Homemade Pineapple Basil Kombucha Recipe (2024)

Looking for a fun new flavor for yourhomemade kombucha? This Pineapple Basil Kombucha is delightfully tropical with an herby twist!

In my book, For the Love of Popsicles, I have a recipe for Pineapple Basil Popsicles that I adore. But I think people have been pretty scared to test it out, because basil is only for savory things, right? …. Wrong!

Pineapple brings that intense tropical sweetness while the basil brings an anise-y, peppery punch. And I just can’t get enough of it.

So obviously I had to try the dynamic duo out on my latest batch of kombucha, and it did not disappoint! A bit like the tulip-man’s Ginger Pepper Kombucha, which initially tastes like ginger until you get that inkling of pepper, this Pineapple Basil Kombucha has layers of flavors and is great served in place (or in) co*cktails!

There are two main fermentation phases when making kombucha:

1. First Fermentation: This is when you transform sweet tea into tart and delicious kombucha (see our step-by-stepguide to homemade kombucha)
2. Second Fermentation: This is when youcarbonatethe kombucha by adding sugars (like pineapple!) and bottling it.

In order to make this Pineapple Basil Kombucha, you will need to have completed the first fermentation already and have some kombucha that’s ready to be carbonated!

Ingredients to make Pineapple Basil Kombucha

• Kombucha from a first fermentation: You’ve brewed your kombucha and it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart (step-by-step first fermentation instructions here).
• Pineapple: You can use fresh, frozen, or canned pineapple to make kombucha! If using frozen pineapple, just be sure to thaw it first. Not a fan of pineapple? Blackberries and strawberries also work well with basil!
• Basil: We’ll use fresh basil here, blending it up with the pineapple to get an even distribution of flavor.

How to make Pineapple Basil Kombucha

Making your own flavored kombucha with pineapple is super easy. The process goes something like this:

1. Puree the pineapple and basil: The more surface area of the fruit that is exposed to the kombucha, the more flavor and fizz you’ll have in the end! This also helps to infuse the basil flavor more evenly across your bottles.
2. Bottle: Transfer kombucha intofermentation bottles, then evenly pour pineapple mixture into each.
3. Ferment: For 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like.
4. Enjoy: Strain out pineapple basil debris (optional), then chill in the fridge before serving.

How to Make Pineapple Kombucha

Looking for something a bit more simple? Plain pineapple kombucha is one of my favorites! Just add 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks to 4 cups of kombucha and let it ferment until carbonated. Boom, teleportation drink to Hawaii.