Save A refreshing, lightly sparkling non-alcoholic drink made with homemade probiotic soda, fresh citrus, and herbs. Perfect for gut health and summer sipping.
I started making probiotic soda mocktails for summer gatherings and discovered everyone loved the bright flavors paired with a hint of fizz. Even kids enjoyed sipping these bubbly drinks alongside the adults.
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 leaves
- Thin orange slices: 4 (for garnish)
- Ice cubes: to serve
Instructions
- Prepare probiotic base:
- In a clean glass jar, dissolve organic cane sugar in filtered water. Add water kefir grains or ginger bug and lemon juice. Stir gently with a non-metallic spoon.
- Ferment:
- Cover the jar with a breathable cloth or coffee filter secured with a rubber band. Allow to ferment at room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F) for 24–48 hours, until slightly fizzy and tangy.
- Strain:
- Strain out the kefir grains or ginger bug. Discard or reuse for your next batch.
- Flavor soda:
- In a pitcher, combine the fermented soda base with orange juice, lime juice, and mint leaves. Stir gently.
- Serve:
- Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour over the mocktail, and garnish each glass with a thin slice of orange and extra mint if desired. Serve immediately for best fizz.
Save Every time we set up an outdoor brunch, this drink disappears within minutes as my family asks for refills. Even my grandmother loves the subtle tartness and the herbal mint scent.
Required Tools
Large glass jar (at least 1 liter), non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses are all you'll need to make this recipe effortlessly.
Allergen Information
This mocktail contains none of the major allergens. Always check store-bought culture packaging for possible cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 60 , Total Fat: 0 g , Carbohydrates: 15 g , Protein: 0 g. These figures keep your mocktail light and suitable for most diets.
Save This mocktail is the perfect sparkling finish for sunny gatherings or brunches. Serve chilled, and enjoy its probiotic boost and vibrant flavors.
Kitchen Guide
- → How long should the probiotic soda ferment?
Let the soda base ferment for 24 to 48 hours at room temperature, until lightly fizzy and tangy.
- → Can I use ginger bug instead of water kefir grains?
Yes, ginger bug gives a spicier note and can fully replace water kefir grains in the fermentation process.
- → Is the drink suitable for vegans?
Yes, this mocktail is vegan as long as honey is not added. Agave can be used for a vegan sweetener.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
You can add more cane sugar during fermentation or a splash of honey or agave before serving.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this drink?
You'll need a large glass jar, non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses.
- → Can I prepare the probiotic base in advance?
Yes, the soda base can be made ahead and refrigerated once fermentation is complete.