Fall Archives - The Booch Witch

A rose quartz and citrine sit on a plate next to three honey straws. A small pile of dried chamomile, dried lavender, and dried skullcap adorn the plate in natural light.

Sleep Potion Kombucha

As Autumn transitions to Winter, we focus on rest and rejuvenation. Try a kombucha that promotes relaxation with my Sleep Potion Kombucha. Blended with dried chamomile, lavender, a squirt of honey, and my magical ingredient, this chilled-out recipe naturally will have you drifting away in no time.

Sleep Potion Kombucha is a gentle kombucha infused with one of my secret ingredients: skullcap*. Skullcap is a powerful and helpful herb for managing stress and anxiety.

For centuries, it has been used as a moderate relaxant and a treatment for anxiety and nervous tension. I use American skullcap for this recipe, which I grow at home and drink in homemade tea blends before bedtime. Dried skullcap can also be found at herbal retailers online.

Chamomile – dried flowers (1 tbsp)
Lavender – dried flowers (1 tbsp)
Skullcap – dried leaves (1 tsp)*
Honey – one squirt

*If you don’t have skullcap, that’s okay! You can certainly omit it, or try 1/2 tsp of dried sage, basil, or any other item in your cupboard that jumps out at you 🥰

Thawed, frozen blackberries in a glass jar sit on a blue plate with a jar of cinnamon powder. Scattered next to the jars are dried elderberries. A druzy quartz and fresh tulsi are also on the plate.

Berry Persuasive Kombucha

Deeply emotional, Scorpios are often magnetic and have the power to convince. In honor of one of my absolute favorite astrological signs, I present the Scorpio-themed Berry Persuasive Kombucha. This forceful and potent kombucha contains immunity-building natural ingredients like real, dried elderberries and blackberries.

Blackberries encourage success and are a juicy and deep addition to any homebrewed kombucha. Balanced with a dash of cinnamon and six dried elderberries, Berry Persuasive Kombucha is also a quick and easy recipe.

Blackberry – thawed frozen, or fresh (2 tbsp)
Elderberry – dried berries (6)
Cinnamon – one dash
Tulsi – dried or fresh (1 tsp) optional

Tulsi is a remarkable herb and adds a unique layer to homemade kombucha.

I like to grow a pot of tulsi every year in my garden and utilize the dried leaves throughout the year. Consuming tulsi is known to foster spiritual enlightenment. Find dried elderberries and tulsi, in the bulk section of your local, friendly co-op and even some grocery stores.

The handwritten recipe is displayed with an open jar for thawed, frozen cherries, whole cloves, and a sprig of fresh rosemary.

Scorpio Spirits Kombucha

Scorpio Season is October 24 – November 22. Scorpios are said to be one of the most interesting signs because of their intensity, secrecy, and depth.

Therefore, Scorpio Spirits Kombucha features plenty of juicy cherries. Cherries, ruled by Venus, draw energy to loving matters. Frozen cherries can be found at most grocery stores and co-ops, and when frozen, make a decadent and natural kombucha flavor. As you prepare this recipe, think about the love in your life that you have to be grateful for.

Cherry – thawed frozen, or fresh (2 tbsp)
Fresh ginger – a dime to penny-sized slice (1 tbsp)
Clove – one
Rosemary – one sprig
Maple Syrup – local (1 squirt)

Fresh lime and cranberry juice in jars, in the open sunlight next to a large natural stone.

The Samantha Kombucha 💋

Enjoy a kombucha mocktail take on a favorite drink of many: the Cosmopolitan! Cut right to the chase and use cranberry juice in this recipe. Paired with a couple of squirts of lime, you’ll be ready to enjoy this sassy treat any time you need a break from fruity kombucha.

While fresh cranberries (especially from Wisconsin!) are a nice extra in kombucha, they don’t ferment well in kombucha. Fresh, or even dried cranberries, still give off a good cranberry flavor, but with The Samantha Kombucha – organic concentrate juice is best. You can find this in local co-ops, like Basics in Janesville Wisconsin, or in organic sections of grocery stores.

Cranberry juice – fresh juice, or from concentrate (about 1 ½ tbsp)
Lime juice – fresh juice, or imitation (tiny plastic limes!) is totally acceptable (about 1 ½ tbsp)

Give yourself a break, kick back, and relax with this one 💋 The Samantha Kombucha is best served in a martini glass, ready to relax!

A small jar of thawed, frozen blueberries sits on a purple tablecloth with a jar of Wisconsin maple syrup, a few slices of fresh jalapeno pepper, and a moonstone pendant.

Sweet Heat! Kombucha

Sweet Heat! Is a perfect recipe to try one or two bottles during your regular kombucha flavoring process. The blend of sweet berries, a dash of local maple syrup, and fresh peppers (maybe right out of your garden?) will tickle your nose. Be warned – this one is not for the faint of heart! Sip delicately 🤧💚

Fresh garden jalapenos work best in this recipe but feel free to experiment with any other type of fresh pepper you have on hand or stumble on at a local farmers market. A little squirt of real maple syrup (local to you, if possible) is a nonnegotiable addition to round out Sweet Heat! Kombucha.

Jalapeno – fresh, sliced (½ tsp, usually one sliver of a slice)
Maple Syrup (1 squirt)
Blueberries – thawed frozen, or fresh (2 tbsp)

Some of the best advice I’ve given is to experiment with pepper-infused kombucha one bottle at a time. Pepper kombucha is a different taste I occasionally enjoy, but I definitely don’t want six bottles of it in my fridge at a time.

The handwritten recipe is displayed in an open notebook adorned with fresh sage and a bear-shaped jar of honey.

Libra Balance Kombucha

Libra Season is September 23 – October 23. As Libra ushers in the autumnal equinox, we recognize this powerful Air sign with a special harvest recipe. Enjoy Libra Balance Kombucha and the seasonal celebration in every sip!

Ancient Romans favored the Libra sign, which symbolizes a balance and harmony of seasons – equal day and night hours. Enjoy this recipe with freshly harvested apples from any local orchard. A squirt of local honey sweetens up the spice of cinnamon and the earthiness of sage.

Apple – fresh, sliced (1 tbsp.)
Mint – Fresh (1 sprig)
Honey – fresh, local (1 squirt)
Dash of cinnamon
Honey – local honey (1 squirt)
Sage – 1 leaf dried or fresh, crushed between your fingers

Fresh lemongrass sits on a plate with slices of fresh, juicy pear in natural light

Three Goddess Kombucha

Did you know that pears, in both Greek and Roman mythology, are sacred to three important Goddesses: Hera, Aphrodite, and Pomona. Three Goddess Kombucha is full of ripe, juicy pears. And, because pear trees are known to live many years, consuming pears is known to promote prosperity and long life. Pears, lemongrass, and special touches like anise and ginger make this kombucha a decadent treat.

Pear – juicy and ripe (1 tbsp.)
Lemongrass – fresh stalk (½ stalk), or dried (1 tbsp)
Star anise – one tiny corner (½ tsp)
Fresh ginger – a dime to penny-sized slice (1 tbsp)

September is the ideal time to start harvesting lemongrass stalks. And really, lemongrass is the best type of grass that’s both ornamental and useful. Grow lemongrass in patio pots to enjoy beautiful, natural insect repellant all summer. Mature stalks can be harvested throughout the summer and fall. Dried stalks work well, too! You can find dried lemongrass at many natural grocery stores and co-ops.

In natural light, a bear-shaped bottle of honey lays on a table next to shallow bowls containing dried rose petals, thawed frozen raspberries and cloves. Scattered next to the bowls are small stalks of cinnamon and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Lust Potion Kombucha

The hot days of late summer feel can lend a sultry type of feeling 💗

My Lust Potion Kombucha recipe calls upon your own personal inner identity, awakening your heart’s desires. The special blend of rose petals, spices, fresh herbs, and deep juices of raspberry merge in a special way.

Pop open a Lust Potion Kombucha, sit back, and smile as you reflect on your manifestation goals… what you REALLY want.

Dried, culinary rose petals (1 tbsp)
Raspberry – thawed frozen, or fresh (2 tbsp)
One clove – dried
Dash of cinnamon
Honey – local honey (1 squirt)
Rosemary – one fresh sprig (small tip works best)

Happy 18th Anniversary, Eric! I love you so much! September 10, 2023

See my related Love Potion Kombucha for more potion inspiration!

The Virgo Maiden Kombucha

Virgo Season is August 23 – September 22, and this Earth sign has high standards, yet is practical and patient. The Virgo Maiden Kombucha is sweet and practical, with the keenest eye for small details.

The Virgo Maiden Kombucha features fresh garden basil and Aronia berries, which are plentiful in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area.

Aronia berries – dried, organic (6 berries)
Basil – fresh leaf (1, if using dried ¼ tsp.)
Cranberries – thawed, frozen (3 berries) *find these in most grocery stores in the fresh or frozen section.

Aronia berries can be found at any local co-op or natural food store in the bulk section. These little berries are a known superfood because they hold so many powerful antioxidant benefits. The dried berries store well and make a unique, sweet, and beneficial addition to homemade kombucha anytime.