Fresh Probiotic Fruit Water Kefir Recipe for Easy Gut Health Boost
A simple and refreshing naturally fermented probiotic drink using water kefir grains and fresh fruit, perfect for boosting gut health with a lightly fizzy, sweet, and tangy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 hours (first fermentation) + 24-48 hours (second fermentation)
- Total Time: 72-96 hours
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings (based on 4 cups / 1 liter batch size) 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Fermented
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons (about 45 g) active water kefir grains
- 4 cups (1 liter) filtered chlorine-free water
- 1/4 cup (50 g) organic cane sugar or demerara sugar
- Fresh fruit for flavor (e.g., 5-6 raspberries and a slice of lemon per 16 oz / 500 ml bottle)
- Optional flavor add-ins: fresh herbs like mint or basil, thin slices of ginger, or a vanilla bean
Instructions
- Dissolve 1/4 cup (50 g) of organic cane sugar into 4 cups (1 liter) of filtered water. Stir well until fully dissolved.
- Gently add 3 tablespoons (about 45 g) of active water kefir grains into the jar with the sugar water. Stir gently with a plastic or wooden spoon.
- Cover the jar with a breathable cloth or coffee filter, secure with a rubber band, and leave at room temperature (68-78°F / 20-25°C) for 24-48 hours until slightly fizzy and mildly tangy.
- Using a plastic strainer, separate the kefir grains from the fermented liquid. Transfer grains to a clean jar with fresh sugar water to start another batch.
- Pour the strained kefir into clean glass bottles, add chosen fresh fruit and optional flavorings (e.g., raspberries and lemon slices).
- Seal the bottles tightly and ferment again at room temperature for 24-48 hours to develop carbonation and infuse fruit flavors. Burp bottles once daily to prevent pressure build-up.
- Refrigerate the bottles once bubbly to slow fermentation. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
Use chlorine-free water to protect kefir grains. Avoid metal utensils and containers to prevent harming grains. Burp bottles daily during second fermentation to avoid pressure build-up. If kefir smells off or mold appears, discard and start fresh. Patience is key for best flavor and probiotic content. Store grains in sugar water in fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage (may reduce activity).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces (240 ml)
- Calories: 3050
- Sugar: 510
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 712
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: water kefir, probiotic drink, fermented beverage, gut health, fruit kefir, homemade kefir, natural fermentation, dairy-free kefir, vegan kefir