If you, like me, want to avoid high fructose corn syrup, artificial coloring, and an excess of phosphoric acid, give this grape soda a try. Kristi is a master at making delicious ferments even the kids will love.
Grape soda is super easy to make at home. It only takes a day or two, some water kefir grains and some organic juice. Or if you have a juicer you could freshly juice the grapes for this also!
Limiting the amount of fermented grape soda small children have is important, especially if they are not used to eating fermented products. Our tummies are a delicate balance. Also, fermented beverages can contain small amounts of alcohol. Since this ferment uses only juice, if fermented too long it could contain a fair amount of alcohol not suitable for children. Use your best judgment when serving to children or anyone else susceptible to alcohol.
How to Make Homemade Grape Soda
Equipment:
- Fermentools
- Wide mouth glass jar
- Fine mesh sieve
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup water kefir grains
- 4 cups organic grape juice
- 2 tbsp sugar – unless the juice you are using is really sweet.
Keep the water kefir grains separate that you use for juice, because when you go back to water the flavor is not so good.
Directions:
- Add the juice to the glass jar.
- Stir in the sugar until well dissolved.
- Add the water kefir grains.
- Allow to ferment for 24-48 hours.
- Strain water kefir grains from the liquid.
- Refrigerate grape soda and serve chilled.
If your homemade grape soda is not sweet enough, add more sugar and stir it up really well. Grapes can be a little bitter at times, and other times they are fabulously sweet. Adjusting the sugar content will greatly affect your love for this soda. Start by adding small amounts. Add a couple of tablespoons at a time, until you get the desired effect.
This grape soda is a perfect addition to breakfast or lunch. You could make ice pops and add real fruit to them. Check out Water Kefir Ice Pops to see the instructions. The kids love these. They are extremely flavorful!
You could also use ginger bug as a base. Check out the recipe and instructions for making a flavored soda using ginger bug. It is a starter culture like water kefir that we use to make flavored sodas. Making a ginger bug is really simple. You most likely have all of the ingredients to make it already!
Additional fermented beverage recipes you may enjoy:
Make a different flavor soda by using a different type of organic juice. Flavored water kefir is fun and easy to do.
What is your favorite homemade fermented beverage?
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