Water Kefir

Subtly sweet, fizzy, and packed with probiotics, water kefir is the ultimate healthy soda!

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Clean Eating Drinks

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 4

Total Time: 4 5

Servings: quart

Calories: 162kcal

Author: Violet Parcha

Ingredients

2 tablespoons water kefir grains
1/4 cup sugar
water
1/4 cup fruit juice or fruit

Instructions

1st Fermentation

In a quart mason jar, combine the sugar and 1/2 cup boiling water.
Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Pour 3 cups of cold water into the jar.
Add the water kefir grains.
Cover the jar with a cloth napkin, cheesecloth, or coffee filter secured with a rubber band.
Place the jar at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 24-48 hours.

2nd Fermentation

Pour the juice or fruit into a swing-top glass bottle.
Using a mesh strainer and funnel, strain the water kefir into the glass bottle. The kefir grains that stay in the strainer will be used to make your next batch.
Seal the bottle with the swing top lid, and place it at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 1-7 days.
If you let it ferment longer than 2 days, you will need to burp the lid to release pressure every day or so.
Once you are done fermenting your water kefir, place it in the fridge to chill and enjoy!

Notes

Sugar: Organic unrefined cane sugar, raw sugar, or sucanat is best.

Water: Well water or filtered tap water are the best options to avoid chemicals that can harm the grains.

Tools: Make sure to use tools made with non-reactive materials such as stainless steel, silicone, or plastic.

Fermentation Time

First Fermentation

The timing isn't an exact science, so don't stress about it. The warmer the temperature is, the quicker it will ferment. If it tastes tangy, it's done, but if it's still pretty sweet, let it ferment a little longer. Also, you want the water kefir grains to still look plump. If they get smaller and start to break apart, they're hungry and you went too long.

Once you make a few batches, you will get a feel for how long you need to go based on your exact circumstances.

2nd Fermentation

The longer you let the flavored water kefir sit, the stronger it will become. I typically prefer water kefir that has been fermented about 2 days, and I recommend starting there.

Nutrition