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–+ servings
glass of elderberry fizz sitting on a windowsill

Elderberry Fizz Recipe

Homestead Lady Tessa Zundel
Use dehydrated, seasonal elderberries to make this delicious and healthy natural soda. Enjoy summer with a probiotic kick!
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Course Drinks
Cuisine Seasonal
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • 1/2 Gallon Flip-Top Bottle* or 1/2 Gallone Canning Jar
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spurtle

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 Gallon Filtered Water
  • 1/2 Cup Raw Sugar Organic can sugar will also work.
  • 1/4 - 1/2 Cup Dehydrated Elderberries
  • 1/4 Cup Elder Flowers Optional
  • 1/2 Cup Ginger Bug Starter or Water Kefir
  • 2 Tbsp. Molasses, Maple Syrup, or Raw Honey Optional
  • 3 Tbsp. Lime or Lemon Juice Optional, but traditional

Instructions
 

  • Combine the1/2 gallon filtered water, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/4-1/2 cup of dehydrated elderberries in a medium pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Strain out the herbs and set aside to cool.
  • Once cool, add the ginger bug starter (or water kefir) and stir with to mix. Place the entire mixture into a flip-top bottle* or a half gallon jar and add filtered water to bring the amount back up to 8 cups (1/2 gallon). 
  • Cap and set aside for 3-5 days away from direct sunlight for the ginger bug (or kefir) to ferment the elderberry syrup you made by consuming the sugars and leaving behind healthy probiotics.
  • Burp your flip-top bottles after 24 hours and then close the lid again. (There's no need to burp canning jars.)The fizz is done if it no longer tastes very sweet and is fizzy.
  • Add the 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 3 tablespoons citrus juice to flavor the finished elderberry fizz to taste. Serve on ice!

Notes

*Flip-top bottles make the fizziest natural sodas because all the carbonation is kept inside due to the fantastic seals.
If you don't have flip-top bottles, use the best sealing container you have. A canning jar will work, just tighten them really well and anticipate a little less fizziness. 
If you don't have elderberry or flowers on hand, you can follow these instructions and substitute in:
  • Dehydrated fruit, like apple slices - 1/2 cup
  • Dried passionflower or hibiscus flowers - 1/2 cup
  • Dehydrated turmeric - 1/3 cup
If you're new to ginger bugs or water kefir, please visit the body of the post below this recipe for quality links and instructions.
Keyword Elderberry Fizz, Fika Summer Drink, Natural Soda
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