How to Add Flavour to Water Kefir? – Step by Step Guide (With Natural Ingredients)
Water kefir itself has a mildly sweet and tangy taste — but let’s be honest, adding flavours makes it more exciting and even healthier! Whether you’re craving a fruity punch, zesty twist, or some spicy ginger fizz — this guide is for you.
So, let’s learn how to naturally flavour your water kefir at home, step by step. It’s super easy and fun, just like brewing your own probiotic soda!
What You’ll Need:
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Freshly fermented water kefir (first fermentation complete)
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Sterilised glass bottles or mason jars
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A funnel and strainer
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Your favourite flavouring ingredients (fruit, herbs, juices, etc.)
Read more: How to Make Coconut Water Kefir at Home? Step by Step Guide
Step-by-Step Process: Second Fermentation for Flavour
Step 1: Strain Your First Ferment
Once your water kefir has fermented for 24–48 hours, strain it using a plastic or nylon strainer. Make sure to separate the kefir grains and set them aside in sugar water for your next batch.
Do not use metal strainers or spoons — they can harm your grains.
Step 2: Choose Your Flavour
Pick natural, chemical-free ingredients. Here are some tried-and-tested options:
| Type | Ingredients Ideas |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Berries, apple slices, mango, pineapple, lemon, orange, grapes |
| Herbs | Mint, basil, tulsi, rosemary |
| Citrus | Lemon juice, orange zest, lime slices |
| Spices | Ginger, cinnamon sticks, cardamom |
| Others | Coconut water, rose petals, hibiscus, aloe vera pulp |
Step 3: Add Flavour to the Bottle
Drop your chosen ingredients into your sterilised bottle or mason jar. Use:
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About 1/4 to 1/2 cup fruit per 500ml of water kefir
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A small piece of ginger or a few mint leaves
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2–3 tbsp of fruit juice if using liquid
Then, pour the strained water kefir over the ingredients using a funnel.
Step 4: Seal & Let It Ferment Again
Close the bottle tightly (prefer swing-top bottles) and let it sit at room temperature (20–28°C) for 12 to 24 hours.
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You’ll notice bubbles forming — that’s natural carbonation.
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Don’t leave it more than 48 hours or it may over-carbonate.
Tip: Burp the bottle (open the lid slightly) every 12–18 hours to release pressure.
Step 5: Strain & Refrigerate
Once your kefir has the flavour and fizz you like:
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Strain the liquid to remove fruits/herbs.
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Store in the fridge for up to 7–10 days.
Now it’s ready to drink chilled! You’ve just made your own probiotic soda at home.
Flavor Combinations You Must Try!
| Combo | Taste |
|---|---|
| Lemon + Ginger | Tangy & refreshing |
| Orange + Cinnamon | Sweet & spiced |
| Pineapple + Mint | Cool & tropical |
| Mango + Cardamom | Desi twist |
| Apple + Rose Petals | Floral & fruity |
Read more: How to Ferment, Maintain, and Store Milk Kefir Grains?
Where to Buy Organic Water Kefir Grains?
JPS Ayurvedic Pharmacy offers high-quality Organic Water Kefir Grains and Coconut Water Kefir Grains at the best price with Free Shipping All Over India.