Save Pin A refreshing, lightly sparkling non-alcoholic drink made with homemade probiotic soda, fresh citrus, and herbs. Perfect for gut health and summer sipping.
The first time I made this at home, I was amazed by how fizzy and flavorful a simple homemade soda could be. It quickly became my favorite way to enjoy a probiotic boost at brunch or on hot afternoons.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 4 cups (1 liter), use fresh
- Organic cane sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g), for fermentation
- Water kefir grains or ginger bug: 2 tbsp, provides living probiotics (see notes)
- 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, try to use whole leaves
- Thin orange slices: 4, for garnish
- Ice cubes: to serve, as needed
Instructions
- Make the probiotic base:
- Add cane sugar to filtered water in a clean glass jar. Mix until dissolved. Stir in water kefir grains or ginger bug and lemon juice gently with a non-metallic spoon.
- Ferment:
- 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 you see fizz and tang.
- Strain:
- Remove kefir grains or ginger bug using a fine mesh strainer. Discard or reuse for another batch.
- Flavor:
- Combine fermented soda with orange juice, lime juice, and mint leaves in a pitcher. Stir gently.
- Serve:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour mocktail over ice, garnish with orange slice and mint. Serve immediately for best fizz.
Save Pin When my family tried this mocktail at our weekend brunch, everyone loved customizing their glass with extra mint and orange. It's now our go-to beverage for special occasions.
Required Tools
You'll need a large glass jar (at least 1 liter), non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses for serving.
Allergen Information
This mocktail contains none of the major allergens. Double-check store-bought cultures for cross-contamination before use.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 60 calories, 0 g total fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 0 g protein so it's light and refreshing.
Save Pin Enjoy this mocktail immediately for maximum fizz and freshness. Cheers to a happy, healthy gut!
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the probiotic base made of?
The base is created with filtered water, organic cane sugar, and water kefir grains or ginger bug for a healthy fizz.
- → How long does fermentation take?
The drink ferments for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature until it's lightly sparkling and tangy.
- → Can I adjust citrus and sweetness?
Absolutely! Modify citrus juice and sugar levels to suit your taste, or add honey/agave for more sweetness.
- → Is it suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets?
Yes, this mocktail is vegan and gluten-free, especially when using water kefir grains or ginger bug.
- → What kind of utensils are needed?
Use a large glass jar, non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses for preparation and serving.
- → What does ginger bug add to the drink?
Ginger bug gives a spicy note and enhances probiotic benefits, similar to water kefir grains.