Kombucha, if you aren't familiar, is a fermented drink typically made with black or green tea. While it's taste is a some-what acquired one, this lightly fizzy drink is typically consumed for its health benefits. This drink is naturally packed with probiotics that have the potential to boost the immune system, aide digestion, and provide you with a satisfying drink!
Tea-Biotics: Local Kombucha
One company in Kansas City is changing the kombucha game: Tea-Biotics. Based in Olathe, owner Lisa Blesdoe is brewing up small, handcrafted batches of this fizzy drink. Their headquarters features 316 fermenters, which may seem like a high number, but compared to the big business scale, this is small. By crafting smaller batches, Lisa is able to create fresher teas, all of which are vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and raw. These probiotic-rich drinks are also brewed with fresh, cold-pressed juice giving them a light, fruity flavor!
Flavors range from classics like hibiscus watermelon and blueberry to fruit punch and turmeric lime. Some are reminiscent of other fizzy drinks, like root beer and cream soda. You can also find elderberry-infused flavors for an added boost. Seasonal favorites include Immunity (a blend of rosehips and elderberry), spiced cider, and chai cider. There's even a range of CBD-infused flavors including #beachlife (pineapple-coconut). Personal favorites include banana, honey apple, and cranberry vanilla.
Each flavor can be enjoyed on it's own, but I've also complied a list of cocktail recipes featuring a few flavors. With flavors like mule mix and margarita, it's hard not imagine adding a little vodka or tequila to kick things up a notch! The following are suggestions, but feel free to experiment and create your own "adult" beverage. As an added bonus, each recipe features a local spirit!
Classic Margarita
Ingredients:
- Tea-Biotics margarita kombucha
- 1/2 oz Triple Sec or Orange Simple Syrup
- 1-1 1/2 oz Mean Mule Silver Agave
- Lime (garnish)
- Salt, Sugar (for rim; optional)
Rub lime wedge along rim of glass and dip into salt or sugar; skip this step if you don't want a rim. Combine Mean Mule and orange syrup/liqueur in a glass. Top with margarita kombucha for desired flavor. Add ice and lime garnish, if desired.
Ginger Peach Whiskey Smash
Ingredients:
- Tea-Biotics ginger peach kombucha
- 1 - 1 1/2 oz. Mean Mule Agave Gold (or your fave whiskey/bourbon)
- 1 Tsp. Raw sugar (or simple syrup)
- Mint leave, extra for garnish
- peach (optional)
In a low ball glass, add* fresh mint leaves, raw sugar, and the gold agave spirit. Muddle together until mint is fragrant. Top with ice and fill with the ginger peach kombucha. Give it a stir and garnish with mint and a peach slice.
*you can add peach if you have it and muddle it in as well
Fizzy Cherry Limeade
Ingredients:
- Teabiotics cherry limeade flavor
- 360 Vodka lime
- Lime wedge (garnish)
- Cherry (garnish)
- Sparkling Limeade (for extra lime flavor, optional)
Pour lime vodka in a glass and fill with ice. Top with cherry limeade kombucha, a splash of limeade (optional). Garnish with lime wedge and cherries.
Their taprooms are in in Olathe (677 N Lindenwood Dr, Olathe KS 66062) and at W 39th St. (1607 W 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64111). Depending on the time of year, they can also be found at local farmer's markets and grocery stores across the metro. Check their social media for hours, flavors, and delivery options.