Fermented Grape Soda
A naturally fermented homemade soda combining fresh grape juice with a ginger bug starter culture. This fizzy, probiotic-rich beverage takes about 5-6 days to make and offers a unique alternative to commercial sodas.
Ingredients
- •4 teaspoons finely grated washed unpeeled organic ginger, divided
- •4 teaspoons sugar
- •3 pounds red seedless grapes
- •1 piece plastic soda bottle and cheesecloth
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Stir 1 teaspoon ginger, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 4 cups water in a 32-ounce canning jar to combine. Cover jar with cheesecloth; secure with a canning jar band (without lid). Let sit 1 day out of direct sunlight at room temperature.
1440 min
- 2.
Stir in 1 teaspoon ginger and 1 teaspoon sugar and let sit 1 day. Repeat twice more. Mixture (ginger bug) should have bubbles throughout and release more when agitated.
4320 min
- 3.
After 3 days, purée grapes in a blender until smooth. Strain, pressing on solids (you should have about 4 cups juice).
15 min
- 4.
Combine juice and 1/2 cup ginger bug in a large nonreactive bowl. Cover with cheesecloth; secure with a large rubber band. Let sit out of direct sunlight at room temperature, skimming white mold from surface, until mixture is slightly foamy and releases bubbles when stirred, 3-4 days. Strain into bottle, cap, and let sit at room temperature until bottle feels pressurized, about 1 day longer. Chill.
5760 min
- 5.
DO AHEAD: Soda can be made 2 weeks ahead. Keep chilled.
