Easy Spiced Cherry Probiotic Soda

Spiced Cherry Probiotic Soda

This probiotic soda tastes like winter in a glass — cozy, sweet, and full of natural bubbles thanks to the ginger bug. Infused with cinnamon and cloves, it’s the perfect seasonal sip to enjoy on its own, turn into a festive cocktail/mocktail or give it as a gift. We're using store-bought pure cherry juice in this recipe to make the process easier and quicker! 

TOOLS:

• Flip-top bottle
• Funnel
• Spoon/spatula for stirring
• small pot

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups (500 ml) pure black cherry juice (you can use other juice flavours like apple, mango, peach, grape...)
• 4 tbsp active ginger bug liquid
• 2 tsp sugar
  
• Spice mix: 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves

*Make sure to use 100% pure juice with no preservatives. Ingredients like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate can prevent fermentation and stop your soda from carbonating.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1 - Infuse Spices:

In a small pot, add ½ cup cherry juice, cinnamon stick and cloves. Warm gently on low heat for 3–5 minutes. Do not boil — just heat until steamy.

Turn off heat and let it cool to room temperature with spices still inside.

Once cooled completely, using Smart Funnel strain out cinnamon and cloves.

Step 2 - Prepare the Soda:

In your flip-top bottle, combine the remaining 1½ cups cherry juice, the ½ cup spiced cherry juice, 4 tbsp strained ginger bug and 2 tsp sugar. Leave 1–2 inches of headspace.

Seal the bottle and gently swirl or invert to mix. 

Leave at room temperature 24–72 hours.

Burp daily (or twice a day if very active). 

Refrigerate once fizzy.

How To Serve:

Serve over ice for a cozy evening drink, or add a shot of gin + a rosemary sprig for a warming winter cocktail.

Cocktail recipe using this spiced cherry probiotic soda coming soon!

Enjoy!

Note: during the cooler months, it might take more time for your juice to properly carbonate. If you don't see any bubbles after 5 days, try adding another tsp of sugar and waiting a few more days.