A Comprehensive Guide to Brewing Kombucha at Home (2025 Edition)

I earn commissions if you shop through the links below at no additional cost to you.

Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Jeremy

Introduction: Why Kombucha is the Perfect Travel and Wellness Drink

Kombucha has been called the “elixir of life”—a fermented tea packed with probiotics, antioxidants, and gut-friendly benefits. But for those who love traveling, camping, or off-grid living, kombucha is more than just a health drink.

It’s an essential part of a wellness routine on the road, offering a refreshing, immune-boosting alternative to sugary sodas and expensive store-bought beverages.

This guide will walk you through how to brew kombucha at home, whether you’re in an RV, off-grid cabin, or just looking for a budget-friendly alternative to store brands. You’ll also discover the best travel experiences for kombucha lovers, and how to brew on the go with Kombucha Kamp and Revolution Fermentation’s fermentation-friendly gear.


Why Brew Kombucha at Home?

1. Save Money on Store-Bought Bottles

A single bottle of kombucha costs anywhere from $3 to $6 in stores. Brewing at home costs pennies per glass, making it the perfect option for budget-conscious travelers and nature lovers.

2. Stay Healthy on the Road

Whether you’re boondocking, living off-grid, or traveling internationally, kombucha provides a natural way to support digestion, boost immunity, and stay energized without relying on artificial supplements.

3. Customize Flavors and Sugar Levels

Homebrewed kombucha lets you control sugar content and experiment with flavors like ginger, lemon, or berries—ideal for campers and adventurers who want a personalized, natural drink.


What You Need to Brew Kombucha

Essential Ingredients

  • Tea (black or green)
  • Sugar (organic cane sugar works best)
  • Filtered water
  • SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast)
  • Starter liquid (from a previous batch or store-bought raw kombucha)

Recommended Brewing Equipment

  • Glass brewing jar (1-2 gallons)
  • Breathable cloth + rubber band (to cover the jar)
  • pH strips or a pH meter (to monitor acidity)
  • Glass bottles with airtight lids (for carbonation)

For the easiest start, consider using a ready-made brewing kit from Revolution Fermentation, which includes organic ingredients, glassware, and step-by-step guides for homebrewing and continuous brewing systems.


Step-by-Step: How to Brew Kombucha at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Tea Base

  • Brew black or green tea and dissolve one cup of sugar per gallon of water.
  • Let it cool to room temperature before proceeding.

Step 2: Add the SCOBY

  • Pour the cooled tea into a clean glass jar.
  • Add one cup of starter liquid and gently place the SCOBY on top.

Step 3: Fermentation Process

  • Cover with a breathable cloth and secure with a rubber band.
  • Store in a warm, dark place (between 68-85°F) for 7-14 days.

Step 4: Second Fermentation (For Carbonation)

  • Remove the SCOBY and pour kombucha into glass bottles.
  • Add flavors like ginger, lemon, or berries if desired.
  • Seal and let sit at room temperature for 3-7 days for carbonation.

Step 5: Refrigerate and Enjoy

  • Refrigerate to slow fermentation and enjoy a cold, probiotic-rich drink.

For advanced brewing techniques, check out The Big Book of Kombucha, which includes 400 recipes and expert-level tips.


How to Brew Kombucha While Traveling

1. Travel-Friendly Brewing Kits for RVers & Off-Grid Living

  • If you’re an RV traveler or off-grid homesteader, a traditional glass brewing jar may not be practical.
  • Kombucha Kamp offers a Continuous Brew System, which allows for low-maintenance kombucha brewing in a compact setup.
  • Their Kickstarter Kombucha Brew Kit includes a two-gallon system, SCOBY cultures, and everything needed to keep a steady batch going.
  • Check out Kombucha Kamp’s portable kits here.

2. Fermenting While Camping or Backpacking

  • For those camping or boondocking, a small-batch fermentation system is the best option.
  • Revolution Fermentation sells compact fermentation kits, including travel-sized kombucha starters, airlock lids, and wild fermentation guides.
  • Shop fermentation gear at Revolution Fermentation here.


Best Travel Destinations for Kombucha Lovers

1. Kyoto, Japan – Traditional Fermentation & Kombucha Workshops

  • Japan has a deep-rooted history of fermentation, from miso to kombucha-style teas.
  • Take a kombucha brewing workshop in Kyoto, where you’ll learn from Japanese fermentation masters.

2. Bali, Indonesia – Probiotic Elixirs & Herbal Kombucha Brewing

  • Bali’s holistic wellness scene embraces probiotic-rich drinks like kombucha, jun tea, and herbal kefir.
  • Learn how to infuse kombucha with local ingredients like passionfruit, turmeric, and ginger.

3. British Columbia, Canada – Kombucha & Wild Fermentation Retreats

  • BC’s eco-lodges and sustainable farms host kombucha and wild fermentation retreats.
  • Join a hands-on class where you can brew kombucha while surrounded by nature.

Check out these Kombucha related travel tours on Viator:


Final Thoughts: Brew, Travel, and Stay Healthy

Kombucha isn’t just a trendy drink—it’s a functional, probiotic-rich beverage that supports gut health, immunity, and overall well-being.

Whether you’re brewing at home, fermenting in an RV, or taking a kombucha workshop while traveling, the possibilities are endless.

Where to Start?

For homebrewing kits and expert guidance, check out Kombucha Kamp.
For fermentation supplies and travel-friendly brewing gear, visit Revolution Fermentation.
For kombucha workshops around the world, browse Viator and Expedia for hands-on classes.

Ready to take your kombucha brewing to the next level? Start brewing today and make your travels healthier, one sip at a time.