Raspberry Mint Mojito Mocktail – NourishAndInspireMe

Today i’m sharing a Mocktail recipe with you. I know many of you will be detoxing at this time of year and this Mocktail style Mojito would be a great alternative to any cocktail.

I have used Kombucha in this recipe, maybe we should call it a Kombuch-ito!? I use Remedy Kombucha which is my favorite. I spoke with Emmet from Remedy Kombucha about his drinks and their amazing health benefits.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a fermented tea based drink – what starts as a sweet brew of tea is transformed into a fizzy, tart tonic that has been used as a health remedy for thousands of years. It is still brewed in many homes in Russia, Eastern Europe and China and our aim is to honour the age old brewing technique and make this delicious drink available throughout Australia.

Why is Remedy Kombucha good for me?

It’s full of naturally occurring probiotics, antioxidants and organic acids. All of these are said to improve digestion and immunity, like all fermented food and drink. It is naturally uplifting, energising – and is especially good after exercising.

What is the difference between Remedy and other brands out there?

Our drink is naturally very low in sugar (3-4grams per 300ml bottle), the way kombucha should be. I don’t know how other brands are made but we brew our drink traditionally and by hand. We even take time to be relaxed around our brews so it can do its amazing stuff – sounds a bit ooh aah and might only work on the humans who make it but that’s never a bad thing!

How did you get into making Kombucha? And how do you actually make Kombucha?

I have been making fermented drinks (and food) for over a decade now. Aside from the health benefits, I really enjoy the daily rhythms it brings to my life. It really forces you to slow down and concentrate on fairly simple tasks at hand (like waiting for a really big pot of tea to come to the boil for instance!). I have three young kids and it feels nice exposing them to a business that has meaning and is putting something good out into the world.

To make kombucha, brew up a large pot of sweet tea, add a culture known as a SCOBY (Symbiotic Community of Bacteria and Yeast) and then let it do its magic. It can take up to three weeks before our tea is transformed into a tart, fizzy drink full of probiotics and other goodness. You can even grow your own SCOBY from one of our bottles!

What’s your philosophy on food and healthy living?

Keep it simple and traditional. I like the food philosophy of Michael Pollan: eat food, not too much, mostly plants (more or less!). I have also meditated every day for 25 years (my wife and eldest daughter also meditate).

Is there any way in particular you like to drink Kombucha or do you simply drink straight from the bottle!?

Straight from the bottle. On a hot summers day I like to add squeeze of lemon to our Original flavour, with plenty of ice.

What flavours do you have?

Ginger Lemon,Purple Raspberry, Original. More flavours coming soon!

Where can i find Remedy Kombucha? (only In Australia at the moment)

Clay Fine Foods, Carlton North
Terra Madre, Northcote
Counter, North Melbourne
Auction Rooms, North Melbourne
Bayside Farmers, Market Sandringham
More places coming soon!

Kombucha Brands to look out for in the USA:

High Country
Health-Ade
GT’s (over 21)
Revive Kombucha
Lion Heart Kombucha (Portland)
CommuniTea Kombucha (Seattle)

Some Kombucha brands are filtered/pasturized so they fit more into the soft drink category (the are usually the sweet ones). These are best avoided.

Interestingly Kombucha has an uplifting quality to it – maybe something to substitute champagne with at your next party??

Here is a recipe for you to try!