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it can be used to make several batches of tea, it’s
considered fermentation gold. Traditional kombu-
cha combines tea –generally green tea, but also
black– sugar, strains of bacteria and yeast. The mix- wheat, may also be helpful for those with gut sensi-
ture undergoes fermentation for approx-imately a
week. During this time, gases, acidic elements and
small amounts of alcohol produce carbonation. Be
cautious when considering DIY Kombucha since
there are health risks due to contamination or fer-
menting too long. The longer kombucha ferments,
the higher the alcohol content, and it also reduces
the potential medicinal properties.
Hard Kombucha contains approximately 3% to
11% ABV. Larger quantities of sugar and yeast
are added during a dual fermentation process to
increase the alcohol content.
What are the Benefits?
Most people do not consider the health benefits
of a cocktail. Even a mimosa and freshly squeezed
orange juice do not scream, “I am being healthy!”
But, since oranges are full of vitamin C, you might
feel a little less guilty during a Sunday brunch with
this citrus-laden bubbly. Mak-ers of kombucha
drinks are likewise stating their case. Although it
may not be as probiotic-rich once fermented into
hard kombucha or when it’s paired with beer or
other spirits, it remains an antioxidant-rich fer-
mented tea that is easier on the gut. This applies
particularly to gluten-free hard kombucha. Hard
kombucha also has a lower caloric content and far
less sugar than other prepared cocktails, beer and
cider. However, although kombucha is known to
promote gut health, it is not one size fits all. The
gut microbiome varies from person to person.
Hence, the probiotic strains found in kombucha
may be beneficial for you and not others.
Why does gut health matter? The gut is the epi-
center for health and vitality. It not only takes
in vitamins and minerals from the food you con-
sume, but it also helps to regulate inflammatory
re-sponses in your body. Good gut bacteria allow
the body to digest food and absorb nutrients. Like
yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented
food, Kombucha is probiotic-rich and contributes to
balanced gut flora. It is primarily made with green
tea, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich tea
that also contains minerals, and is known for its
ability to contribute to fat burning. It is an ideal
alcoholic drink for individuals who consider calories
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when purchasing alcohol. Drinking an alcoholic bev-
erage made with kombucha, particularly one not
combined with beer or any al-cohol produced with
tivities or inflammation.
What Place Does it Have
in the Alcohol Industry?
You may have spotted hard kombucha next to
ready-to-drink organic cocktails, beers and ciders
at the local health store. Kombucha with an ABV of
0.5% is deemed an alcoholic beverage under fed-
eral law. The higher the ABV, you will notice that it
is called high alcohol kombucha. High alcohol kom-
bucha can reach ABV levels close to wine or other
ready-made cocktails.
On the surface, blending kombucha and alco-
hol does not seem a likely pairing, but, with its
in-creased popularity and ability to stand on its own
as a thirst-quenching alcoholic beverage, it’s easy
to see why large corporations like Molson Coors
are getting on board. Their acquisition of Clearly
Kombucha shows a shift toward lower-alcohol
drinks. The ability to craft kombucha with varying
ABVs and the fact that it already contains trace
amounts of alcohol render this a natural progres-
sion into alcoholic beverages. Kombucha makers
are not reinventing the wheel. With a little more
added yeast and sugar, they are just letting this fer-
mented drink do what it does on its own.
The appeal of a low calorie, low carb, low sugar,
gluten-free kombucha beer is there for anyone who
already enjoys the non-alcoholic version, as well
as for those who look for health-conscious brands
that support and encourage better lifestyle choic-
es. Even knowing that high levels of al-cohol kill or
diminish the probiotic benefits found in traditional
kombucha, the other benefits make it a tempting
drink. It offers the best of both worlds: a calming
drink and a happier gut.
11/19/21 1:53 PM