Probiotic Kefir Drink Recipe (Vegan)

A Probiotic Kefir Drink is a tangy and refreshing beverage that is not only delicious but also packed with beneficial probiotics for gut health. This version is made with plant-based ingredients, so it’s perfect for anyone following a vegan diet. Enjoy it on its own or as a base for smoothies and other drinks.

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Fermentation Time: 12-48 hours
Total Time: 12-48 hours

Ingredients:

1 cup plant-based milk (almond, coconut, oat, or soy)
1 tablespoon vegan kefir grains (available in health food stores or online)
1-2 teaspoons sugar (such as coconut sugar or maple syrup, to feed the kefir grains)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
1/4 teaspoon probiotic powder (optional, for extra probiotic boost)

Instructions:

Prepare the Kefir Base:

In a clean glass jar, pour 1 cup of your preferred plant-based milk.
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to the milk. The sugar will help feed the kefir grains and promote fermentation.
Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.

Add the Kefir Grains:

Add 1 tablespoon of vegan kefir grains to the milk-sugar mixture. If you’re using probiotic powder, add it here as well.

Cover and Ferment:

Cover the jar with a clean cloth or paper towel and secure it with a rubber band. This allows air to flow in, which is important for fermentation.
Leave the jar in a warm place (around 70-75°F / 21-24°C) for 12-48 hours. The longer you let it ferment, the more tangy and thick the kefir will become. You can taste it along the way to find the flavor and texture you prefer.

Strain and Store:

After the kefir has fermented to your liking, strain out the kefir grains using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You can use the grains to start a new batch of kefir if you like!
Pour the finished kefir into a clean bottle or jar and store it in the fridge.

Serve:

Serve chilled as a refreshing probiotic drink on its own, or mix it with fruit, spices, or other ingredients to make smoothies or kefir-based drinks.

Tips:

Flavor Variations: Add a little vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon to your kefir for added flavor. You can also experiment with adding fruit after fermentation for a naturally flavored kefir.
Fermentation Time: The fermentation time can vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen and how tangy you want the kefir to be. If you’re in a rush, 12 hours will yield a mild-tasting drink, while 48 hours will give you a more tangy, yogurt-like consistency.
Reuse the Kefir Grains: Vegan kefir grains can be reused multiple times, so you don’t need to buy new grains after each batch. Simply rinse and start a new batch with fresh milk and sugar.

Enjoy this Probiotic Kefir Drink as part of your daily routine to support your gut health and boost your immune system. Plus, it’s an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be added to smoothies, salad dressings, and more!