Skip the store-bought soda and make your own fizz. Water kefir grains turn sugar water into a lightly tangy, naturally carbonated base in about two days, and a splash of fresh lemon turns that base into the best lemonade you've had since you were a kid sitting on a curb somewhere.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup active water kefir grains
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 4 cups filtered water, divided
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
- 2 tbsp honey or additional sugar, to taste
- Ice
- Lemon slices and mint, for serving
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in 2 cups of warm filtered water and let it cool to room temperature.
- Pour the sugar water into a clean glass jar and add the water kefir grains.
- Cover with a breathable cloth and let ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours, tasting after 24 hours for tartness.
- Strain out the kefir grains, reserving them for your next batch, and keep the fermented liquid.
- Stir the lemon juice and honey into the fermented water, along with the remaining 2 cups of filtered water.
- Chill for at least 1 hour, then serve over ice with lemon slices and mint.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 70 |
| Total fat | 0g |
| Total carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Sodium | 10mg |
Why This Is Good for Your Gut
Water kefir grains are a symbiotic colony of yeasts and bacteria, including Lactobacillus and Leuconostoc species, that consume sugar and produce beneficial acids and a small amount of natural carbonation. Unlike milk kefir, it's dairy-free, so it's an easy probiotic option for people avoiding lactose.
Homemade soda that happens to be doing you a favor.
Craving more fizzy, fermented drinks? Try our Coconut Kefir Berry Popsicles or Ginger Honey Kombucha Spritzer.
This recipe is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
