Pin It A refreshing, lightly sparkling non-alcoholic drink made with homemade probiotic soda, fresh citrus, and herbs. Perfect for gut health and summer sipping.
I started making my own probiotic sodas last summer and loved experimenting with different citrus blends for mocktails. Sharing this with friends was always a conversation starter.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 4 cups (1 liter)
- Organic cane sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Water kefir grains or ginger bug: 2 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Fresh orange juice: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Fresh mint leaves: 8
- Thin orange slices: 4, for garnish
- Ice cubes: To serve
Instructions
- Prepare probiotic base:
- In a clean glass jar, dissolve cane sugar in filtered water. Add water kefir grains or ginger bug and lemon juice. Stir gently with a non-metallic spoon.
- Ferment the soda:
- Cover jar with a breathable cloth or coffee filter secured with a rubber band. Let ferment at room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F) for 24–48 hours until slightly fizzy and tangy.
- Strain cultures:
- Strain out kefir grains or ginger bug. Discard or reuse for next batch.
- Add flavorings:
- In a pitcher, combine fermented soda base with orange juice, lime juice, and mint leaves. Stir gently.
- Serve:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour mocktail over, and garnish with orange slice and additional mint if desired. Serve immediately for best fizz.
Pin It My family loves this drink at brunch in the garden—even kids ask for refills! It's become our go-to for hot afternoons together.
Required Tools
You'll need a large glass jar (1 liter), non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses for serving.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains none of the major allergens. When using commercial cultures, double-check for cross-contamination if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 60 calories, 0 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 0 g protein.
Pin It Keep your probiotic soda cold and serve immediately for the best fizz. Enjoy as a healthy refresher any time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What is the probiotic base made of?
The base uses filtered water, organic cane sugar, fresh lemon juice, and water kefir grains or ginger bug for natural fermentation and gut-friendly microbes.
- → How long does fermentation take?
Fermentation typically takes 24–48 hours at room temperature, resulting in gentle fizz and a tangy taste. Monitor for your preferred level of carbonation.
- → Can I substitute water kefir grains?
Yes, you can swap water kefir grains for ginger bug to achieve a slightly spicier flavor profile in the finished mocktail.
- → Is the drink vegan and gluten-free?
It is vegan and gluten-free when prepared as described. If you choose to add honey, note this is not vegan-friendly.
- → How can I adjust sweetness?
For extra sweetness, add a splash of agave or honey before serving. You can also increase cane sugar during fermentation for a sweeter base.
- → What are the ideal serving suggestions?
Enjoy the mocktail chilled over ice, garnished with orange slices and mint. It pairs well with salads or serves as a brunch refresher.