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    Home » Recipes » Kombucha

    Modified: Feb 20, 2024 · Published: Apr 18, 2022 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

    Cara Cara Orange Kombucha

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    This bubbly Cara Cara Orange Kombucha is sweet and tangy. Made with fresh juicy Cara Cara oranges, it is guaranteed to quench your thirst!

    Cara Cara Orange Kombucha in mason jar with straw close up.

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    This Cara Cara Orange Kombucha is a healthy alternative to orange soda or an Orange Soda Mocktail. Made with homemade kombucha and fresh Cara Cara oranges it is sure to please.

    The only sweetener used to make this orange kombucha is in the first fermentation. It is naturally sweet from Cara Cara oranges.

    Another citrus kombucha recipe to try is Kombucha with Lime Juice.

    Did you know that you can eat the scoby? You sure can! After you make a few batches of kombucha, you're going to start having a bunch of scobys.

    Make some Kombucha Scoby Strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups, Ginger Kombucha Scoby Candy recipe, or Kombucha Scoby Ceviche.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
    • Two Types of Fermentation
    • What Makes Kombucha Fizzy?
    • 🧾 Ingredients
    • 🥣 Supplies
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • Should I Burp My Second Ferment Kombucha?
    • How Long Does It Take To Get Fizzy Kombucha?
    • 💭 Tips
    • 🥃 Other Kombucha Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why You'll Love It

    • It is sweet and tangy.
    • It's a great alternative to orange juice.
    • It's cheaper than store-bought kombucha.

    Two Types of Fermentation

    The first fermentation of kombucha is when you combine sweetened tea, a kombucha scoby, and some starter tea. You let it ferment for 7-21 days and the result is uncarbonated unflavored kombucha.

    For the second fermentation, you remove the scoby and take that kombucha you made in the first fermentation, and add flavor. You let it ferment for another 3-5 days in sealed bottles. The result is a fizzy-flavored drink.

    You can ferment the flavored kombucha for up to 14 days. It all depends on the amount of sugar content in the flavor you're adding, and the temperature of the room.

    Warmer temperatures will cause faster fermentation, and higher sugar content will also speed up fermentation.

    What Makes Kombucha Fizzy?

    The second fermentation is when kombucha gets fizzy. By putting it into a sealed container at room temperature and adding a sugar source (fruit and/or sweetener), carbon dioxide builds.

    🧾 Ingredients

    Ingredients for orange kombucha on a cutting board with labels.
    • Homemade kombucha: You'll need freshly made kombucha that has not been refrigerated yet.
    • Oranges: I used Cara Cara oranges, but you could use any variety. You could also use store-bought orange juice.

    To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    🥣 Supplies

    • Funnel
    • 4 (25 ounce) bottles with flip top lids
    • Measuring cup

    🔪 Instructions

    Orange juice being poured into a funnel into a bottle.

    Step 1: If using oranges, juice, and strain the pulp. Pour ½ cup of orange juice into each bottle.

    Kombucha being poured into a funnel over a bottle.

    Step 2: Pour your freshly fermented homemade kombucha into the bottles, leaving 1-2" head space. Let sit for 3-5 days.

    Flip-top bottle being popped open.

    Step 3: Pop open the lids at least once a day. Pressure builds, and this allows it to escape.

    Orange Kombucha in bottle with oranges.

    Should I Burp My Second Ferment Kombucha?

    Yes! If you don't you could have a mess. By adding sugar to the homemade kombucha and fermenting it a second time in bottles with swing-top lids, you're creating an environment for carbonation. If you don't allow it to escape, you'll have kombucha all over your kitchen.

    How Long Does It Take To Get Fizzy Kombucha?

    It can take anywhere from 1-14 days. It depends on a few things.

    1. It depends on how much sugar you have in the kombucha. (Sugar in the form of fruit and/or sweetener.) The more sugar, the faster you'll get carbonation.
    2. It also depends on the weather. Warmer temperature = faster carbonation. I've had bubbly kombucha after a day in summer months and bubbly kombucha after a week in colder months.

    💭 Tips

    • You can use freshly squeezed oranges or store-bought orange juice.
    • I used Cara Cara oranges because they are sweet. If using a different variety I suggest getting something sweet.
    • Shake the bottle before pouring a glassful.
    • You can add maple syrup, agave syrup, brown sugar, white sugar, or another sweetener.
    • Refrigerate after the kombucha is done fermenting.
    Cara Cara Orange Kombucha in mason jar with oranges and bottle of kombucha.

    5 Secrets To Making Kombucha

    Pomegranate Kombucha in two glasses.

    Kombucha just got easier!

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    🥃 Other Kombucha Recipes

    • Orange Creamsicle Kombucha
      Orange Creamsicle Kombucha
    • Beet Kombucha
      Beet Kombucha
    • Acai Kombucha
      Acai Kombucha
    • Lemon Kombucha with slices of lemon on a plate.
      Lemon Kombucha

    🌟Need a new kombucha scoby? I love to buy my scobys from Fermentaholics. They're inexpensive and my kombucha comes out great every time.

    Another recipe using oranges is an Orange Julius Smoothie.

    If you tried this Cara Cara Orange Kombucha Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!

    📋 Recipe

    Cara Cara Orange Kombucha
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    5 from 1 vote

    Cara Cara Orange Kombucha

    This bubbly Cara Cara Orange Kombucha is sweet and tangy. Made with fresh juicy Cara Cara oranges, it is guaranteed to quench your thirst!
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Diet Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    fermenting 5 days days
    Total Time 5 days days 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 12
    Calories 74kcal
    Author Willow Moon
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 4 (25 ounce) bottles with flip top lids or other air tight bottles
    • Funnel
    • Measuring cup

    Ingredients

    • 12 cups homemade kombucha
    • 2 cups orange juice - I used Cara Cara oranges (8 total)

    Instructions

    • If using oranges, juice and strain pulp.
    • Line up 4 (25 ounce) bottles with flip top lids or other air tight bottles.
    • Pour ½ cup orange juice into each 25 ounce bottle.
    • Using a funnel, pour freshly made homemade kombucha into each 25 ounce bottle leaving 1-2" head space.
    • Let bottles sit out (at 75° - 85°) 3-5 days, making sure to pop the lids each day to let out the pressure of the carbon dioxide. Taste each day to test its flavor and fizziness.

    Notes

    Use freshly made kombucha that has not been refrigerated yet.
     

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    Nutrition

    Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
    SIGN UP for my newsletter, get a FREE 30 Minute Vegan Dinners 7-Day Meal Plan as a welcome gift! 💌

    *Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.

    More Kombucha

    • Lemon Lime Green Tea Kombucha
      Lemon Lime Green Tea Kombucha
    • Lemon Green Tea Kombucha
      Lemon Green Tea Kombucha
    • Mango Green Tea Kombucha
      Mango Green Tea Kombucha
    • Raspberry Green Tea Kombucha in a glass with straw.
      Raspberry Green Tea Kombucha

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    Cara Cara Orange Kombucha

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