Homemade Probiotic Drinks
A sparkling and refreshing homemade water kefir soda infused with the natural sweetness of berries. This probiotic-rich drink is easy to make and perfect for enhancing gut health with natural fermentation.
Ingredients
- 4 cups finished water kefir
- 1/2 cup mixed berries fresh or frozen and thawed
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey optional
Instructions
- Gently mash the berries in a clean, fermentation-safe glass bottle or jar (about 1-quart capacity).
- Pour the finished water kefir into the bottle, leaving about 1 to 2 inches of headspace from the top.
- If desired, add maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness and stir gently to combine everything.
- Seal the bottle tightly with an airtight lid and let it ferment at room temperature for 1-3 days.
- During this secondary fermentation, 'burp' the bottle once a day by opening the lid briefly to release any built-up carbonation. This prevents pressure from becoming too high.
- Once your desired level of fizziness is achieved, strain out the berries if preferred, then chill the soda in the refrigerator to slow down fermentation.
- Serve cold and enjoy your delicious homemade berry water kefir soda!
Notes
Experiment with different fruits like sliced citrus, mango, or pineapple. Ensure bottles are suitable for fermentation (e.g., swing-top bottles) to prevent breakage. Release pressure daily during secondary fermentation ('burp' the bottle) to avoid excessive carbonation. Taste after 24 hours to check fizziness and sweetness, then continue if desired.