• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Fermenters Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Mead
  • Sauerkraut
  • Blog
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Mead
  • Sauerkraut
  • Blog
  • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Mead
    • Sauerkraut
    • Blog
    • About
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Kombucha Second Fermentation

    Published: Sep 5, 2020 · Modified: Oct 2, 2024 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to recipe

    Kombucha Second Fermentation Guide

    Try a second fermentation if you want to add a fruit flavor or increase the carbonation in the kombucha. When you have finished your 1-2 weeks of initial fermentation ( try our Kombucha one-gallon recipe), pour the fermented tea into glass bottles for storage.

    Rather than putting them into the fridge and decreasing the fermentation rate, leave them at room temperature to continue fermenting.

    Kombucha 2nd Ferment Flavoring

    There is an endless variety of ways to flavor Kombucha during the second fermentation. Try fresh, frozen, and/or dried fruit, fruit juices, herbs, spices, berries, peppers, and even dark chocolate.

    This makes the second fermentation a fun and exciting experience you can share with the whole family.

    kombocha-fruit-second-fermentation-with-fruit

    Kombucha's second fermentation is similar to how beer and champagne are made. The fizziness is created when yeast eats up the sugar from the added fruit, converting it to carbon dioxide.

    [lasso ref="cultures-for-health-continuous-kombucha-brewing-jar-with-spigot-5-liter-glass-jar-with-spout-for-diy-fermentation-long-term-kombucha-scoby-hotel-jar-daily-kombucha-tea-probiotic-drink-dispenser" id="36360"]

    Bottling Kombucha Step-by-Step

    ​While the kombucha tea is still in the brewing vessel, give it a good stir. This will help mix the yeast and bacteria evenly throughout the tea and ensure each bottle has a fair amount of carbonation.

    Add ½ cup of chopped, pureed, or juiced fruit and the Kombucha tea into each 16 oz. bottle. Leave at least 1 inch of head space at the top of each bottle. Use a pitcher and funnel to prevent spillage.

    Choosing Bottles for a Kombucha 2nd Fermentation

    Use Grolsch-style bottles. However, ensure they are quality glass bottles; just because it looks like a Grolsch-style bottle does not mean it is one. I suggest buying new to ensure you get the right kind.

    The bottles have to be strong enough not to explode under carbonation pressure. 

    Check out my review of the best bottles for kombucha brewing.

    How Long Should You Second Ferment Kombucha?

    Store the bottles in a dark cupboard, or at least away from direct sunlight for 2 days, up to two weeks at room temperature. The carbonation will build during this time.

    Make sure to burp the bottles every couple of days to release excess pressure and avoid exploding bottles.

    Related Topic: Does kombucha have caffeine?

    Opening Bottles Safely

    The buildup of carbon dioxide during secondary fermentation means the bottle will be under pressure.

    Cover the bottle with a towel to catch any spraying tea and open the top slowly over the sink while applying downward pressure. Check out this post on how to avoid bottles exploding during the second stage of fermentation.

    Testing Carbonation Levels of Kombucha

    A simple way to test the kombucha for the perfect fizz level is using a plastic bottle as a barometer.

    When bottling your kombucha with glass bottles, also fill one plastic bottle. You will know it has reached a good level of carbonation when the plastic bottle has hardened.

    Keep notes on the time it took for future batches. The time can vary a little between batches because of temperatures and sugar levels.

    After two days, you can start testing the flavored Kombucha to see if it's ready. If the flavor is to your liking, it is time to refrigerate the bottles.

    The cold temps will help keep the tea's carbon dioxide, so it's less likely to fizz over and make a mess when you open it.

    What if the Kombucha is not fizzy enough?

    If you are not satisfied with the carbonation, you can remove them from the refrigerator and let them continue fermenting for another 2 -3 days.

    Then chill and test again to see if it has reached the level of carbonation you desire.

    Due to the vast variables of temperature and sugar levels in the fruit, some batches could be ready in two days, while others could take a full week to reach the perfect fizz level.

    Suggested Ratios for Flavoring Kombucha Tea

    When flavoring with fresh, frozen, or dried fruit, start with a ratio of 10-30% fruit and 70-90% Kombucha tea.

    If flavoring with fruit juice, start with 10-20% juice and 80-90% Kombucha tea.

    Herbs’ strengths can vary, so you are left to experiment and create the best ratio for your preferred flavor profile.

    [lasso ref="humble-house-sauerkrock-tap-kombucha-crock-with-stainless-steel-spigot-and-cotton-cloth-cover-5-liter-1-3-gallon-ceramic-water-dispenser-kombucha-jar-in-natural-white-for-continuous-brewing" id="35848"]

    Kombucha 2nd Ferment: Grapefruit and Mint

    Print this recipe
    September 5, 2020
    by Katie
    Category Fermented Drink Recipes Kombucha

    How to Flavor and Bottle a Second Ferment Kombucha

     

    In less than a week, you can create your own custom fruit-flavored, fizzy, and slightly sweet Kombucha!


    Persons
    1
    Serving Size
    1
    Prep Time
    15 minutes
    Total Time
    15 minutes

    Notes

    Suggested Ratios for Flavoring Kombucha Tea

    When flavoring with fresh, frozen, or dried fruit, start with a ratio of 10-30% fruit and 70-90% Kombucha tea.
    If flavoring with a fruit juice, start with 10-20% juice and 80-90% Kombucha tea.
    Herbs' strengths can vary, so you are left to experiment and create the best ratio for your preferred flavor profile.
    Testing Carbonation Levels of Kombucha

    A simple way to test the kombucha for the perfect level of fizz is by using a plastic bottle as a barometer. When you are bottling your kombucha with the glass bottles also fill one plastic bottle. YOu will know it has filled with carbon-dioxide when the plastic bottle has hardened. Keep notes on the time it took for future batches. Beware that the time can still vary between batches because of temperatures and sugar levels.

    Ingredients

    • ½ gallon Kombucha tea from the first fermentation
    • 1 Grapefruit or ½ cup Grapefruit Juice
    • 1-2 Mint sprigs
    • optional: 1 -2 tablespoon of honey

    Instructions

    1. Juice the grapefruit
    2. Add the kombucha tea, grapefruit juice, and mint sprigs to a bottle
    3. leave an inch of headroom in each bottle
    4. Store the bottled kombucha at room-temperature out of direct sunlight and allow 2 to 14 days for the kombucha to carbonate.
    5. Test after 2-3 days, see notes
    6. Serve chilled over ice and Enjoy!
    © 2025 Copyright Fermenters Kitchen

    The information on this website is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. You assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.

    Related Topics:

    • How To Spot Mold on Kombucha and Prevent It
    • Kombucha 1 Gallon Recipe
    • How To Avoid Exploding Bottles During Fermentation
    • How To Make Kombucha SCOBY Jerky
    • Does Kombucha Expire?
    • Is Kombucha Keto Friendly?

    More Fermented Drink Recipes

    • fermented strawberries recipe by fermenters kitchen
      Fermented Strawberries Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Preserving Strawberries
    • strawberry mead recipe
      Strawberry Mead Recipe
    • lait ribot a french buttermilk
      Lait Ribot: Unveiling the French Buttermilk
    • honey mead recipe easy one gallon
      Honey Mead Recipe

    Primary Sidebar

    fermenters kitchen author katie

    I love fermenting, I always have, and I love to share my knowledge of fermenting with everyone!

    more about me >>

    Featured

    • brands of pickles fermented and have probiotics
      The Best Brand Pickles With Probiotics

    • cheese with gut healthy probiotics
      11 Types of Cheese That Contain Probiotics

    • best brands of kimchi for gut health
      10 Best Kimchi Brands To Improve Gut Health

    • best store bought sauerkraut to buy with probiotics gut health
      Does Store Bought Sauerkraut Have Probiotics?

    • Fermented Strawberries Recipe: A Delicious Twist on Preserving Strawberries
    • Understanding Kahm Yeast: Causes, Prevention, and Safe Handling
    • Sediment At The Bottom of Mead -Explained
    • Strawberry Mead Recipe
    • Kimchi Fried Rice

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Resources

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Let's Connect!

    Sign Up for emails and the latest recipes delivered to your inbox.

    Menu

    • Home
    • Blog
    • Recipes
    • Mead
    • FAQ

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
    Legal Information: Any specific health claims, nutritional claims, or information on the website is for informational purposes only. Nothing on the website is offered to be a substitute for professional medical, health, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

    Copyright © 2023 Fermenters Kitchen