Simple Homemade Water Kefir – A Family-Friendly Ferment

There’s something quietly joyful about a drink that bubbles to life on your counter. Water kefir is one of those gentle, nourishing ferments that doesn’t demand much—but gives so much in return.

Water Kefir is a simple and delish fermented beverage!

It’s become a regular part of my rhythm, and one of the few fermented drinks my whole family enjoys. The flavor is subtle and refreshing—even my kombucha-avoiding husband will sip it now and then.

I love how flexible and low-maintenance it is. In fact, I’ve taken it with me on vacation more than once. It was surprisingly fun to see how the flavor and fermentation were affected by the water in different places—Arizona water definitely tastes different. But no matter where I go, the process stays simple.

Fermenting Away

It’s the kind of thing that just folds into life without a lot of fuss. You could say it's Simpli Done.

If you want to see how I make it you can check out my Instagram post here. Here’s how I make it.

Basic Water Kefir

A gently fermented, family-friendly probiotic drink.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup sugar

• 3–4 cups filtered water

• 1–3 tbsp active water kefir grains

• 1 quart glass jar

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Instructions:

1. Dissolve the sugar in a splash of hot water (about ½ cup).

2. Add cool water to reach 3½–4 cups total. Make sure the water is below 100°F before adding the grains.

3. Add your water kefir grains.

4. Cover with a cloth or coffee filter and secure with a rubber band.

5. Let sit at room temperature for 24–48 hours.

6. Strain the finished kefir into a clean jar or bottle.

7. Start a new batch with fresh sugar water and the same grains.

   
   

Optional Second Ferment (for flavor + fizz):

• Add an herbal or berry tea bag (like Tazo Passion) to the strained kefir

• Let steep at room temp 12–24 hours in a sealed jar for light carbonation

• Chill before serving

Notes:

• Every few batches (about every 3–5), swap white sugar for brown sugar or add 1 tsp molasses to help mineralize and nourish your grains

• Grains can be stored in sugar water in the fridge if you need a break

• Feed them weekly when not in use

• Avoid metal utensils or chlorinated water

  
  

There’s something comforting about the quiet cycle of fermenting—feeding, straining, starting again. This little ritual brings something fresh and alive into our days.

Whether you’re just starting or a few batches in, I hope water kefir becomes one of those easy, nourishing habits that finds a place in your own rhythm too.

Let me know if you try it—and which flavor becomes your favorite.

Affiliate Disclosure:

Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you choose to make a purchase through them. I only share products I personally use and truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the simple rhythms that keep this space going.