Is kombucha the new moonshine? Some people seem to think so. Kombucha is a fermented tea that can be made with black or green tea, sugar, and yeast. It can also contain other ingredients like fruit juice, herbs, or spices. The fermentation process produces alcohol, and depending on how much kombucha is consumed, it can have an intoxicating effect. So, can kombucha get you drunk?
The answer is yes, but it depends on a few factors. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulates kombucha in the United States and has set the alcohol content limit at 0.5% ABV. This is lower than most beers, which have an ABV of around 4-6%. However, some kombuchas can have an alcohol content higher than 0.5%.
Factors Affecting The Alcohol Content
There are a few things that can affect the alcohol content of kombucha:
- The type of tea used: Black tea ferments faster than green tea and can produce more alcohol.
- The type of sugar used: Brown sugar or molasses will ferment faster than white sugar and can produce more alcohol.
- The length of fermentation: The longer kombucha ferments, the more alcohol it will contain.
- The type of yeast used: Certain types of yeast can produce more alcohol than others.
So, if you’re looking to get drunk off kombucha, you might want to check the label for its ABV before chugging a whole bottle. Or, you could try making your kombucha at home with higher alcohol content. Just be warned that homemade kombucha can be pretty potent!
So Why Can Kombucha Get You Drunk?
It’s all about how much you drink. If you chug a few glasses of kombucha, you may start to feel buzzed because of the small amount of alcohol that’s been consumed. However, this buzz will likely wear off quickly as your body metabolizes the ethanol. Kombucha can also cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, and diarrhea, so be careful not to overdo it!
Related: What Is The Strongest Black Tea?
Why Does Kombucha Contain Alcohol?
There can be trace amounts of alcohol in Kombucha. The primary source can come from a few sources:
- airborne yeast that can react with sugars during the fermentation process (which can fluctuate in tiny quantities)
- unpasteurized fruit juice or kombucha tea leftover from brewing another batch
Kombucha is brewed like beer and some beers use glucose syrups as part of the brewing process which is converted to alcohol. Jarring for prolonged periods can also add extra sugar and this could lead to increased incidences of spoilage organisms higher occurrences leading to more alcohol production.
The time of fermentation can also affect the final alcoholic content. A shorter fermentation time can lead to a sweeter beverage with more residual sugars, and a longer fermentation will create a drier end product. The type of yeast used can also contribute to slight variations in ethanol production.
While kombucha generally contains less than 0.5% ABV, there is a small chance that you could get drunk from drinking too much of it. If you’re concerned about alcohol content, look for brands that are labeled ‘non-alcoholic.’
What About “Hard” Kombucha?
Hard kombucha is an alcoholic drink that is made from fermenting kombucha tea. The alcohol content can vary, but it typically contains around 3% to 8% alcohol. This is considerably less than beer or wine, but can still result in a mild buzz. Some people also use hard kombucha as a mixer for cocktails.
So, can kombucha get you drunk? It’s possible, but it would take quite a bit of drinking. The average 12-ounce can of beer has around 5% alcohol, and a standard serving of wine is around 5 ounces and contains around 12% to 14% alcohol. In comparison, a 12-ounce can of hard kombucha only contains around 0.36 ounces of alcohol. This means that you would need to drink nearly 30 cans of hard kombucha to get the same amount of alcohol as one can of beer.
Can It Get You Drunk?
Of course, this assumes that you’re drinking pure hard kombucha. If you’re mixing it with other ingredients, like juice or soda, then the alcohol content will be lower.
It’s also worth noting that kombucha can vary in alcohol content depending on how it’s made. If you’re buying kombucha from a store, the alcohol content has likely been reduced through a second fermentation process. However, if you’re making kombucha at home, the alcohol content will be higher since this second fermentation step is typically skipped.
In general, kombucha is a pretty low-risk way to drink alcohol. It’s not going to get you drunk as quickly as other alcoholic beverages, and it doesn’t contain as many calories. However, if you’re trying to stay sober, it’s best to avoid kombucha entirely since even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a relapse.
What If You Don’t Want The Buzz?
If you’re not looking to get drunk but still want the benefits of kombucha, you can try drinking a small amount or diluting it with water. You can also look for kombucha that has been brewed without alcohol. However, if you are looking to get drunk, there are a few things you can do to increase the alcohol content in kombucha. One method is to let the kombucha ferment for a longer period. This will allow more alcohol to develop. You can also add fruits or other ingredients that contain sugar to the kombucha, which will help the fermentation process and increase the alcohol content. Keep in mind that kombucha can vary in alcohol content, so it’s important to check the label before drinking.
Kombucha is a centuries-old tea drink that has been fermented. Tea, water, sugar, and a SCOBY are used to make it (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). The SCOBY feeds on the sugar and breaks it down into alcohol and acids, which gives kombucha its slightly sour, fizzy taste. While kombucha is usually very low in alcohol, some types can have up to 3% ABV (alcohol by volume). This means that if you drink enough of it, you could potentially get drunk. However, kombucha can also have several health benefits, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you start drinking.
Why Kombucha?
Kombucha can be a great alternative to sugary drinks like soda. It can also help improve your gut health and energy levels. However, because it is a fermented drink, kombucha can also contain a small amount of alcohol. While this can be beneficial for some people, it’s important to know that kombucha can potentially get you drunk if you drink too much of it. If you’re looking to avoid getting drunk, you can try drinking a small amount or diluting it with water. You can also look for kombucha that has been brewed without alcohol.
Bottom Line
So can kombucha get you drunk? Technically, yes. But you would need to drink a lot of it to get the desired effect. And, depending on the alcohol content, kombucha can cause some pretty unpleasant side effects. So if you’re looking to get buzzed, you might want to stick to beer or hard liquor. Cheers!
