Swing Top Bottles for Kombucha: Complete Guide

Introduction to Swing Top Bottles for Kombucha

For more kombucha tips, check out our kombucha brewing guides.Swing top bottles, also known as flip-top or grolsch bottles, are a popular choice among kombucha brewers due to their unique design and functionality. These bottles feature a flip-top cap that allows for easy sealing and opening, making them ideal for secondary fermentation and storing kombucha.

Benefits of Using Swing Top Bottles for Kombucha

There are several benefits to using swing top bottles for kombucha, including:

• Tight seal: The flip-top cap provides a tight seal, which is essential for secondary fermentation and preventing contamination.
• Easy to use: Swing top bottles are easy to open and close, making them convenient for daily use.
• Durable: Swing top bottles are made from durable materials and can withstand the rigors of frequent use.

Equipment List for Brewing Kombucha with Swing Top Bottles

To get started with brewing kombucha using swing top bottles, you will need the following equipment:

• Swing top bottles (1-liter or 0.5-liter capacity)

Smaller amber bottles
Nevlers Amber Flip Top Glass Bottles, 16 oz
Sixteen ounces is closer to a single serving, which suits trying several flavourings from one batch. Amber glass, so they can condition on a counter without light exposure.
$34.99 ↗ as of 24 Sep 2026, 4:45am GMT+0000 Details(paid link)

General purpose
Kombucha Swing Top Glass Brewing Bottles
A straightforward swing-top set sold for exactly this job, if you want bottles without choosing between sizes and tints.
$27.95 ↗ as of 24 Sep 2026, 4:45am GMT+0000 Details(paid link)
• Kombucha SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast)
• Sweet tea (black, green, or herbal)
• Starter tea (pre-fermented kombucha)
• Cheesecloth or a coffee filter
• Rubber band

Bottles, by size

Before the picks, the point the benefits section above only half makes. The tight seal is not merely convenient: a second ferment with fruit in it generates real pressure, and a swing top is the cheapest widely available closure engineered to contain it while still being openable by hand. That is also its safety feature, since you can crack the wire a fraction to bleed a bottle that has run hot rather than opening it and losing half of it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Brewing Kombucha with Swing Top Bottles

Here is a step-by-step guide to brewing kombucha using swing top bottles:

1. Brew a batch of sweet tea and let it cool.
2. Add starter tea and the kombucha SCOBY to the cooled tea.
3. Transfer the mixture to a large glass container and cover it with cheesecloth or a coffee filter.
4. Allow the mixture to ferment for 7-14 days, depending on the desired level of sourness.
5. Once the fermentation is complete, transfer the kombucha to swing top bottles and secure the flip-top cap.
6. Store the bottles in the refrigerator to slow down fermentation and halt carbonation.

Pro Tips for Using Swing Top Bottles for Kombucha

Here are some pro tips for using swing top bottles for kombucha:

• Always sanitize your equipment before use to prevent contamination.

Sanitiser
Star San, 32 oz
An acid-based no-rinse sanitiser. Diluted, it is left in contact and then drained rather than rinsed, which avoids reintroducing tap-water organisms to a bottle you just cleaned.
$28.98 ↗ as of 24 Sep 2026, 4:45am GMT+0000 Details(paid link)
• Use the right size bottle for the amount of kombucha you are brewing.
• Make sure the flip-top cap is securely closed to prevent leakage and contamination.
• Store the bottles in a cool, dark place to slow down fermentation and halt carbonation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Swing Top Bottles for Kombucha

Here are some frequently asked questions about swing top bottles for kombucha:

• Q: What size swing top bottle is best for kombucha?
• A: The best size swing top bottle for kombucha depends on the amount of kombucha you are brewing. A 1-liter or 0.5-liter bottle is a good starting point.
• Q: How do I clean and sanitize my swing top bottles?
• A: To clean and sanitize your swing top bottles, wash them with hot water and mild soap, and then rinse them with vinegar or a sanitizing solution.
• Q: Can I use swing top bottles for other types of fermentation?
• A: Yes, swing top bottles can be used for other types of fermentation, such as kefir, jun, and ginger beer.