Description
A tangy, fizzy, and refreshing fermented drink steeped in Russian tradition, perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 8 cups filtered water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Optional: A few sprigs of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cool water. If using frozen cranberries, let them thaw slightly.
- In a large pot, combine the cranberries and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until the cranberries begin to burst.
- Use a fine mesh strainer to strain the mixture into a clean bowl or container. Discard the cranberry solids, or save them for another recipe like jam.
- Stir in the sugar while the liquid is still warm, ensuring it dissolves completely.
- Once the mixture cools to room temperature, add the yeast and stir gently. If you’re adding optional flavor enhancers like mint or cinnamon, toss them in now.
- Transfer the mixture into your fermentation jar or glass jug. Cover it with cheesecloth or plastic wrap secured with a rubber band. Let it ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
- After fermentation, strain the liquid again to remove any flavoring agents like mint or cinnamon. Pour the kvass into clean bottles with tight lids.
- Refrigerate the bottled kvass for an additional 24 hours to develop its fizz. Serve chilled and enjoy your homemade cranberry kvass.
Notes
[‘Thoroughly sanitize all equipment to ensure a safe fermentation process.’, ‘Allow the kvass to ferment for at least 24 hours to develop its signature tangy flavor.’, ‘Taste the liquid after the cranberries are strained and adjust sugar to your liking.’, ‘Leave some space at the top of your fermentation jar to prevent overflow.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Cuisine: Russian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 2
Keywords: cranberry kvass, fermented drink, Russian drink, probiotic beverage, healthy drink, homemade kvass