Pin A refreshing, lightly sparkling non-alcoholic drink made with homemade probiotic soda, fresh citrus, and herbs. Perfect for gut health and summer sipping.
I first created this mocktail to offer a fizzy gut-friendly option during summer gatherings with friends. Everyone appreciated its fresh taste and the fact that it left them feeling rejuvenated.
Ingredients
- Filtered water: 4 cups (1 liter)
- Organic cane sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Water kefir grains or ginger bug: 2 tbsp (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
- Orange slices (for garnish): 4 thin
- Ice cubes: to serve
Instructions
- Prepare probiotic base:
- Dissolve cane sugar in filtered water in a clean glass jar. Add water kefir grains or ginger bug and lemon juice. Stir 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 slightly fizzy and tangy.
- Strain probiotic base:
- Strain out kefir grains or ginger bug. Discard or reuse for your next batch.
- Add flavoring:
- 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 extra mint if desired. Serve immediately for best fizz.
Pin Our family enjoys making this probiotic soda together, especially when experimenting with new citrus blends in the kitchen. The kids love adding the mint leaves and watching the bubbles form.
Required Tools
1 large glass jar (at least 1 liter), non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, glasses
Allergen Information
Contains none of the major allergens. If using store-bought cultures, check for allergen cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 60, Total Fat: 0 g, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Protein: 0 g per serving
Pin Serve this probiotic soda mocktail chilled and enjoy its gentle bubbles. It’s a perfect healthy refreshment for any occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ferment the soda base?
Dissolve sugar in water, add kefir grains or ginger bug, and lemon juice. Ferment for 24–48 hours until fizzy.
- → Can I customize the sweetness?
Yes, adjust sugar or add honey or agave to taste. Note that honey is not vegan-friendly.
- → What can I use as probiotic starter?
Use water kefir grains for mild flavor, or substitute with ginger bug for a spicier kick.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
This drink is vegan and gluten-free when basic ingredients and agave are used.
- → Which utensils should I use?
Always handle fermenting cultures with non-metallic spoons and use glass jars for fermentation.
- → How can I serve the mocktail?
Pour over ice in glassware and garnish with orange slices and fresh mint leaves for extra freshness.