What is Hard Kombucha?

What’s kombucha, anyway?

Kombucha is a drink that has got young people flocking to shelves, though it’s thought to have been first brewed in 220BC in Manchuria, before appearing in Russia in 1900. Kombucha is made up of tea that is fermented with yeast, water, sugar and bacteria, and when left in a warm place it ferments to form a sweet, fizzy drink. Natural flavourings can then be added before it’s bottled, becoming the sweet, refreshing drink we love. 

For more info on Kombucha and our favourite brands and flavours, check out our blog post.

What about hard kombucha?

But what is the difference between normal and hard kombucha, I hear you ask? I’ve got some good news for those that love a tipple or two — hard kombucha, as the name suggests, is an alcoholic version of the drink. Due to the fermentation process, Kombucha can be amended to be alcoholic like beers and wines. Normal kombucha has little alcohol content (around 0.5%), but when another type of yeast is added along with more sugar and left for a longer period, kombucha can have an alcohol content of 4.5-7%, making it a great (and bougie) drink perfect for chilled evenings. It’s also a saviour of those who want gluten-free alcohol that isn’t necessarily a spirit. 

Where to find hard kombucha

Although regular kombucha is easy to come by, hard kombucha is yet to catch on here in the UK, and currently, there aren’t brands that sell them on this side of the Atlantic. But, if you’re intrigued by the prospect of hard kombucha, you can still make your own with this guide from Boochcraft. Happy fermenting!