How To Make Lacto-Fermented Homemade Soda

Did you know that traditional sodas used to be healthful nourishing and refreshing beverages? That is a far cry from the GMO sugar laden, acidic, caffeine loaded and artificial colors and flavor filled sodas that are available to us at the grocery store. This traditional soda is fizzy, bubbly and mouth-watering and is rich in vitamins, minerals and healthy strains of gut rebuilding bacteria and yeast. Homemade sodas help give you natural energy, help you detox, boost your immune system, help replenish your electrolytes and taste so delicious. Kids and adults will love this!

Makes about 2 quarts or 3, 16 oz flip top bottles

Ingredients

• 4 cups organic fruit (I used mulberries and raspberries from my garden and tree for this post. I also love using watermelon, orange or lime)
• 1 cup organic cane sugar, like this one
• 1/2 cup starter culture (ginger bug, kombucha or champagne yeast)
• 2 quarts filtered water
• Flip top bottles, like these

Technique

• Simmer fruit and sugar in water for about 20-30 minutes
• Cool to room temperature and strain out the fruit
• Transfer the fruit juice to a large container
• Mix juice with starter culture with a non-metal spoon
• Using a funnel, carefully pour mixture into flip top bottles, leaving 1-2 inches of air space at top, flip down cap to seal
• Let them sit and ferment on the counter for 3-9 days, opening the bottles daily to release the CO2 buildup, then close top
• Note: the longer you can let ferment the more sour and less sweet tasting, the more optimal for you
• Once it has fermented to your taste and liking, add to glass with ice and serve
• This is very fizzy and bubbly … enjoy your homemade probiotic soda!

Have you made traditional soda, what did you think?