3 Easy Water Kefir Recipes

Water kefir is coming in hot to combat kombucha as the leading fermented beverage. Kefir is made by exposing water or milk to living cultures (called kefir grains) and leaving them to ferment for 24 hours. Water kefir is the result of the inoculation of sugary water with water kefir grains. Water kefir is commonly exposed to a second fermentation so flavor and a subtle carbonation can be added (pressure builds up and jars can explode during this phase, so hopefully you have a Pickle Pipe handy!). The easiest way to make Kefir is in the Kefirko, a specially designed glass jar from Slovenija.

Water kefir is often mistaken for soda, but it's rich in probiotics and other healthy ingredients that improve digestion and help boost immunity. These 3 recipes are great for beginners and all offer unique flavors to experiment with

1. Orange Kefir Soda Pop 

Now you know why people often mistaken water kefir for soda. This fizzy, orange drink is bursting with flavor and probiotics. Your whole family will enjoy this treat and it only calls for 2 ingredients. If you're looking for something more "mature," try adding ginger or vanilla for a sophisticated twist. Get the full recipe from Fermented Food Lab.

This recipe starts at the second fermentation. To learn how to make water kefir, checkout the Rocky Mountain Water Kefir Guide. 

2. Coconut Water Kefir

This recipe starts from the top! Time to bust our the Kefirko and Water Kefir Grains. This is one of the healthiest ways to enjoy water kefir and is to die for if you already love coconut water. It may look "milky," but this recipe uses water kefir grains and is light and refreshing. Learn more at Hello Glow.

3. Carrot Water Kefir

Doesn't this sound great for fall? Carrot Water Kefir is a unique way to appreciate the sweet and delicious taste of carrots. Add some cinnamon to really amp it up for fall and increase the already present immune-boosting properties in kefir water. More details available at Cultured Food Life.

Like the Orange Kefir Soda Pop, this recipe assumes you already have a batch of water kefir on-hand. If that's not the case, you should take a look at these great kefir-making tools and the Rocky Mountain Water Kefir Guide. 

Thirsty? Use the Rocky Mountain Water Kefir Guideto start your own water kefir batch. Remember the Kefirko will be your best friend if you want to get serious about milk and water kefir making.