Though apple cider is often enjoyed in the fall and winter, this refreshing drink made with homemade kombucha, apple cider, and mint leaves is something you’ll enjoy year-round. Whether you enjoy this drink as is or as a mocktail with added ingredients, it will surely satisfy your taste buds.
This low-sugar twist on apple cider is an excellent way to enjoy the sweet flavors without guilt. Combining the health benefits of kombucha tea with the sweet taste of apple cider and the freshness of a mint makes a delicious fizzy drink.
Table of Contents
Minted Apple Cider Kombucha
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
Adding mint to this recipe transforms it from a seasonal beverage to a delicious tea you can enjoy anytime. The warm undertones are still present, but the freshness of mint and the hint of carbonation make it a unique and refreshing drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups black tea kombucha
- 1 cup unfiltered, unsweetened apple cider
- 1/2 cup loosely packed mint leaves
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the apple cider and kombucha in a large pitcher.
- Stack the mint leaves on top of one another and slice them into thin strips.
- Add the mint to the apple cider kombucha combo and place it in the refrigerator.
- Let the mixture steep for 30 minutes (or up to 3 days).
- Serve chilled or over ice, and enjoy.
Notes
If you are a booch brewer that prefers green tea, you can substitute it for black tea kombucha. The green tea will impart a more herbaceous flavor but will still be delicious.
If you prefer, use mint extract instead of fresh mint leaves. Make sure not to overdo it, though. One tablespoon is plenty. Alternatively, use mint kombucha rather than unflavored kombucha to increase the mint flavor.
Add some lemon juice and fresh raspberries for a refreshing mocktail.
To make a delicious cocktail, use ginger kombucha and add spiced rum.
Add cane sugar, maple syrup, honey, or Stevia if you want to make the drink sweeter.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
What Does Minted Apple Cider Kombucha Taste Like?
This fermented beverage is loaded with delicious and refreshing flavors, including the sweet apple flavor of apple cider, the tart flavor of kombucha, and the fresh taste of mint. It is a delightful drink full of carbonation and is excellent for any occasion.
What Are the Health Benefits of Minted Apple Cider Kombucha?
Kombucha is loaded with probiotics that promote a healthy gut. It also contains antioxidants that help prevent cell damage in the body. Kombucha has also been shown to support heart health and help with weight loss. Combined with apple cider and mint, this kombucha drink is bursting with health benefits.
Mint:
- Is rich in nutrients
- May help to relieve indigestion
- Could improve brain function
Apple Cider:
- Contains polyphenols (a plant compound that acts as an antioxidant)
- May help to relieve inflammation
- Could decrease your risk of cancer
- Can help with constipation and irritable bowel syndrome
It is best to use unsweetened apple cider, as added sugars may lower the health benefits of the drink.
How Much Caffeine Is In Minted Apple Cider Kombucha?
Made with black tea kombucha, this recipe contains around 12 mg of caffeine per 8 oz serving.
If you make your own kombucha, the caffeine content may be higher or lower, depending on your sweet tea. However, apple cider and mint do not add any caffeine to this drink, so there is very little caffeine overall.
How Many Calories Are In Minted Apple Cider Kombucha?
There are approximately 56 calories per serving of minted apple cider kombucha. About half of the calories come from the kombucha and the other half from the apple cider.
Can You Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
For this recipe, I recommend using apple cider. Apple juice is overly sweet and contains up to four times fewer polyphenols than apple cider, making it the less-healthy option. In addition, there are a few other key differences between these beverages, including the following:
| Apple cider | Apple juice |
| Fresh, unfiltered, and usually unpasteurized | Filtered and pasteurized |
| Typically unsweetened | Sweetened; each 8 oz serving has approximately 30 grams of sugar |
| ~50 calories per serving | ~104 calories per serving |
| Not strained, the apple pieces and pulp remain | Strained |
Should You Make This Recipe with Young, Sweet Kombucha or Older, Sour Kombucha?
This recipe is meant to be sweet, so using young kombucha is best. Using older kombucha will make the drink tarter and less sweet.
Use old kombucha as starter tea for your next batch, or continue fermenting it and make kombucha vinegar.