How to Make Grape Soda Water Kefir (Easy Tutorial)

Grape soda water kefir has all the pep and bubbles of your favorite grape soda but without the added sugar. Not only is this water kefir delicious to sip on, but it’s also packed with gut-healthy probiotics that can improve gastric issues like leaky gut, malabsorption, and IBS! In this simple tutorial, I’ll break down the easiest way to brew your own water kefir right in your kitchen. Anyone can do this and it’s much easier than you might think.

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As I have shared in many of my other recipes, I am a huge fan of all fermented foods! Not only do I think the taste is phenomenal, but I am passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and a huge part of that is taking care of the gut through good food choices.

I make a lot of ferments at our house with sourdough being my favorite. I also make milk kefir for my kids every week. This water kefir recipe is a dairy-free version of kefir that everyone can enjoy. Plus if you don’t prefer the very sour/yogurt taste of milk kefir, you will probably enjoy water kefir even more.

A lot of people think brewing water kefir at home sounds intimidating but it is surprisingly simple and hands-off! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I make water kefir and also share my favorite way to flavor the kefir to make it taste like grape soda!

What is Water Kefir?

Usually when someone hears one of my kids ask for kefir they immediately ask, “What in the world is kefir?” … And I don’t blame them. I grew up in a “crunchy” home so I’ve been familiar with milk kefir for a long time, but I had no idea water kefir even existed until recently.

Here is everything you need to know about water kefir: 

Water kefir is a fermented beverage that is created through the fermentation of sugar water by kefir grains. These “grains” are not actual grains, but rather clusters of beneficial bacteria and yeast called a SCOBY (symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast). As the grains consume the sugar, they remove the overwhelming sweetness of the sugar water and the result is a fizzy and slightly tangy drink with a mild sweetness.

An additional period of fermentation can be done after the grains are removed and fruit juice is added. This second fermentation yields the flavorful “probiotic soda” that I offer my kids and it is delicious!

How is Water Kefir Made?

Water kefir is made in a process that includes 2 ferments. The entire simple process takes 2-3 days to complete.

Why Make Water Kefir?

Why go to all the trouble to make kefir when you can buy kefir from the store?

Well, here at The Ancestors Table, we are passionate about all things health and wellness. As a mom of 3 and a registered nurse for over 5 years, I am always looking for ways to avoid processed foods. We make our food from scratch, at home, with ingredients I know and can feel good about.

Kefir that is bought from the store often goes through processes where it is heated or modulated in such a way that much of the bacteria may be killed off. The ferment times for store-bought kefir are also very short which yields far fewer healthy bacteria. In addition, they often add sugar and artificial flavorings which are important to avoid.

For these reasons, I decided to start a water kefir-making journey (In addition to the health benefits of home-brewed water kefir, it is also much more affordable to make it yourself). 

Leaky Gut Syndrome

There is SO much research coming out currently on intestinal permeability or what is colloquially known as “leaky gut syndrome”. While the term is thrown around frequently, it’s important to understand what is actually happening in the body when the intestines become weak and inflamed.

Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the gut is weakened and inflamed from conditions like chronic stress, lack of physical mobility, and overconsumption of highly processed, high-sugar foods. The intestines begin to “leak” or allow the passage of molecules into the bloodstream that should not be there. This leakage can then cause further issues such as hormonal, immune, nervous, respiratory or reproductive system diseases. (Source).

Leaky gut syndrome can be healed and prevented by lifestyle changes, specifically dietary changes. Eliminating ultra-processed foods is a great first step in the healing and prevention process. Studies have also found an overwhelming amount of evidence that probiotic-rich foods help to heal the gut and prevent gastric inflammation.

Probiotics:

Probiotics are another buzzword in the wellness community but another concept that isn’t well understood. Here are a few important concepts to understand when discussing the use of probiotics to treat and prevent leaky gut syndrome:

I recommend Just Thrive probiotics. They contain healthy spore-based probiotics that are safe for kids 4 years and up. they now offer a gummy version which I love!

Health Benefits of Water Kefir

Kefir bacteria has been found to have a plethora of health benefits including but not limited to antitumoral, antihypertensive, liver protection, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and of course the one that many of us are familiar with: gut health.

Why You’ll Love Grape Soda Water Kefir:

• Bubbly and refreshing: I am not the biggest water drinker and for some reason, am always craving something with bubbles. This fruity, bubbly goodness is so refreshing and the best soda alternative!

• Probiotic benefits: While soda, (even soda sweetened with stevia) has no nutritional value, grape soda water kefir is loaded with beneficial bacteria that is fantastic for your gut!

• Kid Friendly: My kids call it soda and they think it’s real soda and I won’t ever tell them differently. The fruit flavoring appeals to them so get creative with blueberry, strawberry, and citrus fruit additions!

• Flavor options galore: This recipe shows you how to make my all-time favorite grape soda water kefir. But there are so many more flavor options and combos to try. We frequently make ginger ale, blueberry, and even pineapple water kefir! They are all delicious.

Supplies

• 1/2 Gallon Jar with screw top lid- This is a 4 pack of my favorite screw top half gallon jars I use for EVERYTHING.
• Fine mesh metal sieve or cheesecloth
• Large bowl
• Funnel
• Flip Top Bottles– I LOVE these. They come in a pack of 6. Keep in mind the tint on these can make it slightly hard to see when the bottle is filled. Glass bottles or a glass jar that can be sealed tightly with a lid will work also.
• Measuring cups
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

• Water Kefir Grains– I recommend buying water kefir grains from this company. They are hydrated and ready to use immediately. You can also buy dehydrated grains but that is a slightly different process to rehydrate. Just know, as soon as these arrive you need to start making your first batch right away!
• Water- Mineral or spring water is highly recommended by kefir experts. I use filtered water which is very mineral deficient so I add baking soda every 2-3 brews to remineralize.
• Organic brown sugar- Other substitutes are molasses,  coconut sugar, sucanat, and turbinado. If you use a large granule sugar like a turbinado, you may need to boil the water to get the sugar to dissolve. Try to avoid white, refined sugar. It is less beneficial for the grains.
• Organic Grape Juice- Make sure it is 100% juice and not a sugar and dye-loaded fruit cocktail!

Let’s Get Started Making Water Kefir!

It’s important to note that I brew water kefir 1 time a week. This recipe makes six 16 oz flip-top bottles for our family of 5 to enjoy throughout the week. Some weeks we run out quickly and others we have plenty.

Disclaimer: There isn’t any one way to do this so I’ll be showing you exactly how I make water kefir in my home. It has always tasted great and turned out super bubbly so I am happy with this method.

Step 1: Prepare Kefir Grains

If you order kefir grains from this company, they will arrive ready for use. You do want to start using them immediately to get them acclimated to their new home. No need to rehydrate!

How to Rehydrate Water Kefir Grains:

If you bought dehydrated kefir grains you will need to re-hydrate them before brewing water kefir.

• Begin by bringing 3-4 cups of water to a boil.
• Dissolve 1/4 cup of brown sugar or an organic cane sugar in the water. Let the water cool to room temperature.
• Pour sugar water and water kefir grains into a glass jar. Cover with a tea towel and secure with rubber band.
• Place in a warm spot like your kitchen countertop for 3-4 days. You will know the grains are rehydrated because they should have swelled to about 4x the original size.
• Strain kefir grains out of water and discard the water. Start making water kefir with your rehydrated grains!

NOTE: As with milk kefir, the first 1-2 batches you make may not be the best batches. I noticed my kefir water got stronger and more flavorful after 2-3 batches with my grains.

Step 2: Make Sugar Water

To begin, add 1/2 cup of organic brown sugar to each 1/2 gallon jar and fill the jars almost to the top with filtered water. Leave about three inches at the top. Screw the lids on and shake until the sugar dissolves.

• If you are using turbinado or a larger granule sugar like sugar in the raw you may need to dissolve the sugar in boiling water. Dissolve 1 cup of brown sugar in 2 cups of boiling water.
• Set aside the saucepan and let it cool completely before adding the water kefir grains. Pour 1 cup of the sugar water into each jar and then fill with filtered water like usual.

The Equation:

The next part of the process involves adding your water kefir grains to the two 1/2 gallon jars. (If you don’t have half gallon jars you can do 4 quarts.)

This part got me stressed when I first started. How many water kefir grains do I need for a half-gallon jar of sugar water? What if I have too many? What if I don’t have enough?

If you’re like me and like straightforward equations for recipes, here is my general rule of thumb:

1/2 cup Water Kefir Grains + 1/2 cup Sugar + Water to fill 1/2 gallon jar

This whole process is rather forgiving. If you don’t add as many water kefir grains your water won’t ferment as quickly. Which is not a big deal. Simply taste a little of the water and if it still tastes super sweet, cover it back up and leave for another 12-24 hours. I’ve brewed water kefir that was great after 12 hours and I’ve also (accidentally) left it out for 48 hours- both tasted great!

Step 3: First Ferment

Add 1/2 cup of water kefir grains to each jar. Some of the grains will sink to the bottom and some may float around. This is all normal. Just be sure your water isn’t still hot because water kefir grains can die in high temperatures.

Cover the jars with tea towels or coffee filters and secure with a rubber band. Place the jars in a warm spot like your kitchen counter so they can begin their first ferment!! The first ferment should be 48 hours.

Keep in mind that as with all ferments, heat will speed up the fermentation process while the cold will slow it. During the summer you may only need to let the first ferment sit for 24 hours, but during the fall it may need the full 48!

Add a Lemon Slice (OPTIONAL)

Every third or fourth brewing it doesn’t hurt to add a slice of lemon if you have one. Ferments like water kefir can sometimes grow Kahm yeast which is a harmless but funky-tasting problem. This happened to me when I used to brew kombucha and let’s just say I ended up throwing my whole SCOBY away and starting over. I wish I had known adding a lemon slice can clear that issue right up!

Step 5: Assessing The Brew

After 48 hours of nervously watching your water kefir do… nothing but sit there, you are wondering how it tastes and if you somehow messed it up already… The good news is, it’s really hard to mess this up.

If you aren’t sure your water kefir has brewed long enough simply taste it. Does it still taste like super sweet sugar water? Cover it up and give it some more time. If it tastes tangy and mildly sweet, you are golden! You want the water kefir to be tangy and slightly sour but still have a hint of sweetness.

Step 6: Strain Out Water Kefir Grains

Grab a large bowl and a metal sieve like this one or some cheesecloth. Pour the water kefir through the sieve into the bowl. Make sure you’ve caught all the water kefir grains. Set the grains aside.

Step 7: Preparing Your Flavoring

Gather your flip-top bottles and a funnel.

Open the bottles and pour 1/4th cup to 1/2 cup of organic grape juice into the bottle. 1/2 cup will yield a sweeter soda but I usually stick to 1/4th cup to avoid excess sugar.

Insert the funnel into the mouth of each bottle and pour in the water kefir. I like to fill to the base of the neck, leaving a few inches above. Water kefir gets SUPER fizzy and I don’t want any explosions in my kitchen.

After all the flip top bottles are filled, you may have a little extra water kefir liquid. I like to save this to store my grains in when I’m not using them, so I set it aside.

NOTE: If you don’t have flip-top bottles you can also use a glass canning jar with a screw on lid to create the pressure.

Step 8: Second Fermentation

Let the water kefir sit out on the kitchen counter again for another 12-24 hours. It is important to “burp” your bottles about every 6-12 hours. If you don’t, the pressure from the carbon dioxide will make the soda squirt straight out when you try to open it at the end of your ferment.

How To Know Your Water Kefir is Ready:

I love a super fizzy water kefir so I usually let it sit for 24 hours. If you attempt to burp your bottles and barely hear a pop, your water kefir is likely not very carbonated yet. This is a good indication you need to reseal the bottles and let them sit for another 12-24 hours.

Step 9: Store and Enjoy

At the end of the second fermentation, I like to burp all the bottles (over the sink if I’m honest) so that the pressure doesn’t continue to build in the bottles. If I’m satisfied with the carbonation of one, I know the others will be great.

I immediately place the bottles in the fridge to get nice and cold. Then I wait the next 4-6 hours for that first icy sip of grape soda water kefir perfection!

Step 10: Storing Your Water Kefir Grains

I don’t have a continuous batch of water kefir brewing as I only brew about once a week. When I am not actively brewing I like to store my water kefir grains in sugar water + reserved water kefir brew in the refrigerator.

In step 7, you have set aside some of the previous water kefir brew. I like to add about 1/2 cup of the last batch to a 1/2 gallon jar, about 1/2 cup of organic brown sugar and fill the jar with filtered water. Then I place my grains inside the jar, seal it, and put it in the fridge. Storing water kefir grains in the refrigerator put the grains “on hold” until my next brew.

FAQ About Water Kefir:

Enjoy Grape Soda Water Kefir!

Crafting your own grape soda water kefir is a rewarding and surprisingly simple process that transforms basic ingredients into a fizzy and flavorful drink.

As you experiment with different flavors and combinations, you’ll discover the process of crafting homemade probiotic soda is much easier than you may have thought. So, gather your ingredients, start your first batch of water kefir, and enjoy the journey to a healthier and tastier alternative to commercial sodas. Cheers to homemade grape soda water kefir!

Want To Learn How To Make More Ferments?

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