5 Reasons Why Kombucha Should Be Your Summer Drink of Choice

Are you on the hunt for a sophisticated and sip-worthy drink to sit with by the pool this summer? Look no further than Kombucha, a naturally fizzy fermented brew made from sugar, green or black tea, yeast, and healthy bacteria.  

Fermented tea may not sound like an obvious stand-in for a Long Island iced tea, but people around the world are raving about this traditional Chinese drink. According to recent stats, sales of kombucha were projected to hit around $1.8 billion worldwide in 2020, making it the fastest-growing functional drink on the market. 

So, what makes kombucha so popular? We’ve put together a few reasons why you should get on board with the trend and make kombucha your summer sipper of choice. 

1. It makes a great mixer

You don’t have to consume kombucha on its own – it makes for amazing cocktails or mocktails. Kombucha cocktails offer an unusual twist on classic tipples, making them a great choice for garden parties and evening soirees. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Kombucha Moscow Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, kombucha, and a splash of lime – delicious!
• Ginger Apple and Kombucha: Apple juice, fresh ginger, and kombucha, with a shot of vodka if desired.
• Kombucha and Champagne: Simply top up your champagne glass with a touch of kombucha – trust us, it works!
• Pomegranate and Kombucha Smash: Freshly smashed pomegranate, mint leaves, whiskey, and kombucha. Try this one out if you want to impress guests.
• Blackberry and Basil Kombucha Cocktail: Blackberry and basil are a magical combination. Add in a splash of kombucha, and you’ll be in heaven. 

2. It’s low in sugar

Although kombucha is made using sugar, it contains only 2-6 grams of sugar per 8-ounce portion following fermentation. To put this into perspective, a glass of orange juice of the same size contains around 24 grams of sugar. 

Scientists have warned Americans about the dangers of high sugar consumption for years now, and lots of us are trying to cut back. Whether you’re hoping to lose weight or lower your blood pressure, swapping a sugary lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing kombucha could help you achieve your health goals. 

3. It’s (almost) non-alcoholic

Are you hoping to cut back on alcohol this summer? You’re not alone. A growing number of Americans claim to be teetotal or “sober curious”. Recent data from Google Trends shows that the number of people researching the benefits of quitting drinking has risen by 70% over the past five years, a trend that looks set to continue.

There’s no denying that reducing your alcohol consumption could seriously benefit your health and wellbeing. As well as cutting your risk of diseases such as cancer, going easy on the booze could help you lose weight, boost your memory, enhance your mental health, and improve your sleep.  

Although kombucha contains a small amount of ethanol, it won’t ruin your plans to cut back. Most kombucha producers are legally allowed to market their products as non-alcoholic if the alcohol content falls below the 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) limit. This is a tiny amount of booze that won’t have a noticeable effect on your mind or body.

Having said this, some manufacturers add alcohol to their kombucha products for consumers hoping to experience a little kick. In other words, you have the option to drink a boozy kombucha or a non-alcoholic version depending on your mood.  

4. It’s said to contain amazing health benefits

Compared to most soft drinks, kombucha is loaded with good stuff that could benefit your mind and body. This includes:

• Probiotics: Probiotic bacteria may help to balance your gut microbiome and improve your digestion. If you suffer from regular bloating or stomach pains, kombucha could help to ease your symptoms.
• Vitamins and minerals: Kombucha contains an array of vitamins and minerals including vitamins C, B1, B6, and B12. 
• Antioxidants: Kombucha is high in antioxidants that protect the body from inflammation and oxidative damage. 

It is important to note, however, that overconsumption of kombucha could produce non-serious side effects such as nausea and dizziness. Try not to consume it in huge quantities!

5. It’s trendy

Okay, we know this may sound a little shallow, but kombucha could significantly increase your cool points this summer. Everyone is talking about kombucha right now, and you’re sure to gain plenty of interest by Instagramming yourself with a glass of the stuff. Give it a go today!