Probiotic Soda Citrus Mocktail

Featured in: Western Fresh Plates

This lightly sparkling drink combines homemade probiotic soda with fresh orange, lemon, and lime juices for a vibrant, refreshing flavor. Mint leaves add an aromatic twist, while fermentation brings gentle fizz and beneficial cultures. Preparation is quick, though fermentation takes up to 48 hours. Serve the finished drink over ice and garnish with orange slices and extra mint for a cooling beverage that’s perfect for health-conscious summer enjoyment. It's vegan, gluten-free, and easily customizable for sweetness and citrus intensity.

Updated on Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:08:00 GMT
Refreshing probiotic soda mocktail served over ice with citrus and mint.  Save
Refreshing probiotic soda mocktail served over ice with citrus and mint. | epicurestates.com

A refreshing, lightly sparkling non-alcoholic drink made with homemade probiotic soda, fresh citrus, and herbs. Perfect for gut health and summer sipping.

I discovered probiotic sodas during a summer wellness retreat, and they've become my go-to mocktail for guests who want something rejuvenating and festive.

Ingredients

  • Filtered water: 4 cups (1 liter)
  • Organic cane sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
  • Water kefir grains or ginger bug: 2 tbsp
  • Fresh lemon juice: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Fresh orange juice: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Fresh lime juice: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Fresh mint leaves: 8
  • Orange slices: 4 thin pieces, for garnish
  • Ice cubes: To serve

Instructions

Prepare the probiotic base:
In a clean glass jar, dissolve cane sugar in filtered water. Add kefir grains or ginger bug and lemon juice. Stir gently with a non-metallic spoon.
Ferment:
Cover with breathable cloth secured with a rubber band. Let ferment at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours until lightly fizzy and tangy.
Strain:
Strain out kefir grains or ginger bug. Discard or reuse for next batch.
Add flavorings:
In a pitcher, combine fermented soda with orange juice, lime juice, and mint leaves. Stir gently.
Serve:
Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour mocktail over. Garnish with orange slice and extra mint. Serve immediately.
Vibrant probiotic soda mocktail garnished with orange slices and fresh herbs.  Save
Vibrant probiotic soda mocktail garnished with orange slices and fresh herbs. | epicurestates.com

Every summer, my family gathers on the porch and sips these tangy sodas alongside fresh fruit salads. Even kids love pouring and garnishing their own glass.

Required Tools

You will need one large glass jar, a non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses.

Allergen Information

This drink contains none of the major allergens. If using store-bought cultures, check for allergen cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides 60 calories, 0 g fat, 15 g carbohydrates, and 0 g protein.

Sparkling homemade probiotic soda mocktail featuring zesty citrus and icy freshness. Save
Sparkling homemade probiotic soda mocktail featuring zesty citrus and icy freshness. | epicurestates.com

Enjoy your probiotic soda mocktail chilled on warm days for the ultimate refreshing boost. It's sure to be a new favorite among friends and family.

Recipe FAQs

How do I ferment the probiotic base?

Dissolve cane sugar in filtered water, add kefir grains or ginger bug and lemon juice. Cover and let sit for 24–48 hours until lightly fizzy.

Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes, you can swap or mix in grapefruit, tangerine, or other citrus juices based on flavor preference.

Is this drink vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you add honey, it will no longer be vegan.

What tools are required?

You’ll need a large glass jar, a non-metallic spoon, fine mesh strainer, pitcher, and glasses for serving.

Can I adjust sweetness?

Definitely. Add honey, agave, or use extra sugar in fermentation to personalize sweetness to taste.

How long does fermentation take?

Fermentation typically takes from 24 to 48 hours, depending on room temperature and your flavor preference.

Probiotic Soda Citrus Mocktail

Lightly sparkling probiotic soda with citrus and mint, ideal for gut health and cooling off on warm days.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
2880 min
Complete duration
2890 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage International

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Probiotic Base

01 4 cups filtered water
02 1/4 cup organic cane sugar
03 2 tablespoons water kefir grains or 2 tablespoons ginger bug
04 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Flavoring

01 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
02 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
03 8 fresh mint leaves
04 4 thin orange slices
05 Ice cubes

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Probiotic Mixture: In a thoroughly cleaned glass jar, dissolve cane sugar in filtered water. Add water kefir grains or ginger bug and incorporate fresh lemon juice. Stir gently using a non-metallic spoon.

Phase 02

Fermentation Process: Cover the jar with a breathable cloth or coffee filter secured by a rubber band. Allow to ferment at ambient temperature (68–77°F) for 24 to 48 hours, until a subtle fizz and tang develops.

Phase 03

Strain Fermented Base: Filter out kefir grains or ginger bug using a fine mesh strainer. Set aside or reuse grains/bug for future preparations.

Phase 04

Incorporate Flavors: In a pitcher, blend the fermented soda base with fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, and mint leaves. Mix gently until combined.

Phase 05

Serve Over Ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the mocktail mixture over, and garnish each glass with a slice of orange and additional mint leaves as preferred.

Phase 06

Immediate Serving: Present immediately for optimal effervescence and freshness.

Necessary tools

  • Large glass jar (minimum 1 quart capacity)
  • Non-metallic spoon
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Pitcher
  • Glassware

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains none of the major allergens. For store-bought cultures, review product labeling for possible cross-contamination.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 60
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Protein: 0 g