Easy Homemade Water Kefir
A refreshing and healthy probiotic drink made easily at home with active water kefir grains, filtered water, sugar, lemon, ginger, and dried fruit.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water kefir grains active
- 4 cups filtered water non-chlorinated
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 2 slices lemon organic (washed)
- 1 inch ginger peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup dried fruit unsulphured (e.g.
- pinch sea salt optional
Instructions
- In a clean glass jar, combine the filtered water and organic cane sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add the active water kefir grains to the sugar water solution.
- Add the lemon slices, ginger slices, and dried fruit to the jar.
- (Optional) Add a pinch of sea salt or bicarbonate of soda for added minerals, which can help nourish the grains.
- Cover the jar with a breathable cloth (like a coffee filter or cheesecloth) and secure it with a rubber band.
- Place the jar in a warm spot (ideally 68-75°F / 20-24°C) away from direct sunlight.
- Allow the mixture to ferment for 24-48 hours. Taste periodically after 24 hours to check for desired sweetness and fizziness. The longer it ferments, the less sweet and more tart it will become.
- Once fermented to your liking, strain the water kefir into clean bottles using a fine-mesh plastic strainer (avoid metal with grains).
- Reserve the water kefir grains in a fresh sugar-water solution or a small amount of finished kefir in the fridge for your next batch. Discard or compost the lemon, ginger, and dried fruit.
- Seal the bottled water kefir and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy cold!
Notes
Fermentation typically takes 24-48 hours at room temperature (68-75°F / 20-24°C). Adjust fermentation time to your taste; longer fermentation results in a less sweet, tangier, and fizzier drink. For an extra mineral boost, add a tiny pinch of sea salt or bicarbonate of soda to the water solution. Always use non-chlorinated water.