How to Flavour Water Kefir, Milk Kefir & Kombucha

One of the joys of home fermentation is getting creative with flavour. Once you’ve mastered the basics of brewing water kefir, milk kefir, or kombucha, you can start experimenting with fruits, herbs, and spices to make each batch uniquely your own.

Flavouring adds variety, highlights seasonal produce, and even boosts the nutritional profile of your drinks. Best of all, it makes every glass something to look forward to.

Why Add Flavour to Fermented Drinks?

Fermented drinks are naturally tangy, slightly sour, and sometimes lightly fizzy. They’re delicious as is—but adding flavour has extra benefits:

• Variety: Switch up flavours so your daily probiotic never gets boring.
• Customisation: Adjust sweetness, fruitiness, or spice to your liking.
• Seasonality: Use fresh fruits and herbs as they come into season.
• Nutrition: Herbs and spices bring antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

What is Second Fermentation?

The first fermentation creates your base drink. The second fermentation (or “F2”) happens once you’ve removed the grains or SCOBY. This is the perfect time to infuse flavour and build natural fizz.

How to second ferment:

1. Strain out grains or SCOBY.
2. Pour liquid into clean glass bottles.
3. Add your chosen flavourings.
4. Seal and ferment 1–3 days at room temperature.
5. “Burp” bottles daily to release pressure.
6. Refrigerate once ready to lock in fizz and flavour.

Flavouring Water Kefir

Water kefir’s light, refreshing base pairs beautifully with fruit and herbs. Try these combinations:

• Lemon & ginger
• Raspberry & mint
• Pineapple & coconut
• Orange & hibiscus
• Blueberry & basil
• Apple & cinnamon
• Strawberry & lime

Shop water kefir essentials: Organic Water Kefir Grains | Kefirko Water Kefir Kit

Flavouring Milk Kefir

Milk kefir is creamy and tangy—closer to drinkable yoghurt than soda. Flavouring is usually done after straining the grains.

• Vanilla & cinnamon
• Honey & cardamom
• Banana & strawberry
• Cacao & maple syrup
• Mango & passionfruit
• Blueberry & lemon zest
• Chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove)

Shop milk kefir essentials: Milk Kefir Grains | Kefirko Milk Kefir Kit

Flavouring Kombucha

Kombucha’s sweet-tart base shines during second fermentation, building depth and natural fizz. Popular combinations include:

• Ginger & lemon
• Apple & cinnamon
• Strawberry & basil
• Blueberry & lavender
• Peach & rosemary
• Blackberry & sage
• Pineapple & chilli

Shop kombucha essentials: Organic Kombucha SCOBY

Tips for Successful Flavouring

• Burp bottles daily to avoid overpressure.
• Use swing-top bottles for safety and fizz.
• Start small with flavouring—you can always add more.
• Remember fruits infuse quickly, while spices need longer.
• Always refrigerate once ready.

Final Thoughts

Flavouring is where fermentation becomes truly fun. Whether you love the sparkle of water kefir, the creamy tang of milk kefir, or the lively fizz of kombucha, adding fruit, herbs, and spices lets you make every batch your own.

Start with simple classics like lemon & ginger, then branch out with seasonal produce. Keep a flavour journal—you’ll soon have a collection of favourite recipes that are uniquely yours.