Sparkling spicy apple cider
Fermented sparkling apple cider served with pomegranate arils
Fermented probiotic sparkling cider mocktail recipe
A refreshing mocktail infused with spices (cinnamon, anise, cloves, etc.) that requires a few days to ferment naturally. This beverage, made with coconut water kefir, is very easy to make and packed with beneficial bacteria and yeasts.
Give your apple juice a fizzy and a spicy twist with this drink recipe. I leave my preparation at room temperature 12h-24h, and it becomes bubbly and rich in probiotics!
You must make a batch of coconut water kefir beforehand (recipe below) and then you can transform your apple juice, with the addition of spices and herbs, into a refreshing drink!
A festive mocktail that is rich in beneficial probiotics
Here is the coconut water kefir recipe that you must prepare beforehand
Instructions for Coconut Water Kefir
Add 2 cups of coconut water, or more, into a glass jar.
Add 2 tablespoons of water kefir grains. You can add more grains if you want to speed-up the fermentation process (I add about 6 tablespoons, and get plenty of fizz after 2 days of fermentation).
Cover with a coffee filter or cloth secured with an elastic.
Let sit for 24 – 48 hours, the coconut water kefir will be a little fizzy with a slightly tangy flavor.
For a sweeter drink, after 1-2 days of fermentation, you can add a few dried figs or other dried fruits (3-6), cover again with a cloth, and ferment for another day or until the figs float at the top of your jar. Fresh fruits are also a wonderful addition to flavor your kefir; add peeled fuit of your choice : litchis, oranges, lemons, lime, etc. and ferment an additional 12-24 hours
Filter your coconut water in a bowl to remove the kefir beads. Store your kefir beads in the fridge in an airtight jar with filtered water and some sugar.
Transfer your coconut water kefir in an airtight jar and store in your fridge. It will keep a few weeks.
Coconut water kefir after 2 days of fermentation at room temperature
Recipe for the sparkling apple cider
Ingredients
1L natural apple juice or cider
125 ml (1/2 cup) coconut water kefir
1 piece, about 1-2 inches, fresh ginger, peeled, cut into chunks
1-2 star anise
2 tbsp. orange or lemon zest
4-6 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
Tutorial for Juice Kefir Recipe
Instructions
Pour the apple juice into a sterilized or very clean jar. Add the other ingredients and mix well.
Cover your jar with a cheesecloth, clean cloth or a coffee filter and hold it with a rubber band.
Leave to ferment at room temperature between 12 and 16 hours. Bottle when the taste is satisfactory (more or less sweet according to your preference), and slightly carbonated.
Keep your bottle at room temperature for 2 hours, or more depending on desired taste, to give your drink more effervescence, then refrigerate it.
Serve your sparkling apple cider with slices or pieces of fresh fruit. Cheers!
A refreshing mocktail infused with spices (cinnamon, anise, cloves, etc.) served with pomegranate arils
Discover my litchi coconut water kefir recipe here.