Spring and summer water kefir: elderflower, rhubarb, strawberries and more
At a glance
From the first pink stalks of rhubarb in spring to the last raspberries of August, the lighter months are full of flavours for water kefir. Elderflower, rhubarb, strawberries, gooseberries, cherries and fresh herbs all bring colour and fragrance to the bottle. Quantities and timings are in the guide and the exclusive recipes that come with your Natural Probio grains.
There is something about a cold, fizzy, homemade drink that suits a British summer perfectly, whether that summer turns out to be a heatwave or a series of bright spells between showers. The flavours below follow the season as it unfolds, from early rhubarb to high-summer berries, so you can make the most of whatever is in the garden, the greengrocer's or the pick-your-own farm shop down the road.
Spring: rhubarb and the first herbs
Rhubarb and orange
Vivid pink and pleasantly sharp, softened by a little orange. One of the prettiest bottles of the year.
Rhubarb and vanilla
Tart and gently sweet at once, like the much-loved boiled sweet of the same name.
Lemon and mint
As soon as the mint is back in the garden, this bright, cooling bottle is back in the fridge.
Late May and June: elderflower
For a few weeks each year, the hedgerows are full of creamy elderflower heads, and for many of our customers this is the flavour of the season. Elderflower gives water kefir a delicate, honeyed, almost muscat fragrance that makes it feel like something rather special. It works beautifully with lemon or lime, with a few gooseberries for a little tartness, or with strawberries for a softer, summery bottle.
If you are not lucky enough to have an elder tree nearby, a good elderflower cordial added at bottling time gives a similar result. The recipe library included with your grains shows both approaches.
High summer: berries and stone fruit
Strawberry and basil
Ripe strawberries with a few basil leaves: sweet, green and surprisingly grown-up.
Raspberry and lime
A deep pink, sharp and lively bottle that disappears fast at barbecues.
Gooseberry and elderflower
An old English pairing with a gentle sourness and a floral finish.
Cherry and almond
Dark, rich and fragrant, with a hint of Bakewell about it.
Cucumber and mint
The garden-party option: pale, crisp and very refreshing.
Peach and lemon thyme
Soft, golden and fragrant, lovely with a slice of lemon.
What to use, month by month
| Month | In season | Flavour idea |
|---|---|---|
| March and April | Rhubarb, mint | Rhubarb and orange, lemon and mint |
| May and June | Elderflower, early strawberries, gooseberries | Elderflower and lime, gooseberry and elderflower |
| July | Strawberries, raspberries, cherries | Strawberry and basil, cherry and almond |
| August | Raspberries, blackcurrants, peaches | Raspberry and lime, peach and lemon thyme |
Serving ideas for warm days
Chill the bottles well and serve over plenty of ice. For a garden party, set out three or four flavours in clear glass bottles with handwritten tags: the colours alone do half the work. Freeze a few berries or edible flowers in ice cubes for an extra touch. A jug of strawberry and basil water kefir with sliced strawberries floating on top looks lovely on a picnic rug. And for tennis-fortnight afternoons, a bottle of elderflower and lime is hard to beat.
Making for a crowd? The 60 g pouch of water kefir grains produces about two litres a day, enough for two flavours at once. For a change of pace, the water kefir and kombucha duo adds a sparkling tea to the table.
Recipes included with your grains
This page sticks to inspiration. The how-to (quantities, preparation, time in the bottle and adjusting the fizz) is in the guide and the exclusive recipe library you can open from the QR code in your booklet. For the colder half of the year, see autumn and winter flavours, and for more year-round ideas, our flavour hub and ginger water kefir.
Summer flavour questions
Can I use elderflower cordial instead of fresh flowers?
Yes. A good cordial added at bottling time gives a lovely elderflower flavour. The recipes show how to use either.
Do I need to change anything in hot weather?
Your grains simply tend to work a little faster when the kitchen is warm. The guide explains how to keep the taste just as you like it in summer.
Can I use frozen summer fruit later in the year?
Yes, frozen berries are a great way to enjoy summer flavours all year round.
A summer of homemade fizz
Live water kefir grains with the guide and our exclusive recipe library, from elderflower to strawberry and basil.
- Exclusive seasonal recipes included
- About one or two litres a day
- Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot
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