Water kefir
Lemon Ginger Water Kefir
Lemon lifts the drink with a clean citrus aroma, while fresh ginger leaves a warm finish after the bubbles fade. Neither needs much quantity to remain clear in cold water kefir. Add the flavor after the first fermentation, then chill the bottle before opening. This gives finished water kefir a fresh, distinct flavor without putting fruit into the grain jar.
Make it
Method
- Put the flavor ingredients into a clean, pressure-rated 750 ml bottle.
- Pour in the water kefir. Leave at least 5 cm of headspace, then close the bottle.
- Leave at 20 to 24°C for 8 to 18 hours. In a warm room, start checking at 6 to 8 hours.
- Refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Open slowly over the sink, strain if you want a clear drink, and serve cold.
Why these flavors work
Fruit, juice, herbs, or tea add aroma and a small amount of fermentable sugar. The sealed bottle holds the carbon dioxide produced during this short second fermentation.
Store it
Once the bottle has enough fizz, refrigerate it and use it within 3 days for the clearest flavor. Open it slowly while cold.
A substitution that works
You can swap in another fresh fruit, herb, juice, or cold tea. Keep the amount small and leave the grain jar plain.
If the texture is wrong
Too flat? Give the next cold bottle a little more warm time. Too forceful? Chill sooner and shorten the next second ferment.