Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (2024)

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This homemade Water Kefir recipe is made with just three simple ingredients. Water kefir and other fermented probiotic beverages are all the rage right now, and I am 100% on board! It can be a fun little hobby with amazing health benefits. Read on to learn how to make this tangy, fizzy drink that is chock full of probiotics and other nutrients.
Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (1)

Water Kefir vs Milk Kefir

Making water kefir is much easier than I ever thought it could be. You might be familiar with milk kefir. The fermentation process is basically the same, except instead of lactose in milk, the beneficial bacteria uses sugar dissolved in water to create a delightful probiotic beverage.

Milk kefir grains cannot be used to make water kefir, and vice versa. While milk kefir has a lot more probiotics and health benefits, homemade water kefir as a wonderfully healthy alternative to soda. Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (2)

Water Kefir Recipe ingredients

To make this homemade kefir recipe, you’ll need:

  • Water kefir grains
  • Sugar
  • Filtered water
  • Optional ingredients: fruit juice, diced fruit, or ginger

Where to Purchase Grains

I purchased my grains from Cultures For Health. They come freeze-dried and require several days of rehydration to activate them. I also recently found the grains at a local Orange County Kombucha bar called Fermentation Farm. If you’re on the lookout for kefir grains (water or milk), check local health food store bulletin boards, Craigslist, and through social media. I find people are more than happy to share. There are even Facebook groups where members share cultures and information about fermenting kefir, kombucha, vinegar, and other probiotic beverages. Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (3)

What Kind of Sugar to Use

The kind of sugar and water used matter a lot. The culture readily consumes plain old white sugar, but requires more minerals to maintains the health of the kefir grains.

Raw sugars such as evaporated cane juice, turbinado, jaggery, or sucanat are recommended. If I use white granulated sugar, I make sure it’s cane sugar, preferably organic.

Honey has its own enzymes and other things that may interfere with the fermentation process, so it’s best to stick with sugar. Maple syrup and coconut sugar, or other natural sugars, might be okay, but always let the grains rest and rejuvenate in plain sugar water occasionally or they might stop working or die off.

I do know of people who have successfully used honey, maple, or coconut sugar effectively, but if you’re a beginner, start with sugar.

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What Kind of Water to Use

It’s important to use filtered waterto make this water kefir recipe.If the filter removes minerals, like reverse osmosis, they will need to be added back in. There are several ways to do that, but only choose one to add back in:

  • ¼ teaspoon of molasses
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • a pinch of sea salt
  • mineral drops

Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and even lingering pesticides, all of which can harm the kefir grains. I have a reverse osmosis filter in my kitchen, which works fine, but I do add a pinch of sea salt in with the sugar and water for the added minerals.

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How to Make Water Kefir

Here are the basic steps to mastering this water kefir recipe:

  1. Warm 1 cup of filtered water, then dissolve sugar in it.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a jar, then add in the kefir grains and remaining water.
  3. Set aside to ferment.
  4. Once fermented, strain out the water kefir grains to make another batch.

How Long Do I Let it Ferment?

Fermentation time varies a little, but typically 24 hours is sufficient for the first fermentation; maybe 48 hours if the room temperature is on the cooler side. It’s important to keep feeding those grains, so anything beyond 1-2 days may actually injure them. I know people who ferment for longer, but add a little sugar each day to keep the grains active.

I did leave some to ferment for 5 days as an experiment and the grains recovered, but I wouldn’t let that become a habit.

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How To Do A Second Fermentation

A second fermentation is optional, but will result in a fizzy “soda” that is utterly delightful. The second fermentation is done without the kefir grains. They are filtered out and a new batch immediately started.

For the second fermentation, fruit or fruit juice, herbs, or spices can be used to flavor it. I usually use about ¼ cup of 100% juice for every 1 quart of fermented water kefir.

The second fermentation is also 24-48 hours, but can be even longer depending on how fizzy you like it. The longer it ferments, the fizzier it will become. We’ve even had some pop and bubble over like champagne. (My kids love that trick!)

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How to Store

Whatever you do, keep the jar covered with a cloth or paper filter to prevent fruit flies, ants, or other unwanted pests. Fruit flies are the biggest concern. They love the sweet, fermented liquid and will quickly take residence in an open jar. Cheesecloth is not recommended because the weave isn’t tight enough. I use pieces of flour sack towels and a rubber band.

How to Store Water Kefir Grains

Once you get going on the water kefir, it can seem a bit overwhelming. The grains will grow and reproduce. To halt the fermentation process for a short amount of time (less than a month), the grains can be refrigerated in the sugar water solution. Change the sugar water every so often, but the grains should be just fine.

For longer storage, it’s recommended that the grains be dehydrated. Freezing is not recommended.

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How Long Does it Last in the Refrigerator?

You can drink the fermented kefir water right away or store it in the refrigerator. Ours never lasts longer than 1-2 days because we are always drinking it, but it should last 2-4 weeks.

Do be careful and “burp” the bottles so they don’t explode. I have only had that happen once because I forgot to stick the bottle in the fridge at bedtime and we woke up to a GIANT mess.

What Does it Taste Like?

The water kefir should have a nice, yeasty or yogurt-y kind of smell to it. If it smells sulfury or “off” it’s best to toss it out and start with fresh sugar water. It’s very rare for mold to grow on the kefir. There might be strands of yeast, however, which is totally normal.

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Tips for Making Water Kefir

The process of making homemade kefir is as easy as can be. Once it gets going you’ll have a new batch of water kefir every other day or so. I like to do a second fermentation, which results in a bubbly “soda,” but that’s an optional step. It’s perfectly fine to drink after the first fermentation.

If adding fruit juice to your water kefir for a second fermentation, read the ingredients list to make sure you’re using 100% fruit juice.

Note that you must wash and sterilize whatever jar you’ll be storing your homemade kefir in. It’s very important that you take the time to do this, otherwise your kefir might not ferment properly.

Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (10)

More Healthy Drink Recipes:

  • Fresh Pressed Rainbow Juice
  • Carrot and Orange Power Smoothie
  • Anti-Inflammatory Mango Smoothie
  • Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie
  • Almond Date Smoothie

homemade water kefir

Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (11)

Homemade Water Kefir

Water kefir is made with just three simple ingredients! This fizzy fermented beverage is a healthy soda alternative and an all-around refresing drink!

5 from 7 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Fermentation Time: 2 days days

Total Time: 2 days days 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 quart

Author:Andrea

Equipment

  • Quart-sized jar

  • Plastic fine mesh strainer

  • Piece of cloth or coffee filter

  • Rubber band or jar ring

Ingredients

For first fermentation:

  • 2-4 Tablespoons water kefir grains
  • 4 Tablespoons sugar
  • 3 ½ cups filtered water

For second fermentation (optional)

  • fruit juice, diced fruit, fresh or crystallized ginger

Instructions

First fermentation:

  • Wash and sterilize a quart-sized jar. Warm 1 cup of the filtered water and dissolve the sugar in it. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer to the jar, add kefir grains, and remaining filtered water. Cover jar with the cloth or coffee filter and secure with jar ring or rubber band.

  • Place jar in a warm corner or cupboard away from direct sunlight.

  • Allow to ferment for 24-48 hours; the water kefir will ferment more quickly in warmer temperatures and during the summer. Bubbles will be visible rising from the bottom to the top of the jar as soon as a few hours, but the longer it ferments, the bubblier it will become.

  • Strain out the water kefir grains to make another batch. The water kefir can be consumed at this point, or bottled for a second fermentation.

Second fermentation (optional):

  • For second fermentation, transfer the water kefir to a bottle with a swing top. (Glass jars and bottles are preferred, but plastic soda bottles can also be used.)

  • For flavored water kefir, add ¼ cup of pure fruit juice or diced fruit into the bottle then add the water kefir. Seal the bottle tightly. Let ferment an additional 24-48 hours. Crack the seal of the bottles at least once a day to prevent pressure building up. The kefir is ready to drink. Store in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • *Please read blog post above for tips on where to purchase water kefir grains, how to store water kefir, and more!

Nutrition

Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Sodium: 46mg | Sugar: 48g | Calcium: 26mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Howe.We.Live or tag #HoweWeLiveRecipes!

Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (12)

Homemade Water Kefir Recipe (Healthy Soda Alternative!) - Howe We Live (2024)

FAQs

Is water kefir soda good for you? ›

Water kefir is a beverage favored for both its fizzy flavor and impressive health benefits. Besides packing a powerful punch of probiotics, this tasty drink has also been shown to amp up immunity, slow cancer cell growth and improve overall health.

How long does kefir soda last? ›

How long will the bottle of kefir soda keep in the fridge? It will be good for 1-2 weeks. Flavor and fizz may change/weaken over time. Even in the refrigerator, keep popping the top gently to release pressure, as needed.

How to make water kefir less fizzy? ›

The best way to prevent excessive fizz is to burp your bottle or bottles every 12 hours when you are making your second ferment. If you are using high sugar fruits/juices you should burp it every 6-8 hours.

How much water kefir should you drink a day? ›

How much should you drink? Kefir can be a healthy and delicious addition to a well-rounded diet. For best results, stick to around 1–3 cups (237–710 mL) per day and pair it with a variety of other fermented foods and beverages to increase your intake of probiotics.

Is it okay to drink kefir every day? ›

Most people can drink kefir every day without any problem. But if you have a weakened immune system, talk to your doctor before you start drinking it. Some studies show probiotics can cause infection in people who are immunocompromised.

Is water kefir good for your liver? ›

Drinking water kefir daily helps increase the proportion of healthy bacteria in your gut – and as a result, improves your overall gut health. Water kefir can help detox your liver. Your liver can become clogged when your diet is high in sugar and carbs.

How to know if water kefir has gone bad? ›

It's very difficult to have truly contaminated kefir due to the very nature of the billions of cultures in contains. If however it is contaminated, it will be an off color, thick texture to the water and/or off smell and you will be able to recognize this (it will not be subtle).

What happens if you let kefir ferment too long? ›

Just by the look you are able to see if overfermentation is happening in your milk kefir. It will become more curdled and you will see separation happening. The liquid whey will separate from more thicker kefir. Additional fermenting time will also change the taste, it will become more sour.

When should I stop drinking kefir? ›

When taken by mouth: Kefir is possibly safe when used for up to 12 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include bloating, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and constipation.

How to get more carbonation in water kefir? ›

Leave second ferment in warm place for 48 hours instead of 24. This allows more sugar to be eaten by the grains and provides more CO2 for the carbonation process. Be sure to open the lid every 12 hours, as sometimes carbonation happens very quickly. Make sure you add some sort of fruit or juice to the second ferment.

What is the best sugar for water kefir? ›

Evaporated cane sugar (light blonde in color) is the most popular for fermenting water kefir grains. We use this sugar when we make water kefir for our families or customers to sample, as the mildness of the light sugar allows the kefir to be easily flavored and is appealing to more people.

Can I add baking soda to water kefir? ›

Add ONE of the following to strengthen the mixture: a pinch of baking soda, a pinch of sea salt, ½ tsp unsulphured blackstrap molasses for each quart of water, 1 eggshell (if no allergies), or mineral drops if using a low mineral water and sugar.

What should you not mix with kefir? ›

We do not recommend mixing maple syrup, agave, or honey with your kefir. Maple syrup and agave have a high GI rating, which disrupts your microbiome. Honey is a natural antibiotic, which interferes with the good probiotics in the kefir.

How do you know if water kefir is working? ›

Always test aroma and flavor to make sure the water kefir grains are working properly. The finished water kefir should smell pleasant and maybe a bit sour, and it will be less sweet than the sugar water or juice you started with.

What bottled water is best for water kefir? ›

Bottled Water

Plain spring water is excellent, except “sparkling” or those with higher or added mineral content. Water labeled “drinking” is usually okay, but always read the ingredient label for additives.

Is it safe to drink fizzy kefir? ›

Yes. Traditional kefir is fermented at ambient temperatures, generally overnight. Fermentation of the lactose yields a sour, carbonated, slightly alcoholic beverage, with a consistency and taste similar to drinkable yogurt.

Does kefir soda have sugar? ›

Fermentation significantly decreases the amount of sugar remaining in the final fermented beverage. Overall, fermentation of coconut water or orange juice with the Kefir Soda Starter, if done according to the instructions, can reduce the sugar content significantly while producing a healthy probiotic beverage.

What's the difference between kefir soda and kombucha? ›

While they undergo a similar fermentation process, kefir is traditionally made using milk while kombucha uses green or black tea. Both beverages offer probiotics, which are good bacteria that promote gut health. They may also have antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.

Why is water kefir fizzy? ›

During the first fermentation in the jar, the carbon dioxide created by the yeast evaporates in the air. Since most of the bubbles are not trapped in the liquid, kefir does not fizz much. Instead, it is when it undergoes a second fermentation, in sealed bottles, that the fizz develops the most.

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