How to Make Water Kefir

Learn how to make this fermented, probiotic beverage that's naturally carbonated. 

What is Water Kefir?

Water Kefir is a fermented, probiotic beverage that's a great substitute for sugary sodas. It's naturally carbonated and can be flavored in many ways!

Benefits of Water Kefir

Water Kefir is full of probiotics and is so easy to make. It's caffeine free, low in sugar, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.

Water Kefir Grains

Water Kefir grains are small clusters of bacteria and yeasts that ferment with only sugar and water. They're affordable and last indefinitely. 

Ingredients Needed:

The only ingredients you need to make water kefir are: •Water Kefir Grains •Water •Sugar •Juice or other flavoring for the second ferment

1. Activate Water Kefir Grains

•Place the grains in a mix of sugar and water for 2-3 days. •When active, the grains will bubble and the kefir will smell sweet.

2. First Ferment

•Heat and mix ¼ cup of sugar and ½ cup of water in a saucepan until dissolved. •Pour the mixture into a quart-sized jar with cold water. Add the grains.

Ferment the water kefir in a warm location for 1-2 days until the water is bubbly and has a slightly sweet and sour yeasty aroma. 

3. Second Ferment and Flavorings

•Strain the grains. Repeat. •Ferment the water kefir a second time for flavoring. •Pour ¼ cup juice into a flip-top bottle along with the strained water kefir.

Second Fermentation

•Seal the bottle and place in a warm location for 1-2 days until carbonated. •Burb the bottle each day to check! Once carbonated, it's ready to drink!

Flavoring Recipes

•100% juice is the most common flavoring. •I include many other flavoring recipes including cream soda, lemon ginger, lavender honey, and blueberry basil in my guide.

Learn more!

Learn How to Make Water Kefir and other recipes on SourdoughBrandon.com All recipes include visual guides with photos of the entire baking process.