Kombucha Cocktails

Hi friends! Happy almost-Friday. How’s the morning going? P and I went to the gym -I got in an awesome upper body workout- and now I’m back home getting some work stuff together while she naps. I just took out my planner and can’t believe how the weekends are filling up from now until December. 

This holiday season is going to be a hectic one. Once everything is settled, and we’re in a house, and all of our stuff has arrived (you know, the stuff that isn’t lost or broken in the process), I’m looking forward to:

decorating! (I always have a blast decorating a new space)

rediscovering our favorite spots while exploring new ones,

and entertaining!!

We’ve only had small get-togethers here in San Diego (usually a couple and their kiddos for “family dinner”) but in Valdosta, it’s going to be back to full-fledged dinner parties. The Pilot’s work community out there is pretty connected, and I’m looking forward to meeting the families and enjoying weekends together. When we moved to San Diego, we were kind of on our own as far as making friends go, and we have met some incredible friends who have become our family out here. 

Before we leave, we’re finally having a party with all of them, to celebrate P’s first birthday and to celebrate our friends who have been so wonderful. On the menu: tacos (catered by the taco man, who comes out to grill fresh street tacos to serve with rice and beans), sangria, fresh horchata, and something a little different for my fellow kombucha-loving friends.

Kombucha cocktails.

These have become more popular in the past couple of years, and I love the idea to add herbs, fresh fruit, and a little booze to my favorite fermented beverage.

Here are 3 kombucha cocktails I created that would be perfect for upcoming girls’ nights or holiday parties.

Blackberry Lime Mule

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 bottle ginger kombucha

1/4 cup blackberries

2 shots of vodka

optional: honey simple syrup (equal parts honey and water, heated on the stovetop and whisked until smooth. Cool to room temperature. Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge)

fresh mint

1. In a glass, muddle together the mint, vodka, simple syrup (I’ll use 1-2 tablespoons) and blackberries together. Strain into a serving glass.

2. Top each glass with 7 oz ginger kombucha.

3. Garnish with a few blackberries and fresh mint.

Cherry Bourbon Blend

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 bottle tart cherry kombucha

2 shots of bourbon

Juice of half an orange

Fresh orange zest

optional: honey simple syrup (equal parts honey and water, heated on the stovetop and whisked until smooth. Cool to room temperature. Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge)

Frozen cherries for garnish

1. In a shaker, combine the orange juice, zest, bourbon and simple syrup (1-2 tablespoons). Strain into serving glasses.

2. Top with the tart cherry kombucha and add a few frozen cherries. Garnish with additional orange zest.

Lavender Love

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Lavender kombucha

2 shots sake

optional: honey-vanilla simple syrup (equal parts honey and water, heated on the stovetop and whisked until smooth. Remove from heat and add 1 vanilla bean. Cool to room temperature. Can be made in advance and stored in the fridge)

Fresh lavender for garnish

1. Add sake and honey-vanilla simple syrup (if using) to serving glasses. Pour the kombucha on top, and garnish with fresh lavender and/or vanilla bean. 

I was blown away by how easy and delicious these were. We’ll definitely be enjoying these often as a way to switch up the usual kombucha game, and enjoy a healthier twist on traditional cocktails.

Hope you have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya soon. <3

xoxo

Gina