Water kefir, is a fermented drink made by culturing water, sugar, and fruit juice with a starter culture. The drink is fizzy and tangy and nourishes your body with probiotics. Though the drink has been around since the late 1800’s, it is re-gaining popularity for its refreshing taste and incredible health benefits. Unlike dairy kefir, water kefir is made using kefir grains, a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, to ferment sugar water. If you have ever had kombucha I would say the taste differs in that kombucha tends to be more “alcoholic” in flavor whereas water kefir is not. Both are similar in that they are fermented drinks – my kids definitely tend to gravitate more towards kefir than kombucha.

Why You Will Love Homemade Water Kefir

My kiddos love this stuff and I can give it to them without worry. Making water kefir is surprisingly easy and requires minimal effort. Once you have your kefir grains, the ongoing cost is minimal, mainly just sugar and water. You can easily customize your kefir by experimenting with different fruit juices, and flavor infusions like fruits, herbs, and spices to create unique and delicious drinks. Best of all, water kefir is packed with probiotics, which support gut health, boost immunity, and may even aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.

Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

Fermented foods, like kefir, yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut, are rich in probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that colonize your gut. These friendly bacteria offer a range of health advantages:

1. Improved Gut Health: Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
2. Enhanced Immunity: A healthy gut microbiome supports a strong immune system by helping your body fight off infections.
3. Better Digestion: Probiotics can alleviate digestive issues like bloating, gas, and constipation.
4. Reduced Inflammation: Some studies suggest that probiotics may help reduce inflammation in the body.
   

How To Store Your Water Kefir

Once your kefir is fermented to where you want it to be, you need to slow that fermentation process down by placing it into your fridge. I love using these flip top bottles from Amazon. Plus, it tastes better cold! If you are going to leave it long term you will need to continue burping however, it never lasts that long for us!

• Start Small: Begin with a small batch to get a feel for the process. 
• Taste as you go: Use taste to help you identify the fermentation levels.
• Use Filtered Water: Chlorinated water can inhibit kefir growth.
• Maintain Temperature: Consistent temperature is crucial for successful fermentation.
• Cleanliness is Key: Always use clean equipment and sanitize jars before use.
• Don’t Over-Ferment: Over-fermented kefir can taste overly sour or alcoholic.
• Feed Your Grains: After straining, return the kefir grains to a fresh batch of sweetened water and repeat!

My Water Kefir Schedule

• Day 1: Prepare the sweetened water and add kefir grains.
• Day 2-3: First fermentation.
• Day 3-4 (Optional): Second fermentation, start another batch.
• Day 4: Refrigerate and enjoy!

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How To Make Homemade Water Kefir

Equipment

• Wide-mouth glass jar: 1 quart or larger – I use a half gallon jar
• Cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve
• Flip-top Bottles, I use these from Amazon

Ingredients

• Kefir Grains: ½ cup Water Kefir Grains (alive and awake)
• Filtered Water: 8 cups
• Sweetener: ½  cup brown sugar, This will be consumed by the kefir grains and will not be in your finished product!
• Optional Flavorings: 1 – 1 ½ cups fruit juice, pick whatever juice your family loves.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Check your Kefir grain instructions, you will most likely need to prep them before your first batch. 
2. Prepare the sugar Solution: Dissolve the sugar in about 2 cups of hot water. You can do this on the stove, in the microwave, or with a hot water tap from a water dispenser if you have it. Once it has cooled slightly, pour it into your clean jar and fill the rest of the way with cool water.
   1. Suggestion: Give this a taste so you can be aware of the sweetness and taste. It will help you determine the level of fermentation later on. 
3. Add Kefir Grains: Be sure your water is not hot or you will kill your grains. Gently add the kefir grains to the sweetened water.
4. Cover and Ferment: Cover the jar with a  breathable cloth (like cheesecloth secured with a rubber band) or just loosely place the lid onto the jar. This allows for gas release while preventing contamination. Place into an area that isnt too hot or too cold and is away from sunlight.
5. First Fermentation: Allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature (68-77°F) for 24-48 hours, sometimes longer. The ideal fermentation time depends on the temperature and your desired level of tang.
   1. It is ready when it is no longer as sweet as when you started and takes on a tangy taste indicating fermentation has taken place. 
   2. You will also see bubbles indicating fermentation has taken place. 
6. Strain: Carefully strain the kefir through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another clean jar. Gently squeeze the grains to extract as much liquid as possible.
7. Second Fermentation (Optional): I highly recommend this step. For added fizz and flavor, bottle the strained kefir and add desired flavorings or fruit juice. I pour all of the fermented water into a bowl and add 1-1 ½ cups of juice, mix and pour into your flip- top bottles. Cap tightly and allow to carbonate for 12-48 hours at room temperature. Be sure to burp once a day to avoid over-pressurization. 
8. Refrigerate: Once the kefir is at the flavor and carbonation level you like, refrigerate the kefir to stop fermentation. Once chilled, enjoy!

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I’m Paige Ebersole, a wife, mother of four, and the creator of Sunshine Harvest. This blog is where I share simple, nourishing recipes, natural cleaning solutions, and tips for sustainable living. My goal is to provide practical, easy-to-follow advice so you can make informed choices for your family’s well-being.

I believe in the power of simplicity. In today’s busy world, finding peace and balance through mindful living is key. By simplifying our routines, from the food we eat to the products we use, we can create happier, healthier lives. Join me as we explore natural remedies, the joys of motherhood, and the art of nourishing ourselves with simple, healthy food. Become part of our community and receive monthly inspiration, including healthy recipes, exclusive digital products, and timeless home remedies.