How to Make Water Kefir

Cheers to a Glass of Homemade Water Kefir!

Ready to dive into the bubbly world of water kefir? This delightful, fizzy drink is not only a powerhouse of probiotics but also a fantastic dairy-free refreshment you can whip up right in the comfort of your own kitchen. I’ve become quite the water kefir aficionado, sourcing my hydrated kefir grains online (hello, eBay!) and turning my kitchen into a mini-fermentation station. My family guzzles this stuff daily, and even my hubby has seen a dramatic boost in his digestion, especially during his rounds of antibiotics.

Curious about the perks of kefir with antibiotics? Check out the scoop here: Antibiotics and Kefir.

Now, let’s talk flavor. I love to jazz up my kefir with blackstrap molasses for a mineral-rich kick that adds a quirky, beer-like taste—perfect for those who enjoy a brewski but want the health benefits of kefir. And why stop there? I’ve tossed in everything from blueberry and pomegranate concentrates to pineapple juice, and let me tell you, there have been no flops in my flavor experiments.

Sparkling Water Kefir Grains

Getting started is a breeze. I snagged ½ cup of plump, hydrated kefir grains from an eBay store, and those little wonders doubled after just four batches! Here’s my setup: one jar of grains fermenting away on the counter (keep it cozy between 70-78ºF), and another jar of freshly brewed kefir chilling in the fridge, ready for sipping. After letting the magic happen for 24 hours, I simply strain out the grains with a fine mesh strainer. I cover my fermenting jar with a loose lid or a paper coffee filter secured with a rubber band to keep the critters and dust at bay.

As for the ingredients, it’s simple: filtered water, plain old sugar, and a dash of unsulfured blackstrap molasses. A heads-up for the adventurous: swapping sugar for honey gave me some sour notes and sluggish kefir growth, so stick to the classic sweetener for bubbly success.

There you have it—your ticket to homemade, probiotic-rich water kefir. Trust me, once you start brewing, you might just find yourself ditching the plain water for something with a bit more zing. Happy fermenting!

Chef’s Notes – Water Kefir

• Grease-Free Utensils: Ensure all utensils are clean to support kefir growth.
• Pairing Suggestions: This beverage complements light snacks and is perfect for any time of the day.
• Flavor Experimentation: Try different fruit juices to create unique flavor combinations.
• Healthy Eating: Ideal for those looking to incorporate more probiotics into their diet.
• Afternoon Tea: Enjoy a refreshing glass with your favorite tea for a health-conscious treat.

Additional Notes

• This homemade probiotic water kefir recipe offers a delightful way to boost your digestive health with a fizzy, flavorful drink.
• The dish includes kefir grains, filtered water, sugar, blackstrap molasses, and optional fruit juice for added flavor.
• To enhance this recipe, consider experimenting with different fruit juices or serving it alongside light snacks for a refreshing treat.
• Water kefir pairs well with a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed on its own or as a healthy beverage option.
• Leftover water kefir can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and enjoyed chilled for a quick and nutritious drink.

Homemade Probiotic Water Kefir

5.0 from 1 vote

Discover the secrets to making your own probiotic-rich water kefir at home with this simple recipe! Perfect for enhancing digestion and boosting overall health, this beverage is a must-try for anyone looking to replace sugary drinks with a healthier alternative. Embrace the delightful twist of flavors from fruit juices and the unique taste of blackstrap molasses in your daily routine.

Course: DrinksCuisine: Chinese, AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Print

Servings

4

glasses

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

48

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Resting Time

18

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

16

minutes

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• Kefir Base

• 4 tablespoons hydrated kefir grains

• 4 cups filtered water

• Sweeteners

• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon unsulphured blackstrap molasses

• Flavor Enhancers (Optional)

• 1 tablespoon concentrated fruit juice (berry or pomegranate recommended)

• few drops vanilla extract

• Pure stevia to taste

• Alternative Ingredients

• Honey (not recommended due to poor results) replaces sugar

• Various fruit juices can replace the recommended berry or pomegranate for different flavors

Directions

• Mixing Ingredients – In a large glass jar, dissolve the sugar and molasses in filtered water. Stir thoroughly using a long-handled spoon or chopsticks.
• Adding Kefir Grains – Introduce the hydrated kefir grains to the jar without further stirring.
• Fermentation Process – Cover the jar with a paper filter or cheesecloth secured with a rubber band. Allow it to ferment at room temperature (72-78°F) for 24 to 48 hours.
• Filtering and Storage – After fermentation, use a fine mesh strainer to separate the kefir grains from the liquid. Transfer the water kefir into another glass jar and seal with a lid for refrigeration.
• Flavor Enhancement (Optional) – Add concentrated fruit juice to the kefir and let it sit at room temperature for an additional 18 hours for a mild fruit flavor infusion.

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons
• fine mesh strainer
• large bowl
• glass jar
• stirring utensils
• paper filter or cheesecloth
• rubber band

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 150kcal
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 10mg
• Potassium: 50mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 35g
• Vitamin A: 0IU
• Vitamin C: 0mg
• Calcium: 2mg
• Iron: 4mg