A Complete Guide to Make Kombucha Tea Drinks at Home
Looking for an expensive and creative way to make homemade Kombucha? Start here!
Are you tired of spending a fortune on store-bought kombucha?
Well, join the club!
I felt the same way until I discovered the joy of making my own kombucha at home. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also opens up a world of creative possibilities. Let's dive into the exciting world of kombucha brewing, from Scoby to flavored concoctions, cocktails, dog treats and jerky!
What is Scoby?
First things first, what on earth is a Scoby? Scoby stands for Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast – a fascinating living organism that kickstarts the fermentation process in kombucha. It's like the magic behind the scenes.
When getting or borrowing a Scoby, remember it should be at least 5 inches wide, obtained from a reputable supplier, and come with a full cup of starter liquid.
Scobies inside my Scoby Hotel
Scoby Dos and Don'ts
Dos: Get a healthy, wide Scoby from a trusted source with proper instructions and starter liquid.
Don'ts: Avoid dehydrated Scobies, tiny test tube-sized ones, or those grown from a commercial bottle.
Benefits of Kombucha Drinks
Sure, drinking kombucha is fantastic for introducing good bacteria to your gut through fermentation. But did you know there are other innovative uses for Scoby and kombucha?
From Scoby jerky and sashimi to facial toners and kitchen cleaners, the possibilities are endless.
Check out "The Big Book of Kombucha" for a treasure trove of ideas and recipes.
Scoby Hotel
Ever heard of a Scoby hotel? It's not a vacation spot, but a term for keeping extra Scobies in your fridge. These extras come in handy for gifting, experimenting with doggy treats, or crafting skincare products. And, if your batch goes south, having a fresh Scoby from your Scoby hotel is a lifesaver.
Importance of Sanitization
A note from the beer brewing world – sanitize everything! Use a necessary sanitizer like Starsan (normally available in any homebrew store near you), and don't be afraid to touch and handle your Scobies. They're soft, squishy, and almost jellyfish-like. Proper sanitization of ALL the bowls, pots, utensils, and even hands ensures a healthy fermentation process.
first fermentation - let the brewing begin
As you will see in the video below, making a new batch of Kombucha requires the making of a sweet tea. When making a 1-gallon batch, make sure to use 1 gallon of chlorine-free water (the quality of your water is less important if you’re just starting). The quality does play a role if your Kombucha batches start to develop mold, scroll below on how to fix that.
When your pot of water comes to a boil, add 1 cup of white or brown sugar, stir to help the sugar melt and evenly distribute. Add 6 packets (or 1-2 tbs of looseleaf tea). I use UncleLee’s Organic packets of tea, which is my secret ingredient when making Kombucha since the majority of brewers prefer black tea instead. The flavor of Green Tea Kombucha to me is more subtle, lovely, and fresh.
Turn off your pot, remove the tea packets/tea, and let it cool.
Do not add scoby to the hot sweet tea you’ve just brewed, because you can kill it, and its awesome probiotic bacteria that live in it.
Your first fermentation officially begins when you combine the scoby and starter liquid with your cooled sweet tea.
Add the 1 cup of starter liquid (top liquid from the previous batch, or the liquid your scoby came with, or the liquid from inside your Scoby Hotel) on top of the Scoby that you’ve placed on top of your sweet tea. This way, starter liquid will help to seal your batch and hopefully prevent harmful bacteria from contaminating your newly created Kombucha batch.
Now, cover your pot with a breathable cloth (like cotton or cheesecloth) and place it in a safe, warm location, free of excessive smells or other pollutants that could potentially harm your Kombucha baby.
I swear by using a seed-starter heating mat and placing my pots on top of it, which helps to remedy the temperature swings we experience here in Montana.
Make a note to check (take a pick at your scoby to make sure it looks clear/white/healthy), smell, and taste your batch once a week. When it reaches the flavor you enjoy (not too sweet, not too sour), then you’ll be ready to drink it OR start my favorite process - the creative process of brewing Kombucha - Fermentation 2 step.
Dealing with Kombucha Mold
Image from YEABUCHA
Nobody likes mold, especially in kombucha. Keep your brew safe by placing it in a warm spot away from strong smells and potential irritants. If mold appears, it's time to start fresh with a healthy Scoby.
Second Fermentation - Flavor Explosion
After patiently waiting for your kombucha to brew, it's time for the exciting second fermentation. Feel the anticipation as you taste the slightly vinegary goodness. Ready for flavor experimentation? Blueberry and rosemary, anyone? Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the bottle for your creative additions.
During this step, you can leave your flavored bottles on your heated mat or in your original fermentation 1 location.
I usually put my flavored bottles directly in the fridge. Sure, the colder temperature inside the fridge will slow down the fermentation process, but I find that seeing them in the fridge, I’m reminded to burp them more frequently. And the flavors they take on in a couple of days are subtle and not overpowering. I keep tasting them every day or so to know when to remove the flavorings like pieces of fruit. If not removed, the sugars in the fruits will continue to ferment and feed the yeasts and increase the carbonation inside your bottles. Once again, burping your bottles (opening the bottles) is pivotal to avoid an explosion.
Here are some flavorful recipe ideas I’ve created in the past:
What are some of your favorite ways to flavor your Kombucha? Leave a comment below!
Burping Bottles and Beyond
Once your flavored creations are in the fridge, remember to burp them every few days to release built-up carbonation. This prevents kombucha bottle explosions and ensures a fizzy, delightful beverage.
Making kombucha at home is not just a money-saver; it's a journey of self-discovery and creativity. So, why not embark on your kombucha adventure today? Cheers to brewing fun at home!
If you have 10 minutes, here is a helpful video Garrett and I put together on his homebrewing YouTube channel, let us know if you have any questions in the comments. Cheers!
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Scoby in Kombucha Making
How to Make Kombucha at Home
Making Kombucha Tea Drinks at Home
How to Deconstruct a Tiny Cabin in Just 7 Days
Our first demolition at The Hohnstead, check out this post and video we made just for you.
When Garrett and I travel, we go into our “flow state.”
We usually walk the streets of a new city, with or without aim and we always find ourselves talking about The Hohnstead, our Glamping Cabins Resort.
We discuss what’s working and what doesn’t. What needs to be fixed or built, or as in this year’s upgrade - a cabin demolition in order to build a new cabin, which would better serve our seasonal guests.
This demolition project was the first for us and it took about a week to complete.
My most favorite (and scariest) moment during this cabin demolition came when Garrett instructed me to get onto the roof in order to take off the screws of a ridge cap.
Uh-oh!
A chance to ride the metal stallion?
A chance to fall off and never have to do another construction project again?
A chance to do “a job” that may put my husband in jeopardy due to his poor hips flexibility?
What you don’t see here is that it took me 10 minutes to talk myself into making the leap from the tractor onto the OSB board and onto the roof. With no supports, safety harnesses, or stunt doubles…
Either way, it needed to be done and we got it done! Getting off that thing was my favorite <3
Shanty Deconstruction at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort
Cabin Deconstruction at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana
What is life like in the forest?
Is it glamorous or challenging AF? Peak inside to see what we think after 14+ years in the woods.
Living in the forest during winter is a unique and enchanting experience. As the owner of a glamping resort nestled in the heart of Montana, surrounded by nature's beauty, the winter season paints a picturesque scene that captivates both the senses and the soul.
🌲 Waking Up with Nature's Clock
In the forest, the day begins with a natural rhythm. Waking up at 7 am becomes a ritual, waiting for the sun to make its gradual appearance, casting a warm glow on the frost-kissed landscape. It's a gentle start to the day, in harmony with the serene surroundings.
🌲 Chasing Sunsets and Cozy Evenings
Conversely, bidding farewell to the sun around 5 pm marks the transition into a tranquil evening. The challenge lies in resisting the temptation to retire early, urging the body to stay awake until the comforting hours of 8-9 pm. Embracing the extended evenings creates a unique connection with the stillness of the winter night.
🌲 Woodstove Mornings and Year-Round Preparation
One of the daily rituals involves kindling the woodstove every morning. The wood, diligently collected throughout the year from the property, becomes a source of warmth and comfort during the winter chill. The symbiotic relationship with the land is evident as preparations made in the warmer months pay off during the colder ones.
🌲 Equipping for Winter Adventures
Winter in the forest requires practical adjustments. Ice cleats become essential companions to warm winter boots, ensuring a surefooted journey through the snow-covered landscape. Two pairs of socks become the norm, providing insulation against the winter cold throughout the day.
🌲 Work Clothes and the Call of the Wild
The forest demands a unique wardrobe, where "work clothes" bear the scars of a life surrounded by nature. Torn, cut, or burned, these clothes narrate stories of tree-cutting, brush-pulling, and pile-burning adventures. Each mark is a badge of honor in the life of a forest dweller.
🌲 Nature's Bounty and Quiet Moments
Living in the forest means discovering the unexpected. From identifying animal tracks in the snow to realizing the abundance of food and edible treasures that grow spontaneously, the winter forest is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The quietude becomes a cherished luxury, spoiling residents with a tranquility that is elusive beyond the forest's embrace.
🌲 A Symphony of Seasons and Resilient Trees
Appreciation for the resilient nature of trees deepens in winter. As silent witnesses to the changing seasons, trees stand tall, their branches adorned with snow, embodying strength and endurance. The forest becomes a living testament to the cyclical dance of life and the enduring spirit of nature.
🌲 Closer to Nature, More Alive Than Ever
Above all, life in the winter forest fosters a profound connection to nature. Amidst the seasonal changes, residents become part of the natural rhythm, their presence acknowledged or overlooked by the resident wildlife. It's a symbiotic relationship that breathes life into the soul, making every moment in the winter forest a celebration of being truly alive.
If you’re looking for a forest vibe for your next summer vacation, look no further than The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana. Ditch the city and we’ll see ya in the woods!
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Forest Winter Vibes at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana
Winter at The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort in Bonner, Montana
Defining Glamping: What is it and Why The Hohnstead is a One of a Kind Glamping Cabins Resort
Discover our Montana glamping gem: cozy, off-grid cabins, starry nights, forested hikes, and endless romantic adventures!
Hey there, nature lovers! Ready to embark on a journey into the heart of Montana's untamed beauty? Buckle up, because our glamping cabins are about to redefine your idea of a wild escape! But first things first, what exactly is glamping?
Defining Glamping
By definition, Glamping is “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.”
“If your essentials list contains things such as a real mattress, running water, or an actual toilet, you can still find numerous options that bridge the gap between traditional camping and the comforts of home.”
In our personal travel experiences, we found that glamping can be very basic and rustic but it can also mean canvas tents with claw foot tubs, chandeliers, wood stoves, and other glamorous/luxurious items.
Let us explain what glamping means to us, what we incorporated into our glamping cabin resort, and most importantly what our 500+ guests have loved while staying at The Hohnstead.
The Lowdown on Our Enchanting Cabins
Imagine cozying up in our cabins nestled within 100 acres of pure enchantment. Now, here's the kicker – a shared hot tub tucked into the forest, offering front-row seats to a stellar stargazing show! Yep, that's your cue to let the stars dazzle you. Our cozy cabins are dry, solar-powered, and well-placed to give you the utmost privacy and the feeling of total solitude. But our Commons Area is strategically placed for your cooking, connectivity, wifi, and socializing needs.
go wild, spotting the wildlife
Deer, elk, bears, wolves – this place is buzzing with wildlife waiting to be your new subjects for that “From Montana with Love” moment. Oh, and those majestic mountain views? They're like nature's postcards, begging to be captured.
Glamping in the woods
Off-Grid Vibes with a Connectivity Twist
Solar-powered cabins mean unplugged fun, but wait, we've got you covered. Need Wi-Fi and power? Swing by our Commons Area before venturing into your next wild escapade. Balance is our middle name! The Commons Area is centrally located between all five of our cabins and is a great location for remote working, cooking, dining and general hanging out.
Romance and Adventure: A Match Made in Wilderness Heaven
Calling all lovebirds! Our cabins are your ultimate romantic escape. Picture a secluded hot tub surrounded by whispering trees – the ultimate setting for romance to bloom. Wink-wink. Plus, we've got hiking trails and a fun Scavenger Hunt Challenge and Hike (free for all the staying guests) for those 'let's-get-lost-together-in-the woods' moments. Let us know in advance if you’re celebrating a birthday, or anniversary, or would like us to help you set up a special engagement (wouldn’t be the first time we wore a ghillie suit and hid in the bushes to film a proposal, true story).
Alla in ghillie suit for a secret engagement surprise at The Hohnstead
Montana's Hidden Gem
The Hohnstead Glamping Cabins Resort is only a hop, skip, and jump (fine, it's 25 minutes) from Missoula, Montana. But when you're here, it's like stepping into a whole new universe – Montana's untamed wilderness at your fingertips!
Missoula, MT is known for its natural beauty (“River Runs Through It” fame), cultural scene, craft beer (check this - 12 breweries in a town of 74,000+ folks), progressive vibe and so many outdoor events in the summertime.
There is this dope outdoor venue (named top 10 in the country, btw) called Kettlehouse Amphitheater. It’s our favorite, being only 10 miles away and when everyone else is going back to Missoula, you’ll be driving in the opposite direction to our resort AND skipping all the traffic, you’re welcome!
There is so much to do in this area of Montana, check out this helpful itinerary we put together.
because we care
We've got a green heart beating at the core of our Hohnstead Glamping Resort. Our cabins? Crafted with recycled materials! And hey, feel good about that shower with our eco-friendly soaps. Mother Nature approves! We also appreciate if you help us recycle your beer bottles or cardboard, just leave them in the Commons Area and we’ll do the rest.
Ready to embark on an adventure that’s a perfect mix of chill and thrill? Our glamping cabins are calling your name, inviting you into a forest hideaway where nature meets romance and hiking adventures. Choose your cabin now and get set to create unforgettable Montana memories in your very own backyard!
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Glamping Cabins at The Hohnstead in Bonner, Montana
Glamping Cabins at The Hohnstead in Bonner, Montana
Pet-Friendly Getaway and Off-Leash Hiking Adventures at The Hohnstead
In our forest sanctuary, we've crafted cozy cabins and pet-friendly trails, ensuring every tail wags and every paw finds its adventure path!
Ever had that moment when your furry friend gives you the "let's go on an adventure" look? That's the magic we live for at The Hohnstead, a place where your adventurous spirit and your pet's zest for life meet in a harmonious symphony of fun.
Our story? It starts with a little Yorkie named Slonik (check him out here!)—he’s the reason we love hosting and welcoming nature lovers and their pets onto our property. With his spirit in mind, we’ve tailored our space to welcome not just hiking adventurers but their four-legged pals too.
Pawesome Amenities
Picture this: all 5 of our Hohnstead cabins and hangout spots are pet-friendly zones! Bring your well-behaved adventure-seeking pup, and they’re instantly part of the gang. (Quick heads-up: There’s a small cleaning fee for pet guests, and we've got room for up to 2 dogs per cabin.)
Our playground = your playground
Over 100 acres of pure pet paradise! Let your furry sidekick roam on-leash or go crazy with those off-leash frolics. And hey, if you forgot the pet bowl, don't sweat it—we’ve got extras on standby!
Tailored Treats for Unique Pups
Here's the deal: we get that every fur baby has their quirks. That’s why we’re all ears for special requests or needs your pet might have.
say cheese
We’re excited to offer personalized photography sessions capturing the essence of your pet's tail-wagging adventures. Imagine those candid moments frozen in time against the backdrop of your cozy forest cabin.
Creating Paw-rific Harmony
Our mission? Creating a vacation where every pup is welcomed into the pack! If your furry buddy loves making new friends and living their best social life, this is their paradise. Friendly and kind pets are welcome, please be realistic and mindful if your pet is poorly behaved around other dogs/humans. When in doubt, let’s get in touch!
So, gear up your adventure buddy! Here at our forest getaway, every tail does a happy dance, every paw discovers its path, and every woof echoes through the trees in pure joy. Come, let your furry friend lead the way to an adventure of a lifetime at The Hohnstead!
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