How to Make Strawberry Lime Flavored Water Kefir

What could be a more refreshing summer drink than strawberry lime flavored water kefir? It is easy to make right in your own kitchen, too!

I first discovered delicious, fizzy water kefir about 10 years ago when a friend at the Farmers Market mentioned it to me. After sourcing the clear, gelatinous grains I got started with making my own and I have been making it off and on ever since!

Right now strawberries are ripe where I live and they are the perfect addition to water kefir. Add a bit of lime and you have the perfect combination for summer!

Health Benefits of Water Kefir

Not only is water kefir a delicious and refreshing drink it is also has several health benefits. First of all because it is a fermented drink, it is full of good bacteria which is good for the gut. The various strains of of beneficial yeast and bacteria that water kefir contains can aid in digestion.

Water kefir is also a low sugar beverage. Although it is made with cane sugar, the yeast and bacteria consume up to 80% of the sugar once fermentation is complete! This makes it a wonderful, bubbly alternative to soda!

Water Kefir can also be a great probiotic alternative to milk kefir or Kombucha for those who are sensitive to dairy or caffeine.

Making Flavored Water Kefir

For 1 quart of water kefir will need:

3 Tablespoons of water kefir grains
3 Tablespoons of sugar(I use organic cane sugar)
1 lime
1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries

Helpful equipment to have:

Quart glass canning jar with lid
Funnel
Strainer
Bottles that seal tightly

strawberries chopped for adding to water kefir

Instructions

Day 1

To make your water kefir first measure your kefir grains and sugar into your quart jar. Fill with cool water and stir well. I just use tap water and have had no trouble, however chlorine or certain minerals in water can inhibit the fermentation procces so filtered water is often best.

Cover the jar loosely with a lid and let it sit on the counter at room temperature for 24 hours.

Day 2

On the next day we will add our flavoring and do a second ferment. First strain out the liquid from the grains by pouring through a mesh strainer into another quart jar.

Place the grains in a small jar, add a tsp. of sugar, and cover with water. Store in the fridge to reserve for next time.

Now wash the lime and cut into quarters. Squeeze the juice into the jar of water kefir and add the lime pieces. Mash the strawberries a bit and add them to the jar as well. Screw the lid on tightly and ferment for another 24 hours.

Day 3

At this point you may store in the fridge and drink it. I prefer to take it a step further and do one more ferment. I find that this makes the water kefir more fizzy and I also prefer to strain out the fruit. You can save the fruit for a smoothie or simply compost it.

Using a funnel and a mesh strainer now strain the strawberry lime flavored water kefir into airtight bottles. I like to use pretty flip top bottles like these. You can purchase them online or save and reuse ones that other drinks like have come in. That is how I have aquired most of mine!

Let the water kefir sit on the counter another 12 hours to get fizzy. Refrigerate to chill then enjoy!

Making Another Batch

I keep the extra grains in sugar water in the refrigerator, give them away, or throw them in the compost if there are too many. To make the next batch simply take them out and follow the above steps again.