The verdict is in: Toronto has gone crazy for kombucha. The fermented tea drink is great for detoxification, immune system boosting, and digestion and has the sweet, carbonated taste of an all-natural soda or happy hour mocktail. So naturally, we’ve rounded up the top places to pick up some that are all locally made in the 6. [Feature image: Antivice Juicery]
Fresh, organic, and handcrafted, the kombucha at this shop (located right at the edge of Kensington Market) is the perfect pick-me-up for any day of the year. They offer unique flavours on tap like Embrace Me, a ginger- and hibiscus-infused black tea, and the appropriately named Divine Intervention, jasmine-infused green tea (and my personal favourite!). Served in either biodegradable cups or reusable glass bottles, both your body and the earth will thank you for stopping by.
Though it be small, the selection of kombucha flavours is wide at this cute little health food store in the Kensington Market. They offer a variety of different brands, great for those who are feeling adventurous with their juice and are always on the go. I would definitely recommend the mango or peach kombucha from Tonica, a brand brewed and bottled in Toronto and – fun fact – featured in an episode of Dragon’s Den.
Don’t let the name fool you; the Grow Op is the perfect place to stop by for a light, healthy lunch. The kombucha is made in house and available on tap, great paired with their salads or sandwiches and with flavours changing every few weeks. Brunch lovers take note: The Grow Op also use their kombucha to make virgin cocktails.
This modern bistro is located right by the Gladstone Hotel and makes their kombucha in house, made to order. They only have one flavour, lemon, and it’s the very definition of fresh. It’s also a little tart with just the right amount of sweetness to balance it out. It’s also occasionally mixed with other ingredients or flavours to boost it up. It goes great with anything on the menu, the perfect non-alcoholic beverage for a sober night out.
Spacious and modern, this Dupont-dwelling café is definitely an ideal place to chill if you’re with a group of friends. The kombucha is made and distributed by Toronto-based company Moore, which handcrafts each of their teas. Creed Coffee switches up the flavours every few days – so be sure to try them all – but they will usually have lavender vanilla and original kombucha (made from black tea) available.
A beautifully designed café with exposed brick, natural lighting, and lots of space, it’s a lovely spot for those looking for a quiet study area or lunch date on King Street. Their ginger kombucha has all the spicy goodness of natural ginger and incorporates both black and green tea in the blend. The kombucha is provided by Vams Culture a Toronto-based brewing company and according to the website, this particular blend can actually help clear congestion and cure hangovers (so definitely keep a few bottles close at hand for the morning after).