Water Kefir Fermenting Guide
Water Kefir is a light, refreshing fermented drink made with translucent grains that thrive on sugar water, dried fruit, and lemon. The result is a naturally sparkling, probiotic-rich beverage that’s easy to make at home. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to brew water kefir.
Step 1: Gather your water kefir brewing supplies
To make water kefir, you’ll need:
- Organic Water Kefir Grains (your pack contains enough for either 500ml or 750ml batches)
- Filtered water (non-chlorinated)
- Sugar (organic/raw preferred)
- 1 slice lemon (optional, avoid if sprayed or waxed)
- 1 dried fruit (fig, date, or apricot)
- A glass jar (avoid metal) — or try the Kefirko Water Kefir Kit designed specially for water kefir
- A breathable cover (cloth or coffee filter + rubber band)
- A plastic or wooden spoon
- A fine-mesh strainer
Step 2: Prepare the sugar water
Use the ratio below depending on your grain batch size:
- For 500ml batch: dissolve 1.5 tbsp sugar in 500ml water.
- For 750ml batch: dissolve 2.5 tbsp sugar in 750ml water.
Pour the sweetened water into your jar and add the water kefir grains, plus the lemon slice and dried fruit.
Step 3: Ferment the water kefir
- Cover the jar with cloth and secure with a rubber band.
- Leave at room temperature (20–25°C) for 24–48 hours.
- Taste after 24 hours — it should be lightly sweet and slightly tangy. Longer ferment = less sweet and more tart.
Step 4: Strain and refresh
- Strain the liquid into a clean jar or bottle — this is your finished water kefir.
- Remove any used fruit and lemon.
- Return the grains to fresh sugar water to start a new batch (use the same ratio as above).
Step 5: Bottle, flavour, and enjoy (optional)
- Pour strained water kefir into bottles, leaving 2–3 cm headspace.
- Add flavourings if desired (fruit, herbs, ginger, etc.).
- Seal bottles and leave at room temperature for 1–3 days to carbonate.
- Refrigerate once bubbly to slow fermentation.
That’s it! With just Organic Water Kefir Grains, sugar, and water — or a complete Kefirko Water Kefir Kit — you can brew your own refreshing, probiotic-rich water kefir at home. Want to explore more ferments? Check out our Organic Milk Kefir Grains and Organic Kombucha SCOBY for other gut-friendly drinks.
