Recently I convinced my mom, sister and my best friend to try water kefir. Water kefir is a probiotic, fizzy drink that uses water kefir grains to ferment sugar water or coconut water. The sugar or coconut water turns into a healthy drink filled with vitamins and minerals. Its light and fizzy and can be flavored with any juice, tea or herbs a person likes.
I am so happy that I influenced them to take on a new healthy habit. My mom ordered the kefir grains and split the batch with my sister since the order came with two. I coached them through the process of making the water kefir, which is easy. You can find the recipe here.
My sister wanted to get her kids to drink it because they have a tendency to like sugary drinks and needed a healthier alternative. This is definitely a great alternative since it is carbonated and can be flavored with their favorite juice. My sister made her first batch and forgot about it for almost a week. She called me a little bit concerned that she ruined it. But it was fine and really bubbly. I think it took longer to ferment, because of the colder weather. The grains were still alive and had made a super bubbly drink. She added juice to it and said it tasted like sparkling apple cider. Yum!
The best part is that she gave it to the kids to try and they loved it. Score! Mission accomplished. So now they have a healthy drink that can replace sodas and sugary juices.
This recipe is made during secondary fermentation of the water kefir. You have to make the water kefir first and when its ready, you strain the kefir grains out, add juice to it and let it sit another day on the counter to get it really bubbly and carbonated.
I thought Probiotic Sparkling Apple Juice would be a fun, simple recipe to share since New Years is around the corner and this is a great alternative to the bottled sparkling cider bought from the store.
As a kid I loved drinking Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider and my parents always had it around to celebrate New Years. They had their bubbly and we had ours.
Are there any drinks that remind you of the holidays as a kid? Let me know in the comments below or send me an email.
- 3 cups water kefir
- 1 cup organic apple juice
- Make water kefir using my recipe or your own method.
- Add the apple juice and water kefir to a pitcher and stir together.
- Pour into a sealable container or flip top bottles. Sometimes I use old juice bottles or mason jar.
- Seal tightly and set out of direct sunlight on the counter for 24 hours.
- Check after 24 hours and if its bubbly place in the fridge to chill and enjoy.
Resources
How To Make Probiotic Rich Water Kefir
How To Make Coconut Water Kefir And Get Clearer Skin
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You’re inspiring me to get into fermenting. I’ve been meaning to try making the stuff :)
I am excited for you to start fermenting! It’s easier than most people think and its fun. If you have any questions during the process, feel free to email me or comment on any of the posts. Happy New Year!
I am so excited to have found your website (thanks Chowstalker!). You have really inspired me to get this journey going. I have purchased the grains as well as one of the books through the link you have provided. I have now made the Kefir water several times. The only part I am lost on is how to store the grains when I do not want to ferment a batch? I would like to alternate between making Kefir, Kombucha, Jun etc but only have enough room in my small kitchen to ferment one type at a time. Thank you in advance :-)
Hi Laurie! Im so glad you found me on Chowstalker. I love CS :) I totally understand what it’s like to have a small kitchen and a bunch of ferments going at once. That is me everyday.
To store the kefir grains, put them in a fresh batch of sugar water and store in the fridge. They will be fine for a few weeks like that. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.
Hiya! Love your website, so approachable and informative! Im a raw food chef, who has had a decent amount of practice with fermented foods, but am now entering the world of fermented drinks. I am interested to try a secondary fermentation with botanicals. I was wondering what your input or experience would be for using dried or fresh herbs (id love to try dry because I have an endless supply of all sorts). And would I need to add a fruit juice base or just more sugar to keep the fermentation going? Any advise would be so helpful! Thank you!!
Hi Ally! Thank you so much :) I have experience using fresh herbs, but haven’t tried dried herbs in fermented drinks yet. If you use herbs you will need to add sugar or fruit juice to keep the fermentation going. You don’t need much sugar or juice. I use 1 tablespoon of sugar per 1/2 gallon batch of kombucha or water kefir when I use herbs or teas in second fermentation. If using dried herbs, my approach would be to make a tea with them first. If you do make some with dried herbs I would love to know how it goes.
hi i LOVE your sparkling apple jucie i also love your website
Thank you so much :)