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    Home » Drinks » Homemade Water Kefir

    Homemade Water Kefir

    Published: Mar 30, 2020 · Modified: Dec 19, 2020 by Lindsey Johnson · This post may contain affiliate links.

    1.8K shares
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    how to Make Water Kefir Pinterest Image

    This homemade Water Kefir recipe is made with just three simple ingredients. Water kefir and other fermented probiotic beverages are all the rage right now, and I am 100% on board! It can be a fun little hobby with amazing health benefits. Read on to learn how to make this tangy, fizzy drink that is chock full of probiotics and other nutrients.
    organic water kefir in two glasses and a glass bottle

     

    Water Kefir vs Milk Kefir

    Making water kefir is much easier than I ever thought it could be. You might be familiar with milk kefir. The fermentation process is basically the same, except instead of lactose in milk, the beneficial bacteria uses sugar dissolved in water to create a delightful probiotic beverage.

    Milk kefir grains cannot be used to make water kefir, and vice versa. While milk kefir has a lot more probiotics and health benefits, homemade water kefir as a wonderfully healthy alternative to soda. bubbly kefir water in two glasses with ice sitting on a cutting board

    Water Kefir Recipe ingredients

    To make this homemade kefir recipe, you’ll need:

    • Water kefir grains
    • Sugar
    • Filtered water
    • Optional ingredients: fruit juice, diced fruit, or ginger

    Where to Purchase Grains

    I purchased my  grains from Cultures For Health. They come freeze-dried and require several days of rehydration to activate them. I also recently found the grains at a local Orange County Kombucha bar called Fermentation Farm. If you’re on the lookout for kefir grains (water or milk), check local health food store bulletin boards, Craigslist, and through social media. I find people are more than happy to share. There are even Facebook groups where members share cultures and information about fermenting kefir, kombucha, vinegar, and other probiotic beverages. water kefir grains in a sieve

    What Kind of Sugar to Use

    The kind of sugar and water used matter a lot. The culture readily consumes plain old white sugar, but requires more minerals to maintains the health of the kefir grains.

    Raw sugars such as evaporated cane juice, turbinado, jaggery, or sucanat are recommended. If I use white granulated sugar, I make sure it’s cane sugar, preferably organic.

    Honey has its own enzymes and other things that may interfere with the fermentation process, so it’s best to stick with sugar. Maple syrup and coconut sugar, or other natural sugars, might be okay, but always let the grains rest and rejuvenate in plain sugar water occasionally or they might stop working or die off.

    I do know of people who have successfully used honey, maple, or coconut sugar effectively, but if you’re a beginner, start with sugar.

    using water kefir grains being poured into a glass jar

    What Kind of Water to Use

    It’s important to use filtered water to make this water kefir recipe. If the filter removes minerals, like reverse osmosis, they will need to be added back in. There are several ways to do that, but only choose one to add back in:

    • ¼ teaspoon of molasses
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • a pinch of sea salt
    • mineral drops

    Tap water often contains chlorine, fluoride, and even lingering pesticides, all of which can harm the kefir grains. I have a reverse osmosis filter in my kitchen, which works fine, but I do add a pinch of sea salt in with the sugar and water for the added minerals.

    organic evaporated cane juice in a glass on a cutting board

    How to Make Water Kefir

    Here are the basic steps to mastering this water kefir recipe:

    1. Warm 1 cup of filtered water, then dissolve sugar in it.
    2. Transfer the mixture to a jar, then add in the kefir grains and remaining water.
    3. Set aside to ferment.
    4. Once fermented, strain out the water kefir grains to make another batch.

    How Long Do I Let it Ferment?

    Fermentation time varies a little, but typically 24 hours is sufficient for the first fermentation; maybe 48 hours if the room temperature is on the cooler side. It’s important to keep feeding those grains, so anything beyond 1-2 days may actually injure them. I know people who ferment for longer, but add a little sugar each day to keep the grains active.

    I did leave some to ferment for 5 days as an experiment and the grains recovered, but I wouldn’t let that become a habit.

    a glass mason jar covered in a white cloth

    How To Do A Second Fermentation

    A second fermentation is optional, but will result in a fizzy “soda” that is utterly delightful. The second fermentation is done without the kefir grains. They are filtered out and a new batch immediately started.

    For the second fermentation, fruit or fruit juice, herbs, or spices can be used to flavor it. I usually use about ¼ cup of 100% juice for every 1 quart of fermented water kefir.

    The second fermentation is also 24-48 hours, but can be even longer depending on how fizzy you like it. The longer it ferments, the fizzier it will become. We’ve even had some pop and bubble over like champagne. (My kids love that trick!)

    making-water-kefir in a glass mason jar

    How to Store

    Whatever you do, keep the jar covered with a cloth or paper filter to prevent fruit flies, ants, or other unwanted pests. Fruit flies are the biggest concern. They love the sweet, fermented liquid and will quickly take residence in an open jar. Cheesecloth is not recommended because the weave isn’t tight enough. I use pieces of flour sack towels and a rubber band.

    How to Store Water Kefir Grains

    Once you get going on the water kefir, it can seem a bit overwhelming. The grains will grow and reproduce. To halt the fermentation process for a short amount of time (less than a month), the grains can be refrigerated in the sugar water solution. Change the sugar water every so often, but the grains should be just fine.

    For longer storage, it’s recommended that the grains be dehydrated. Freezing is not recommended.

    bubbly water kefir in a mason jar

    How Long Does it Last in the Refrigerator?

    You can drink the fermented kefir water right away or store it in the refrigerator. Ours never lasts longer than 1-2 days because we are always drinking it, but it should last 2-4 weeks.

    Do be careful and “burp” the bottles so they don’t explode. I have only had that happen once because I forgot to stick the bottle in the fridge at bedtime and we woke up to a GIANT mess.

    What Does it Taste Like?

    The water kefir should have a nice, yeasty or yogurt-y kind of smell to it. If it smells sulfury or “off” it’s best to toss it out and start with fresh sugar water. It’s very rare for mold to grow on the kefir. There might be strands of yeast, however, which is totally normal.

    kefir grains in jar with water

    Tips for Making Water Kefir

    The process of making homemade kefir is as easy as can be. Once it gets going you’ll have a new batch of water kefir every other day or so. I like to do a second fermentation, which results in a bubbly “soda,” but that’s an optional step. It’s perfectly fine to drink after the first fermentation.

    If adding fruit juice to your water kefir for a second fermentation, read the ingredients list to make sure you’re using 100% fruit juice.

    Note that you must wash and sterilize whatever jar you’ll be storing your homemade kefir in. It’s very important that you take the time to do this, otherwise your kefir might not ferment properly.

    yeast growing on the side of the mason jar in kefir

    More Healthy Drink Recipes:

    • Fresh Pressed Rainbow Juice
    • Carrot and Orange Power Smoothie
    • Anti-Inflammatory Mango Smoothie
    • Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie
    • Almond Date Smoothie

    homemade water kefir

    Homemade Water Kefir

    Water kefir is made with just three simple ingredients! This fizzy fermented beverage is a healthy soda alternative and an all-around refresing drink!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Fermentation Time: 2 days
    Total Time: 2 days 30 minutes
    Servings: 1 quart
    Author:Andrea

    Equipment

    • Quart-sized jar
    • Plastic fine mesh strainer
    • Piece of cloth or coffee filter
    • Rubber band or jar ring

    Ingredients

    For first fermentation:

    • 2-4 Tablespoons water kefir grains
    • 4 Tablespoons sugar
    • 3 ½ cups filtered water

    For second fermentation (optional)

    • fruit juice, diced fruit, fresh or crystallized ginger
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    First fermentation:

    • Wash and sterilize a quart-sized jar. Warm 1 cup of the filtered water and dissolve the sugar in it. Let cool to room temperature. Transfer to the jar, add kefir grains, and remaining filtered water. Cover jar with the cloth or coffee filter and secure with jar ring or rubber band.
    • Place jar in a warm corner or cupboard away from direct sunlight.
    • Allow to ferment for 24-48 hours; the water kefir will ferment more quickly in warmer temperatures and during the summer. Bubbles will be visible rising from the bottom to the top of the jar as soon as a few hours, but the longer it ferments, the bubblier it will become.
    • Strain out the water kefir grains to make another batch. The water kefir can be consumed at this point, or bottled for a second fermentation.

    Second fermentation (optional):

    • For second fermentation, transfer the water kefir to a bottle with a swing top. (Glass jars and bottles are preferred, but plastic soda bottles can also be used.)
    • For flavored water kefir, add ¼ cup of pure fruit juice or diced fruit into the bottle then add the water kefir. Seal the bottle tightly. Let ferment an additional 24-48 hours. Crack the seal of the bottles at least once a day to prevent pressure building up. The kefir is ready to drink. Store in the refrigerator.

    Notes

    • *Please read blog post above for tips on where to purchase water kefir grains, how to store water kefir, and more!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Sodium: 46mg | Sugar: 48g | Calcium: 26mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Howe.We.Live or tag #HoweWeLiveRecipes!

    two glass bottles full of fermented water kefir

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Doug says

      May 29, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      Can you use a mason jar instead of a swing top bottle?

      Reply
      • Andrea Howe says

        June 05, 2022 at 7:05 am

        I dont see why not! Just make sure it is sterilized first

        Reply
    2. Laura says

      December 27, 2020 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for putting out so much information! I’ve been looking into making probiotics at home and this is such a nice way to start. Everything is really well explained and you make it look simple. thanks!

      Reply
    3. Alex says

      December 27, 2020 at 11:08 am

      I didn’t know that milk kefir is much more beneficial! I’ll have to read more into that. I’m not supposed to drink milk so I’ve always avoided it. Your water kefir looks nice and refreshing!

      Reply
    4. Erin says

      December 27, 2020 at 7:56 am

      This is such a great thing to drink! I used to make lemonade kefir but I just couldn’t keep up with it. It’s a lot of work. But your water kefir looks way less time intensive!

      Reply
    5. Kate says

      December 27, 2020 at 7:37 am

      This actually helped me get rid of a tummy ache. Great recipe

      Reply
    6. Debbie says

      December 26, 2020 at 11:25 am

      5 stars
      What a great and informative post about Water Kefir . I honestly have never heard of this or the benefits. I am looking forward to trying this in the near future.

      Reply
    7. Marta says

      December 26, 2020 at 7:13 am

      5 stars
      I don’t drink nearly as much water as I should… I know, shame on me. The main reason is that I find it boring and store bought flavored waters are ho-hum. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe, because it sounds like it will give water the glam I’m looking for in a drink. Thank you for writing this recipe.

      Reply
    8. Heidy M says

      December 26, 2020 at 4:57 am

      5 stars
      I had never tried the homemade Water Kefir recipe before this one and was thrilled with the outcome. Your instructions made it so easy. I definitely will be saving your homemade Water Kefir recipe for future use.

      Happy Holidays!

      Reply
    9. Eva says

      December 25, 2020 at 3:47 am

      5 stars
      What a very informative post on water kefir! I had heard about it before but never really delved into the topic. Pretty amazing, and definitely a much healthier alternative to other fizzy drinks. After the big eating now at Christmas I can definitely think my gut would appreciate some probiotics!

      Reply
    10. Alice | SkinnySpatula says

      December 24, 2020 at 2:12 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy way to make kefir I was looking for a couple of ideas and your recipe seems to be the easiest way to do it.

      Reply
    11. Leslie says

      December 23, 2020 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      I had no idea water kefir would be so easy to make. I learned a lot reading through this post. Thanks for sharing how easy this is!

      Reply
    12. Zoe says

      February 05, 2019 at 10:47 am

      I’ve got to try this… would be a great summer drink here in Maryland. Also, beautiful photos!

      Reply
      • Andrea Howe says

        February 07, 2019 at 1:11 pm

        yes, definitely a refreshing drink for hot weather, which I very much am looking forward to right now 🙂

        Reply
    13. Mira says

      September 04, 2014 at 7:34 pm

      Such an easy way to make homemade probiotic, will try this recipe, I’m so curious how it tastes 🙂

      Reply

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