Water Kefir: Make Your Own Authentic Probiotic Drink Quickly and Easily
Want to make authentic water kefir yourself quickly and easily? You’ve come to the right place! This recipe will help you make a refreshing, healthy and slightly sparkling drink that is rich in probiotics and perfect for everyday use. Water kefir is a delicious alternative to classic soft drinks, with the added benefit of supporting your gut health. By making water kefir yourself, you know exactly what is in it and you can experiment with different flavors to create your ideal drink.
What do you need to make water kefir?
To make water kefir, you only need a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment. Making water kefir is easy and doesn't require any special equipment, making it ideal for home use.
Ingredients (for 1 liter) :
- 1 liter of water (preferably filtered tap water or spring water without chlorine)
- 1 organic unpeeled lemon, quartered
- 50 g (cane) sugar
- 1 dried fig (alternatives are dates or apricots)
- A few tablespoons of water kefir grains (the exact amount is flexible)
- 50 g elderflower syrup (for the second fermentation, optional)
Materials required :
- A large preserving jar (with a capacity of at least 1.5 litres)
- A plastic sieve (metal sieves can damage the kefir grains)
- Some swing-top bottles (for the second fermentation)
Making water kefir. How do you start?
Making water kefir involves two fermentation steps: the first fermentation, which creates the base kefir, and the second fermentation, which adds extra flavor and bubbles. Follow these simple steps to make your own water kefir.
First fermentation: basic kefir
- Prepare the ingredients : Make sure your mason jar and other utensils are clean. Hygiene is crucial when fermenting to avoid unwanted bacteria.
- Mix ingredients : Add the water kefir grains, sugar, lemon and dried fig to the preserving jar. Pour 1 liter of water into the jar and stir gently to dissolve the sugar completely. The sugar serves as food for the kefir grains and is largely converted during fermentation.
- Fermentation process : Loosely seal the jar, allowing air to circulate but keeping pests out. Leave the jar at room temperature for 24 hours. The longer you let the kefir ferment, the more sour and less sweet the result will be.
- Strain the drink : After the fermentation period, strain the kefir to remove the grains, lemon and fig. You can squeeze the lemon to get all the juice. Rinse the water kefir grains under cold water and store them in the fridge for the next batch.
- Storing or further fermenting : The basic kefir is now drinkable. It has a mild, refreshing taste, but still contains few bubbles. If you like a fizzy drink, you can let the kefir ferment further in the next step.
Second fermentation: sparkling lemonade
- Adding flavour : Add fruit juice, syrup or herbs to the basic kefir, to taste. For example, for an elderflower lemonade, add 50 grams of elderflower syrup per litre. Pour the drink into swing-top bottles. It is best not to fill them all the way to the brim, but to five centimetres below. Close the bottles well to allow for carbon dioxide formation.
- Fermentation : Let the bottles sit at room temperature for another 24 hours. This stage is when the drink becomes sparkling as the remaining sugars are converted into carbon dioxide.
- Pay attention to the pressure : It is important to regularly check the pressure in the bottles by opening them carefully. This prevents the bottles from exploding due to too much pressure. A handy tip is to keep the bottles in a plastic bag during the second fermentation, in case a bottle bursts.
- Ready to enjoy : When the kefir has the desired fizz and flavor, place the bottles in the refrigerator. Cooling slows down the fermentation, which keeps the flavor stable. The kefir is now ready to drink and can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Looking for water kefir ideas or recipes?
One of the most appealing aspects of water kefir is the endless possibilities for variation. You can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique drinks. Here are some popular variations:
- Fruity kefir : Add fresh or dried fruit during the second fermentation, such as strawberries, blueberries, mango or pineapple. The fruit adds extra flavor and color to the kefir, and the natural sugars in the fruit enhance the fermentation process.
- Citrus kefir : Besides lemon, you can also use other citrus fruits, such as orange, lime or grapefruit. This gives an extra refreshing and slightly sour taste to the kefir.
- Ginger Kefir : Add a few slices of fresh ginger during the second fermentation for a spicy kick. Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion.
- Herbal Kefir : Try herbs like mint, basil, thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. These herbs pair well with citrus fruits and give the kefir an extra layer of flavor.
- Flower kefir : Use edible flowers such as lavender, rose petals or hibiscus to give your kefir a floral flavor and an attractive color. Flower kefir is particularly refreshing and visually appealing.
- Kefir with tea : Add a tea bag during the second fermentation for a subtle tea flavor. Green tea, chamomile or hibiscus tea are popular choices that go well with the natural sweetness of kefir.
Common Questions and Problems When Making Water Kefir
Although making water kefir is generally simple, sometimes problems can occur. Here are some frequently asked questions and tips to prevent potential problems:
-
Why did my water kefir become too sour?
If you ferment water kefir for too long, it can become very sour and dry. Reduce the fermentation time and taste regularly to check the flavor. You can also add some extra sugar or syrup during the second fermentation to balance the acidity. -
Why are my kefir grains no longer growing?
Kefir grains can stop growing if they don’t get enough nutrients. Make sure to always use good quality sugar and feed the grains regularly with fresh water and sugar. If you use tap water, it can help to use a filter to remove chlorine and other chemicals that can be harmful to the kefir grains. -
Why is my water kefir not sparkling enough?
This can happen if the second fermentation was not long enough or if the bottles were not sealed properly. Make sure you seal the bottles properly and consider extending the fermentation time for more carbonation. -
My kefir grains have changed color, is this normal?
The color of kefir grains can vary depending on the ingredients used. For example, dried fruits such as figs or apricots can give the grains a brown tint. This is normal and not a cause for concern as long as the grains are still active and the kefir is fermenting properly. -
What should I do if my kefir grains become slimy?
Slimy grains can indicate an imbalance in the bacteria and yeasts. Rinse the grains well with cold water and give them a break by storing them in the refrigerator in a light sugar water solution. Use clean equipment and pay extra attention to hygiene during preparation.
Why make water kefir?
Water kefir is a refreshing, healthy and versatile drink that you can easily make at home. With just a few basic ingredients and some patience, you can enjoy a natural probiotic drink that supports your gut health and pampers your taste buds. By making water kefir yourself, you have complete control over the ingredients and can vary endlessly with flavors and additions.
Whether you choose to make a simple basic kefir or experiment with exotic flavors and spices, water kefir offers a healthy way to quench your thirst. So what are you waiting for? Get your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy your own homemade water kefir!
Buy water kefir
Don't feel like making it yourself? Or just don't have time? At Zester you can order water kefir to have it delivered to your home. View the range in the webshop .