What Is Hard Kombucha

Written by Deena in Black Tea,Kombucha

People have been drinking kombucha for centuries, and the hard variety is becoming more and more popular. There are many different brands of hard type on the market these days, so you should be able to find one that suits your taste. Most of them have a similar flavor profile, but there are some variations between them. What is hard kombucha?

Hard kombucha (called “hard tea” in Russia) is a traditional kvass-like fermented beverage made from sweetened black tea. It’s simply a more fermented version of the traditional drink and contains a higher alcohol content than the typical kombucha.

Stephen Lee, an ethnic Chinese Russian Jew born of German immigrants, and Leona Helmsley invented it accidentally in the 1990s.

“Hard kombucha (called “hard tea” in Russia) is a traditional kvass-like fermented beverage made from sweetened black tea. It’s simply a more fermented version of the traditional drink and contains a higher alcohol content than the typical kombucha.”

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About Hard Kombucha

Hard kombucha has a higher alcohol content than typical kombucha, and so some of the benefits associated with drinking kombuchas (such as detoxification, improved digestion and liver function, and increased energy) may not be seen in those who drink hard kombucha.

However, it still does contain beneficial bacteria and probiotics. For people who want the health benefits of this drink without the alcohol content, they can try a nonalcoholic variety or brew their batch with less sugar.”

Differences Between Hard Kombucha And Kombucha

Kombucha has grown in popularity and is widely commercially available. With many variations available, it is not hard for any of us to find (or make) a kombucha that we enjoy.

Here are some of the main differences between the kombucha we all know and love, and the hard variety:

  1. Kombucha is a fermented tea that is made with black tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). During the fermentation process, the SCOBY consumes the sugar and caffeine in the tea and produces probiotics, vinegar, and carbon dioxide.
  2. Hard kombucha is a type of kombucha fermented for a longer period of time, resulting in a higher alcohol content. It can range from 2-8% alcohol by volume. A substitute for beer or wine is hard kombucha.
  3. Hard kombucha also tends to have less sugar than what you’d find in traditional varieties as well as other additional ingredients such as fruit juices. It is a slightly sour and fizzy drink that has a slightly sweet taste.
  4. Unlike traditional kombucha, which shares similarities in flavor profile but doesn’t contain any alcohol or acidity, hard kombucha has a more sour taste because of its higher level of acetic acid (vinegar).

Whether you’re a fan of beer, wine, or kombucha, hard kombucha is a great alternative that you’ll love.

It might just be the perfect drink for a hot summer day, a barbecue, or a party.

Benefits

It contains nootropic properties, which is why it has become a popular drink among students and entrepreneurs.

Hard kombucha may help with such things as:

  • Focus
  • Motivation
  • Clarity
  • Energy without the jitters associated with coffee or the post-study crash associated with energy drinks
  • As a fermented beverage, it comes with all the gut-health benefits that kombucha provides

If you’re looking for a hard alternative to coffee that will help you power through your day without extra jitters, hard kombucha may be a good alternative you use it in moderation and responsibly.

The Potential Side Effects Hard Kombucha

While kombucha, and even hard kombucha, are safe for most people, Healthline outlines several potential concerns that you should at least be aware of.

Consider these concerns if they apply to you:

  1. Could lead to excess calorie consumption
  2. May cause bloating and digestive distress
  3. Might contain excess amounts of added sugar
  4. Dangerous for certain people. For instance, those who have weakened immune systems, such as people with cancer, kidney disease or HIV, or pregnant or breastfeeding women
  5. Could lead to excess caffeine consumption

How To Enjoy Hard Kombucha

You can purchase hard kombucha at many liquor stores or online, and it is also possible to make your own at home (which I cover below).

Since it does contain alcohol, please add it to your routine and enjoy it only when it is safe and smart to do so. It is not generally considered to have a high alcohol content, but

  • You can make hard kombucha by adding more sugar or fruit to the tea mixture before fermentation, which can increase the alcohol content.
  • Some people also choose to drink hard kombucha for its health benefits, as it is a rich source of probiotics.
  • Due to its alcohol content, it is important to drink this beverage responsibly.

How To Make Your Drink

There are a few different ways to make this type of drink.

I’ll outline the two most popular methods below.

  1. The first way is to add champagne yeast to your kombucha during the fermentation process. The type of yeast that is used to make champagne and other types of alcohol is called champagne yeast. It will convert the sugar in your kombucha into alcohol, which will then turn into vinegar over time.
  2. The second way is to add vodka or another type of liquor to your kombucha during the fermentation process. Vodka is a neutral spirit that will not change the flavor of your kombucha, but it will add alcohol to it.

Both of these methods will produce a hard kombucha that is between 5-8% alcohol. Keep in mind that the higher the alcohol content, the longer it will take for it to turn into vinegar.

If you are looking for a harder drink, I would highly recommend using one of these methods. However, if you are just looking for a slightly alcoholic one, you can also add fruit juices or syrups to your it during the fermentation process. This will add sweetness and flavor to your drink, as well as a small amount of alcohol.

So, there you have it! These are the two most popular ways to make your drink. Which method will you try?

How To Store Hard Kombucha

There are a few ways that you can store your drink.

  • One way is to drink it all right away
  • Another way is to pour it into a jar and store it in the fridge
  • You can also freeze it in individual servings or a large container

Because of its higher alcohol content, hard kombucha lasts longer than regular kombucha. However, you should still refrigerate the kombucha which will slow down fermentation and maintain the fizziness we all love.

Drink within 3 months of bottling for the best flavor and freshness.

In addition, you can store hard kombucha for the long-term in temperatures between 40-70 degrees F (or 4.5-21 degrees C). The lower temperatures help to extend the shelf life and slow down fermentation. The higher temperature ranges speed up both processes.

Bottom Line

This type of drink is a fermented tea beverage that contains levels of both alcohol and acids. You can use a large glass container to brew it and the brewing process takes up to six weeks before consumption.

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Deena

Hey, fellow tea lover! I'm Deena and I developed an interest in tea while I lived in Wales and England for over a year. At the time, I didn't drink tea at all. In fact, I didn't develop a real love for tea until many years later. I have now come to value the worldwide historical and cultural significance of tea, as well as the undeniable health and self-care benefits. Ultimately, I think tea is simply good for the soul.

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