Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (2026)

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By Sarah Bond13 Updated Jul 20, 2023

4.61 from 23 votes

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This Cream Soda Kombucha is a deliciously sweet, vanilla flavored kombucha that tastes just like the classic cream soda of childhood!

Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (1)

Strap in, friends, because our kombucha is headed to flavor town. We’re talking old school ice cream parlor flavor town!

That’s right, Cream Soda Kombucha is happening and all I can say is I am here for it.

With a heavy handed lug of good quality vanilla extract and some brown sugar, you can transform your next batch of kombucha into a nostalgic bottle of cream soda.

Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (2)

There are two main fermentation phases when making kombucha:

  1. First Fermentation: This is when you transform sweet tea into tart and delicious kombucha (see ourguide to homemade kombucha here).
  2. Second Fermentation: This is when youcarbonatethe kombucha by adding flavor and sugars (like vanilla and sugar!) and bottling it.

You will need to have completed the first fermentation and have some kombucha that’s ready to be carbonated to make this Cream Soda Kombucha.

Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (3)

Cream Soda Kombucha Ingredients

  • Kombucha: You have brewed your kombucha in the first fermentation and are ready to flavor it (first fermentation instructions here). I used black tea kombucha here, but green tea would also be great!
  • Vanilla Extract: Aim for a good quality vanilla extract. Vanilla is the main flavor of the kombucha and poor quality (or artificial) flavors will shine through.
  • Brown Sugar: For ease of finding ingredients, we’re using light brown sugar for this flavor. If you can find it, black-strap molasses works marvelously!

How to make cream soda kombucha

This is one of the easier kombucha flavors to make. Just throw everything into fermentation bottles and seal shut! No chopping or blending required.

  1. Bottle: Evenly distribute kombucha intofermentation bottles, leaving 1 to 2 inches free at the top. Evenly divide vanilla extract and brown sugar (or molasses) into bottles, then shake to distribute. Seal tightly.
  2. Ferment: For 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like.
  3. Enjoy: Chill in the fridge before serving, optionally straining out ooglies or fibers.
Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (4)

Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (5)

Cream Soda Kombucha

Prep: 3 days days

Total: 3 days days

Servings: 8 cups

Author: Sarah Bond

This Cream Soda Kombucha is a deliciously sweet, vanilla flavored kombucha that tastes just like the classic cream soda of childhood!

4.6 from 23 votes

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Ingredients

  • ½ gallon kombucha from a first fermentation this is not store bought kombucha, 1.9 L
  • 2 Tbsp light brown sugar can sub equal amount black-strap molasses
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract 15 mL

Instructions

  • Bottle: Evenly distribute kombucha intofermentation bottles, leaving 1 to 2 inches free at the top. Evenly divide and brown sugar (or molasses) and vanilla extract into bottles, then shake to distribute. Seal tightly.

  • Ferment: Place in a dark, room temperature area for 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like. This process will go faster in warmer climates, and slower in cooler climates.

  • Enjoy: Chill in the fridge before serving, optionally straining. Can be stored in the fridge, tightly sealed, for several weeks.

Notes

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup (depends on fermentation length) | Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g

Leave a Comment

13 thoughts on “Cream Soda Kombucha”

  1. Hi, I was wondering if I made my own homemade vanilla would you be ok for this recipe?

    Reply

    • Yes that should work! 😀 Happy brewing!

  2. My Costco Vanilla extract says it is 35% alcohol. Will this kill the bacteria in the second ferment?

    Reply

    • It should be fine! Most vanilla extract is high alcohol.

  3. Could you use part of a vanilla bean instead of the vanilla extract?

    Reply

    • Yep, that should work!

  4. Can I use coconut sugar in place of the brown sugar or the molasses in the cream soda kombucha?

    Reply

    • Hi Kari! Here’s our article on the best sugar for kombucha 😀

  5. Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (8)
    Wonderful!!! One of my favorites!

    Reply

  6. Does each bottle get the 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of vanilla?

    Reply

    • No this is for the entire batch (1/2 gallon). You’ll just divide the sugar and vanilla evenly into each bottle 🙂

  7. Hi, is the purpose of the 2nd fermentation to add fruit juice etc or is it necessary. Can one drink from the first fermentation without going to the second.

    Reply

    • Hi Bea! The purpose of the second ferm is for flavor and carbonation, but it’s totally optional. You can drink the kombucha after the first fermentation and get many of the same health benefits.

Homemade Cream Soda Kombucha (2026)

FAQs

Can I use vanilla extract in kombucha? ›

You'll want about 1/4 cup per 16 fl oz bottle of kombucha. Vanilla Extract: This is what gives that extra layer of smooth sweetness to the drink. A high-quality vanilla extract yields a fresher end product but feel free to use what you have on hand to experiment.

How to make kombucha soda? ›

Bottle: Evenly distribute kombucha into fermentation bottles, leaving 1 to 2 inches free at the top. Evenly divide vanilla extract and brown sugar (or molasses) into bottles, then shake to distribute. Seal tightly. Ferment: For 3 to 10 days, until it reaches the carbonation level you like.

Is kombucha healthier than soda? ›

Kombucha contains a considerable concentration of antioxidants and probiotics, as well as reduced sugar levels, making it a healthier option in comparison with popular drinks like soda.

Can you add cream to kombucha? ›

This mocktail is made with ginger kombucha, oat creamer, and honey. A simple and satisfying beverage, Kombucha & Cream delivers the comforts of a classic cream soda along with the benefits of probiotics found in kombucha. Ginger adds a bit of zing, balanced by soothing honey and rich oat creamer for a frothy top.

How much extract to use in kombucha? ›

For flavor extracts such as almond or vanilla extract, start with 1/4 teaspoon extract per cup of kombucha and adjust to taste. Remember, the flavor will continue to develop during the second fermentation period.

What can you not mix kombucha with? ›

Kombucha contains alcohol. The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Disulfiram decreases the break-down of alcohol. Taking kombucha along with disulfiram can cause a pounding headache, vomiting, flushing, and other unpleasant reactions.

Why is my homemade kombucha not fizzy? ›

So if you've tried everything possible to create fizz and you're doing everything “right” — it may not be you. It might be your SCOBY. You may have a weak SCOBY or a SCOBY without a good yeast-bacteria balance. So you may want to look into getting a new one with some good starter tea.

What happens if you use tap water to make kombucha? ›

What are some concerns about using tap water for kombucha brewing? Tap water can contain chlorine and chloramines, which are harmful to kombucha's SCOBY. Additionally, tap water may have other contaminants that can impact the taste and quality of kombucha.

Why can't you drink kombucha everyday? ›

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that four ounces of kombucha can be safely consumed one to three times a day. Overconsumption can lead to headache, nausea, gastrointestinal distress, or ketoacidosis.

What is the healthiest fermented drink? ›

Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented tea that's fizzy, tart, and flavorful. It's made from either green or black tea and offers these drinks' potent health-promoting properties. Animal studies suggest that drinking kombucha may help protect the liver from damage caused by exposure to harmful chemicals ( 19 ).

Is apple cider vinegar better than kombucha? ›

If you're looking to improve heart health, apple cider vinegar may be the better choice. If you are fasting ACV is better because it will not break a fast. See our article does apple cider vinegar break a fast. But if you're interested in boosting immunity or aiding digestion, kombucha tea may be a good choice.

What does kombucha do to your skin? ›

Not only does kombucha protect and strengthen the skin, but it's also the perfect base to prep the skin for next steps and helps your other skincare products work more effectively. Our duo of kombucha products boosts your skincare ritual's efficacy while delivering luminosity and antioxidant protection.

What happens if you add honey to kombucha? ›

Unlike traditional kombucha, with its black tea and cane sugar base, Jun kombucha uses green tea sweetened with honey rather than refined sugar. Jun kombucha still goes through the fermentation process with SCOBY, but the result is a smoother, more drinkable brew.

Is it okay to put vanilla extract in a drink? ›

Vanilla is a great ingredient in cocktail mixology because it adds a smooth, luscious flavor to drinks and helps meld flavors together. It pairs beautifully with barrel-aged bourbon or whiskey, and also works well in rum cocktails (particularly those that contain elements of cherry, chocolate, cinnamon, or clove).

Can I use vanilla extract instead of sweetener? ›

And it won't spike your blood sugar levels because there isn't any sugar in it, says Rebecca Lewis, a registered dietitian nutritionist at HelloFresh. “Vanilla is often used in sweet treats, even though vanilla itself is not sweet,” she says. “It can also be used to flavor smoothies, coffee, oatmeal, and plain yogurt.”

What can I use to flavor kombucha? ›

Herbs are a great addition to kombucha. I love partnering them when fresh fruit flavors. I prefer fresh herbs when possible or using very good quality dried herbs (make sure it's still fragrant!) and that it just hasn't been sitting in your pantry for half a decade accumulating dust.

Is it safe to add vanilla extract to tea? ›

The key is to use pure vanilla extract, and not synthetic vanilla flavoring. You want to use an unflavored black tea such as English Breakfast – I used Yorkshire Gold tea from Taylors of Harrogate. Measure one cup of black tea and pour it into the jar. Then add one teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract to the tea.

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