So I've been getting into healthier alternatives (despite the cookie recipes below). And a big part of that is drinking Kefir instead of soda. It took a little getting used to, because at first it doesn't taste as sweet (because we're all overloaded on sugar anyhow) but after a week or so of no soda and no juice (since juice is really bad for you anyhow) it tastes just like sparkling juice.
Now, you can get kefir grains online from various places, but more often that not you can get them from friends and other health nuts. So shop around in your neighborhood, talk to people you know, more than likely you can get some grains from a friend (that's how I got mine). After all, they are living cultures so they breed and multiply. More love to share! You can read tons and tons online about how to make water kefir but the gist of it is this:
I put mine in a ball jar with the grains up to about 2 notches (the little measurements they have on the side). I'll then boil tap water to rid it of some of the harsh chemicals (you can use distilled water but I'm too cheap to do this, and too poor to buy a home filter). My friend will use left over tea water. It cannot be hot, because you'll kill the grains, but once the water hits body temperature than its fine. I add 6 tablespoons for raw sugar and then seal it up tightly, and let it hang out on a counter top for two days at room temperature.
This is where it gets a little tricky: the colder the kefir, the slower they eat. If you house tends towards being chilly (mine does...even in the summer) you may want to set it out a bit more. However, after a while you can start to "tell" when its done...they water will look clearer and you'll see fewer "sugar swirls" in the water. Also, the more the cultures eat, the more they produce gas...and you'll begin to see the carbonation. Try not to let it sit too long or the grains will eat all the sugar and starve. But after about two days, reboil new water, prep it, and...
Strain the grains and put the new kefir water into a separate container. You can then add the cooled down boiled water and more sugar in with the grains and begin another batch (it goes on like this for ever and ever...so this is a cheap source for yummy drinks!). With the freshly strained kefir water, I'll add
1/2 a cup diced strawberries
1/2 a cup chopped blueberries
Dump the berries into the kefir water, and place it into a plastic pitcher. Leave the lid slightly unsealed, as the kefir will continue to eat the berries and create gas. Let sit for two more days. Once it's done, pour over a glass full of ice, and enjoy. It tastes like sparkling strawberry water!
Remember, don't stir the kefir, you'll ruin the carbonation!
