Simple Naturally Fermented Berry Honey Tonic (~0.5% Alcohol)
A lightly fizzy, probiotic-rich, low-alcohol honey beverage infused with fresh berries. 🍓🍯✨
Ingredients (1 Liter / 4 Cups)
- ¼ cup (85g) raw, unpasteurized honey 🍯
- 3 cups (750ml) non-chlorinated water 💧
- ¼ – ½ cup fresh or frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries) 🍓🫐
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness) 🍋
Instructions
1. Prepare the Berries
- Lightly crush the berries with a spoon to release juices (don’t mash completely).
2. Mix Honey & Water
- In a clean glass jar or fermentation bottle, mix the honey and water until fully dissolved.
3. Add Berries & Lemon Juice
- Stir the berries into the honey-water mixture.
- Add lemon juice if using (helps brighten flavors & balance fermentation).
4. Cover & Ferment
- Cover the jar loosely with a cheesecloth or breathable lid.
- Stir 2-3 times a day to distribute wild yeast and prevent mold.
- Place in a warm, dark spot (65-75°F / 18-24°C).
5. Fermentation Timeline
- Day 1-3: Small bubbles should start forming.
- Day 4-6: Light effervescence, berries may float.
- Day 5-7: Taste daily. If pleasantly tart & fizzy, it’s ready!
- If it’s too sweet, let it ferment longer.
- If you want a stronger ferment, go up to 10 days.
6. Stop Fermentation (Cold Crash & Refrigerate)
- Strain out berries.
- Transfer to the fridge immediately to slow fermentation.
- If bottling, use swing-top bottles and refrigerate after 12-24 hours to avoid over-carbonation.
How to Enjoy It!
🍷 Drink chilled as a refreshing, probiotic-rich honey tonic.
🥂 Use as a mixer with sparkling water for a bubbly, non-alcoholic treat.
💛 Enhance gut health with natural enzymes & wild fermentation.
Notes:
- Want it less sweet? Let it ferment longer.
- Want it more bubbly? Bottle & leave at room temp for 12-24 hrs before chilling.
- Experiment with different berries for unique flavors!
This is simple, wild, and naturally beautiful—like a honey-kissed berry soda with ancient roots.🍯✨