This easy, make your own Coconut Water Kefir recipe is a refreshing alternative to dairy kefir. A delicious fermented beverage that is super simple to make. Coconut kefir is full of beneficial bacteria that supports good gut health and a happy digestive system.
What you need to make Coconut Water Kefir
- 1 Liter capacity, clean Glass Jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Stainless steel Mixing Ball (or long handled whisk)
- 1 packet Freeze dried kefir starter culture – OR 40g (approx. 1/4 cup) fresh water/coconut kefir grains if you have them (The best way to find fresh kefir grains is to ask a friend if their grains are ready to be separated or halved.)
- Pure Coconut Water – 1 Liter (any brand but I like this one available from the supermarket or health food stores.)
- A metal strainer (only required if using kefir grains)
How to make Coconut Water Kefir in 3 Simple Steps
Detailed Instructions
- 1 – In a 1 Liter size Jar pour 1 sachet of Freeze-Dried Kefir Starter Culture (alternatively 1/4 cup of fresh water/coconut kefir grains)
- 2 – Add 1 Liter of coconut water to the jar and pop in the stainless-steel mixing ball (use a whisk to stir briskly if you don’t have a mixing ball.)
- 3 – Tightly attach the jar lid and shake well. If you want, you can remove the mixing ball but I prefer to leave it in the jar so I can give it another shake, if necessary, later.
Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature – out of direct sunlight. If you have a very bright kitchen you may want to find a dark place in a cupboard – just don’t forget about it in there!
The fermentation process will vary depending on temperature. Warmer climates will allow for a faster process but on average it is expected to take 24-48 hours. When the whole process is complete you have a delicious tonic full of beneficial probiotics and health benefits.
Commonly asked questions…
How do I know my coconut water kefir is ready?
Due to the fermentation process, gas bubbles (carbon dioxide) will appear at the top of the jar. When you have lots of bubbles – it’s done. If you can only see a few bubbles after 48 hours you can release the jar lid and listen for a fizz noise – similar to opening a soda. If it sounds fizzy you know it’s done. The longer you leave the jar to ferment the fizzier it will get so try not to forget about it for too many days. If you need to slow down the process you can place the jar in the fridge with the lid on. When it’s done – If you have used kefir grains to make your mixture – you will need to strain the liquid off the kefir grains. Store them separately ready for next time.
Do I need to add regular cane sugar to my coconut water kefir?
No, you do not need to add any sugar to this recipe. The reason being the natural sugars in the coconut water will do the work for you. There is no need to add sugar or sugar water to the mixture.
Can I use fresh coconut water rather than store bought?
Personally, I have never tried this – but if you have access to enough raw coconuts and can harvest your own coconut water then I see no reason why it wouldn’t work. Just make sure there is no coconut meat, fiber or shell in the juice and it will be fine.
What is happening during the fermentation process?
The healthy bacteria and yeasts in the ‘starter culture’ feed off the sugars in the coconut water causing the liquid to ferment. This process produces a probiotic rich liquid containing carbon dioxide. The result – a zesty, fizzy tonic suitable for drinking by itself or adding to other recipes.
I’m sensitive to dairy products – can I have Coconut Water Kefir?
Yes – however, if you have a dairy allergy make this recipe with fresh water/coconut kefir grains as some freeze dried kefir starter culture is made from dairy/yoghurt kefir.
How do I store my finished Coconut Water Kefir?
Keep your kefir in a sealed jar in the fridge, remember it is still “alive” so will continue to ferment – just at a much slower rate in the cold. I’ve kept kefir for over two weeks, it has been fine to consume and reuse for a second fermentation. Use your own discretion regarding ‘use by’ dates. Personally, I keep things in the fridge for a very long time but use your own judgement!
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Ways to use Coconut Water Kefir
Drink straight: if you like coconut; this tonic is great to drink just by itself. Having a small glass on a regular basis may help settle an upset tummy or combat digestive issues.
Add to Smoothies: Add a probiotic punch to your smoothie, 1/8 to 1/4 cup should work great.
Make a Mocktail: Want an alcohol-free option for your next dinner party or gathering, add the tonic to your choice of juice or sparkling water. Add a little Elderberry syrup for a gorgeous pink-drink. Serve with ice in a pretty glass to really impress.
Make my delicious Homemade Apple Pop Recipe: Refreshing and fizzy this homemade apple pop is perfect as an afternoon reviver on a hot day. An alcohol-free alternative to cider, and full of natural probiotics, it makes choosing healthy easy! Plus, it’s so simple to make. You’re going to love it. See the recipe here.
My ‘Number One Way’ to use Coconut Water Kefir is…
Make MORE batches of Coconut water kefir with a second fermentation!
That’s right. Keep 1/2 a cup of your fermented water kefir and simply add more coconut water. Leave it to sit in the sealed jar at room temperature for 24-48 hours again and you have just made another batch. You can just keep doing this over and over! It’s so cost effective!!
Enjoy!
Coconut Water Kefir
A refreshing alternative to yoghurt kefir, this Coconut Water Kefir is super simple to make and full of beneficial bacteria to support a healthy gut.
Ingredients
- Freeze dried kefir culture -1 sachet (OR fresh kefir grains if you have them)
- Coconut Water - 1 Liter
Instructions
- In a 1 Liter size Jar pour 1 sachet Freeze Dried Kefir Culture
- Add 1 Liter of coconut water and a stainless-steel mixing ball (use a whisk if you don't have a mixing ball.)
- Tightly attach the jar lid and shake well
- Allow to sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours. The culture will feed off the natural sugars in the coconut water to produce a slightly fizzy, probiotic tonic.
- See my blog post for ideas on how to use coconut water kefir.
Notes
Test to check the kefir is ready by releasing the lid. If tiny bubbles rise and you hear a fizz - it's ready!
Once fermented this mixture can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.
Remember: KEEP 1/2 a cup of fermented tonic to start your next batch. Just add more coconut water, shake and allow to sit again for 24-48 hours.
I have these ingredients on hand so I really need to try this out! Thanks for the great recipe!