Homemade Water Kefir (Natural Probiotic Soda)
A delightfully fizzy fermented drink that's like a probiotic homemade soda.
Servings: 1 quart
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 3 cups room-temperature water
- 1 packet or 1 Tbsp. water kefir grains rehydrated (see: How to Make Water Kefir section for full instructions)
Instructions
- Add the sugar and hot water to a quart-size jar. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add 3 cups of room-temperature water.
- Add rehydrated kefir grains.
- Cover the jar with a layer of breathable fabric, such as a cloth napkin or muslin.
- Keep the jar in a warm place (between 68° and 85°) for 12 to 48 hours.
- Strain the kefir grains from the water kefir, keeping both the water kefir and the grains.
- Drink the kefir immediately or bottle and store in the fridge.
Notes
Optional second ferment: For a fruity and even fizzier twist on the traditional fermented beverage, add 1/2 cup of fruit juice and the water kefir from the first ferment to a swing-top bottle. Seal and let rest at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, opening the bottle to release pressure build-up every 12 hours or so.
Store in the fridge and use caution when opening the bottle.