Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the kombucha craze. But most people only know the basics: kombucha is a fermented drink. What they might not know is that one of the byproducts of fermentation is alcohol — so is booch alcoholic?
When it comes to kombucha, the answer is a little more multifaceted than yes or no.
What Is Kombucha?
Although kombucha has become more popular in recent years, there is nothing new about it. Kombucha first appeared around 220 B.C. in Northern China, where it was believed to have magical healing properties. Through the centuries, booch’s popularity has risen and fallen. Lucky for you, you’re living in a moment when kombucha is on the rise.
Kombucha starts as an iconic porch sipper: sweet tea. That tea is fermented using a SCOBY, which is where the magic happens. SCOBY stands for symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, and it spurs the fermentation process that results in the brew we call kombucha. Of course, that’s only the beginning.
So much goes into making a great batch of kombucha, starting with the quality of ingredients you use — and we use organic, thank you very much! We also make use of superfruits, adaptogens, and whole plant botanicals to make our brews taste even better.
How Much Alcohol Does Kombucha Contain?
When it comes to kombucha, there is a spectrum with how much potential alcohol a batch of booch can contain.
No-Level ABV
In traditional kombucha, only a small amount of alcohol comes from the fermentation process. So small, actually, that the ABV is less than 0.5%, making traditional kombucha non-alcoholic, according to the US Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Trade Bureau.
Commercially brewed regular kombucha is basically in the same category as sauerkraut or kimchi, both of which are fermented and non-alcoholic. The only exception to this is home-brewed kombucha, which has the potential to be a bit stronger since it’s less regulated.
Low-Level ABV
Hard kombucha undergoes the same fermentation process as traditional kombucha, using tea, sugar, yeast, and bacteria to create a finished product.
The difference is that after the first round of fermentation, our kombucha goes through a second fermentation. This time, we use champagne yeast to remove any remaining sugar and increase the ABV.
Pro-Level ABV
There is a time and a place for all types of drinks, and sometimes you want something with a bit more kick to it. Like beer, hard kombucha can feature a range of ABV levels depending on how it is brewed. We’re all about giving you options when it comes to choosing something to sip on.
Flying Embers Hard Kombucha
Flying Embers hard kombucha is a labor of love. We use simple ingredients to handcraft bold beverages, and we’ve got delicious booch varieties at both high and low ABV percentages for every celebration or occasion.
Low ABV – Light on Calories, Not Flavor
These lower ABV flavors are the perfect combination of lush, juicy fruits and crisp, aromatic herbs and botanicals. They’re so crisp and refreshing that you’ll have trouble believing they’re lower in calories — not to mention that they’re still zero-sugar and zero-carb.
- Grapefruit Thyme 4.5%
- Wild Berry 4.5%
- Watermelon Basil 4.5%
High ABV – Experience a Better Buzz
Say you’re heading to the pregame and you want to bring something that packs a little more punch while still delivering on flavor. That’s where our High ABV line comes in.
We’re combining bright, succulent fruits like pineapple and black cherry with unexpected twists like chili and ginger. Flavor? Check. Better, bolder buzz? Check.
- Orange Passion Mimosa 6.9%
- Ginger 7.0%
- Black Cherry 7.2%
- Pineapple Chili 6.8%
- Mango Coconut 7.0%
Tropical Hops – For All You Beer Lovers Out There
Let’s say you’re a diehard fan of IPAs, but you could do without all the added carbs and bloating that often come with a couple of beers.
Our Tropical Hops collection is ready and waiting for you. Tangy hops and tropical fruits come together for what’s inspired by beer, but ten times better.
- Passionfruit Simcoe 8.5%
- Guava Citra 8.5%
- Spicy Mango Mosiac 8.5%
What Else Is (or Isn’t) in Your Hard Kombucha?
When you’re looking for hard kombucha, the ABV isn’t the only thing for you to pay attention to.
Gluten-Free, Organic, and Sugar-Free
Flying Embers hard kombucha is gluten-free and organic. We’re passionate about this stuff, so we only use the best ingredients.
While beer, wine, and sugary cocktails are often chock-full of stuff you don’t want, your hard kombucha only has the stuff you do want, since your drink contains 0g of sugar. The best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor.
How Does Flying Embers Compare to Other Alcoholic Drinks?
Hard kombucha is easily the best stuff compared to what you normally pick up from the store before a crazy weekend out or a fun night in.
Single Rum and Coke (per 8 fl oz)
- 12% ABV
- 17.6g Sugar
- 17.6g Carbs
Bud Light Platinum (per 16 fl oz)
- 6.0% ABV
- 1.3g Sugar
- 6.63g Carbs
Flying Embers Mango Coconut Hard Kombucha (per 16 fl oz)
- 7.0% ABV
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Carbs
- USDA Organic
- Live Probiotic
- Keto-Friendly
- Gluten-Free
- Vegan
Have we used enough buzz words, science, and downright enthusiasm to convince you?
Why Hard Kombucha
Our hard kombucha is keto, gluten-friendly, vegan, and low in sugar and carbs — we’re serious. It tastes great, making it the best choice for anyone looking to crack open a cold and delicious beverage for any occasion.
Sources:
Kombucha 101: Demystifying The Past, Present And Future Of The Fermented Tea Drink | Forbes