What is hard kombucha?
Kombucha is a delicious fermented tea drink that naturally contains a small amount of alcohol. It’s still considered a non-alcoholic drink as the volumes are so low, unlike its counterpart hard kombucha. If that’s left you wondering: where does regular kombucha end and hard kombucha begin? Then, this is the read for you. Discover more […]
Kombucha is a delicious fermented tea drink that naturally contains a small amount of alcohol. It’s still considered a non-alcoholic drink as the volumes are so low, unlike its counterpart hard kombucha. If that’s left you wondering: where does regular kombucha end and hard kombucha begin? Then, this is the read for you. Discover more about the ins and outs of hard kombucha and whether or not it’s your cup of (fermented) tea.
Take a look at what we’ll be covering here…
- What is Hard Kombucha?
- How is Hard Kombucha Made?
- Is Hard Kombucha Good for you?
- What Does Hard Kombucha Taste Like?
- Does Hard Kombucha get you Drunk?
- Is Hard Kombucha Gluten-Free?
What is hard kombucha?
Hard kombucha is an alcoholic kombucha made in a similar way to regular kombucha – with the same ingredients of Tea, Pure Spring Water, Raw Cane Sugar, and Kombucha Cultures.
How is hard kombucha made?
One of the biggest differences between hard kombucha and regular kombucha is the time it takes to make. Hard kombucha is fermented longer with more sugar and yeast to bump up the alcohol content. You might also find that some kombucha brands will add artificial or natural flavourings to add to the taste.
Is hard kombucha good for you?
Unfortunately, as it is classified as alcoholic, hard kombucha is not ‘good’ for you, but it does contain less sugar and carbohydrates than most other alcoholic drinks such as lager, cider or wine, coming in at around 100-160 calories. Regular kombucha contains naturally occurring bacterial cultures and yeast that make it an ideal drink to help boost gut health. However, hard kombucha contains fewer probiotics due to the higher alcohol content. It’s also worth adding that hard kombucha is typically green tea or black tea based, so while it may contain a small amount of caffeine, it will likely contain the benefits of antioxidants, too. Be sure to check the nutritional information on the bottle for more information.
What does hard kombucha taste like?
Describing the taste of hard kombucha is almost as tricky as describing that of regular kombucha. It’s a very unique flavour – fizzy, zingy, tart and mildly sweet, it’s one of the tastiest drinks out there. You might even find that the interesting flavour makes it a refreshing change to beer.
Does hard kombucha get you drunk?
Most hard kombuchas have a moderate ABV of around 3.5%-5.5% which is similar to most beers. This means that it’s considered an alcoholic drink and could get you drunk – exactly why it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re drinking home-brewed hard kombucha because the alcohol levels can be much higher. And, while most regular kombucha is suitable for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, hard kombucha isn’t – it might be a healthier option compared to other alcoholic drinks, but remember, it’s not completely sin-free!
Is hard kombucha gluten-free?
The good news is that most hard kombuchas are gluten-free, but it’s always worth checking the label before drinking – especially if you’re gluten intolerant or you have celiac disease.
If you’re off the booze or want to try regular kombucha first, dip your toe in with our range of kombucha flavours. And, if you’re partial to a cocktail (or two), our mojito flavour kombucha could be the low-alcohol alternative you’ve been looking for. So, why not give it a try? It could just be the tipple you’ve been searching for!
