jean says:

    How much juice?
    Hi Iโ€™m new to making kombucha.
    How much juice should I be using when adding and should I adjust sugar or honey depending?
    Thanks!

    1. Sarah says:

      We use 4 Tbsp (1/4 cup) in this recipe. The more juice you use, the less honey or sugar you’ll need.