How to Make Kombucha in a Kilner® Jar: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quick Answer

Yes, you can brew kombucha in a Kilner® jar. Use a large glass jar like the Kilner® Storage Jar with Dispensing Tap 8 Litre for fermentation, and smaller bottles like the Kilner 189ml Milk Bottle for bottling. Follow the steps below for a successful brew.

Kombucha is a fermented tea that's loved for its tangy flavor and probiotic benefits. Brewing it at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize the taste. A Kilner® jar is an excellent choice for this process, thanks to its durable glass construction and airtight seals.

In this guide, we'll walk you through each step of making kombucha in a Kilner® jar, from preparing the sweet tea to bottling the finished brew. We'll also highlight common pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring your first batch is a success.

Why Use a Kilner® Jar for Kombucha?

Kilner® jars are renowned for their quality and versatility. The thick glass is perfect for fermentation, as it doesn't react with the acidic kombucha. The wide mouth of many Kilner® jars makes it easy to add and remove the SCOBY, while the airtight seals help maintain a consistent environment for fermentation.

For larger batches, the Kilner® Storage Jar with Dispensing Tap 8 Litre is ideal. Its generous capacity allows you to brew enough kombucha to last for weeks, and the tap makes serving a breeze. For smaller quantities or for bottling, the Kilner 189ml (third pint) Milk Bottle is perfect for creating single-serving bottles with a twist-top lid for freshness.

• Use a glass jar without any metal parts that might corrode.
• Ensure the jar is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before use.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather your ingredients and equipment. You'll need a large glass jar (like the Kilner® Storage Jar with Dispensing Tap 8 Litre), black or green tea, sugar, a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast), and starter tea (unflavored kombucha).

You'll also need a breathable cloth or coffee filter, a rubber band, and bottles for the second fermentation. The Kilner 189ml (third pint) Milk Bottle is excellent for this, as its twist-top lid allows for carbonation while keeping the kombucha fresh.

• Use filtered or spring water to avoid chlorine that can harm the SCOBY.
• Don't use flavored teas or those with oils, as they can damage the culture.

Step-by-Step Brewing Process

First, brew a strong tea by steeping 8-10 tea bags in 4 liters of boiling water. Add 1 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. Let the tea cool to room temperature; this is crucial to avoid killing the SCOBY.

Once cooled, pour the sweet tea into your Kilner® jar. Add the SCOBY and about 1 cup of starter tea. Cover the jar with a breathable cloth and secure it with a rubber band. Place the jar in a warm, dark place (around 75-85°F) and let it ferment for 7-10 days.

After fermentation, remove the SCOBY and set it aside. The kombucha is now ready for a second fermentation if you want fizz and flavor. Transfer the kombucha to bottles like the Kilner 189ml (third pint) Milk Bottle, add fruit or juice, and seal tightly. Let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 days, then refrigerate.

• Taste the kombucha after 7 days; if it's too sweet, let it ferment longer.
• During the second fermentation, burp the bottles daily to release excess pressure.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One common mistake is using too hot or too cold tea, which can kill the SCOBY. Always ensure the tea is at room temperature before adding the culture.

Another pitfall is using metal utensils or containers, which can react with the acidic kombucha. Stick to glass, wood, or plastic. Also, avoid disturbing the jar during fermentation; movement can slow the process.

Finally, be patient. The first batch might take longer to ferment, especially in cooler climates. If you see a new SCOBY forming on top, that's a good sign!

• Use a plastic or wooden spoon to stir, never metal.
• If mold appears on the surface, discard the batch and start over.

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Tea: Boil 4 liters of water, add 8-10 tea bags and 1 cup of sugar, and stir until dissolved. Remove the tea bags and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Make sure the tea is completely cool to avoid killing the SCOBY.
2. Step 2: Combine in the Kilner® Jar: Pour the cooled tea into a large Kilner® jar, add the SCOBY and 1 cup of starter tea. Cover with a breathable cloth and secure with a rubber band. Use a glass jar without metal parts to prevent corrosion.
3. Step 3: First Fermentation: Place the jar in a warm, dark place (75-85°F) and let it ferment for 7-10 days. Check the taste daily after day 7. If the kombucha is too sweet, it needs more time; if it's too vinegary, it's over-fermented.
4. Step 4: Bottle for Second Fermentation: Remove the SCOBY and set it aside. Pour the kombucha into bottles like the Kilner 189ml Milk Bottle, add flavorings if desired, and seal tightly. Leave at room temperature for 2-3 days. Burp the bottles daily to release carbonation and avoid explosions.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate and Enjoy: Once carbonated, refrigerate the bottles to stop fermentation. Serve chilled over ice. Your homemade kombucha is ready to enjoy!

Kilner® Products for Kombucha Brewing

• Kilner® Storage Jar with Dispensing Tap 8 Litre: The Kilner 8 Litre Drinks Dispenser can be used to serve many types of beverages and is ideal for parties and barbecues. The tap allows liquids to flow freely. This large jar is perfect for fermenting kombucha in bulk, and the tap makes it easy to sample your brew without disturbing the SCOBY.
• Kilner 189ml (third pint) Milk Bottle: The Kilner milk bottles are ideal for storing and serving homemade milkshakes and juices. Each bottle has a twist top lid for maximum freshness. Capacity 189ml/ third pint. These small bottles are perfect for bottling kombucha for the second fermentation, allowing you to create single servings with a secure seal for carbonation.

Making kombucha at home with a Kilner® jar is a rewarding and simple process. With the right equipment and a little patience, you'll be enjoying your own fizzy, probiotic-rich brew in no time. For a large fermentation vessel, consider the Kilner® Storage Jar with Dispensing Tap 8 Litre, and for perfect single-serving bottles, the Kilner 189ml Milk Bottle is a great choice. Start your brewing journey today!