How to make Water Kefir {Homemade Fermented Soda}
If you’ve ever been curious about making fermented drinks, water kefir is the best choice for the beginner!
In this post, I will walk you through making water kefir from the right tools, the ideal water and sugar, to flavor add-ins!
This post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission on sales at no extra cost to you
First, let’s talk about what water kefir is: This fermented drink is made with kefir grains mixed with water and sugar. The process of fermenting this drink leads to a soda like drink that is packed with good bacteria that is so important for a healthy gut.
Want to try a different homemade soda? Try my WHEY SODA RECIPE
Other options like Kombucha are great as well, but can be a bit harder to learn and master.
I think we all can agree that soda pop is not the healthiest drink option even though it is delicious! Water kefir gives you that same experience, but in a healthy way!
You may be wondering why we should consume healthy probiotic rich foods. Our gut needs these healthy bacteria to keep active and make you feel well. Making this fermented drink at home will add to your gut health in a delicious way.
What exactly is Water Kefir?
A probiotic rich drink that can replace unhealthy soda pop in your diet.
Water kefir grains are needed to start this drink. They are little pearl like grains that are packed with beneficial bacteria and lead to fermentation when mixed with sugar water.
When you ferment anything, there will be a build of carbon dioxide. This produces the natural fizz of water kefir.
Looking for more fermentation related recipes? CLICK HERE!
What you will need to make this fizzy drink!
Water Kefir Grains – You will need to purchase GRAINS to get started. The good news is you only have to buy them once and they will stay active as long as you maintain them.
When you buy these grains, they may be dehydrated grains. There will be instructions on how to reconstitute them and starting using for kefir.
Swing top jars – For the second fermentation which will lead to the natural fizz, you will need to use SWING TOP BOTTLES. They are air tight with a gasket making secondary fermentation easy.
Sugar – I highly suggest using a high quality ORGANIC RAW SUGAR. Organic cane sugar is often not as sweet as white sugar for a more natural sweetness.
Fine mesh strainer – To strain the water kefir grains out of the fermented water, you will need a FINE MESH STRAINER. I prefer a plastic strainer but any fine mesh strainer should work just fine.
Wide mouth mason jar – I find that the glass mason jars just work the best for this process and I have so many on hand already, it’s convenient as well.
Small Plastic Funnel – I like these SMALL FUNNELS.
Water – For best results, always use filtered water to make kefir. Tap water often contains chlorine which can inhibit the growth of good bacteria.
Add-ins – Non-concentrated fruit juice, Vanilla Extract, Fresh Fruit, etc…The natural sugars in the fresh fruit will ferment the kefir in the second ferment. There are so many different flavors you can add so have fun!
Want to learn to make kefir with milk kefir grains? CLICK HERE!
Step by Step instructions for making Kefir Water
Prepare Sugar Water
Simply add 1/2 cup very hot water to a glass quart jar and add in 1/4 cup sugar. Stir until completely dissolved and add 3 more cups of filtered water.
Add Kefir Grains to Sugar Water
Make sure the water is cool before adding your grains.
Place the kefir grains in the bottom of a large mouth quart sized mason jar and pour the cooled sugar water over them.
Place a loose lid, a KEFIR CAP, (a plastic cap that naturally allows air to escape without letting pests in) or a coffee filter with a rubber band around it.
Ferment the Kefir (First Fermentation)
Let this mixture sit at room temperature on the kitchen counter for at least 24 hours away from direct sunlight.
You can taste the mixture to gauge the fermentation process. If it still tastes really sweet, cover and let sit another 24 hours.
The taste you are going for is a slightly tangy water.
Strain the Mixture
After the first fermentation, you will need to strain the water to separate the grains from the mixture.
Put your strainer over a 4 cup measuring cup and pour the liquid over the strainer.
Second Fermenation
Add your flavorings to the strained liquid and mix.
You can go ahead and drink the strained water kefir if you prefer and not proceed with a second fermentation.
Put a small colander over the flip top bottle and pour the liquid up to the start of the neck leaving room for carbonation.
Close the lid.
Let it sit on the counter for 24-48 hours and then refrigerate.
Start the next batch
To start the next batch, add the grains to a clean quart sized mason jar and make a new mixture of fresh sugar water using the directions above.
Allow the sugar water to cool and pour over the grains. Start from the above instructions to continue.
This process can be repeated indefinitely for a steady supply of kefir!
Note: It is important to check the fermentation process after 24 hours. Carefully, open the lids to check for carbonation.
If there is a slight sound of fizz, close the lid and let it go another 24 hours before refrigerating as every kitchen temperature is different which will affect fermentation time.
Keep in mind, there will be pressure on the lids. I recommend placing a towel over the lid before popping open to avoid the kefir splattering about.
Note: The first batch of water kefir may not be as strong as you prefer, but the next batch will get stronger and each batch after will see the grains grow and get stronger.
Flavor Ideas
While you can definitely drink plain water kefir, flavored water kefir only tastes more delicious!
Grape – Add a quarter cup of grape juice to the mixture before bottling (second fermentation) for a grape soda like drink.
Berry – Add 1/4-1/2 fresh berries to the mixture prior to bottling for second fermentation.
Vanilla – Before bottling for the second fermentation, add 1 tsp of vanilla and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Lemonade – Add a slice of lemon or a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of sugar to the strained kefir before bottling.
Water kefir uses grains to ferment the water, while kombucha is made by fermenting tea with a “scobie” or starter culture.
No, it is not necessary to rinse the grains. The only time you would want to rinse under filtered water is if you used a strong flavoring like Molasses.
As with any fermented product, too much could lead to bloating and a little stomach upset, especially if you are new to it. I would recommend one 6 ounce glass a day for optimum benefits.
Let me know if you give water kefir a try! As always, leave a comment with any questions or to let me know which flavor you prefer!
Love this post? Pin it, share it, and comment!
I was wondering if you can use a sugar substitute? Such as Monk Fruit, Stevia, etc. And can I add something else besides fruit juice? I am a diabetic and can’t have either one of these. Thank you.
I am not sure if that would work. You may try fresh fruit that has been cooked down and some coconut or date sugar.