Homemade Fermented Fruit Champagne – Probiotic Sparkling Drink Recipe

by
Homemade Fermented Fruit Champagne

This delightful homemade fermented fruit champagne is a naturally sparkling, probiotic-rich beverage that transforms simple fruits into an effervescent treat. Using traditional fermentation methods, this recipe creates a lightly alcoholic, health-beneficial drink that’s perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a refreshing alternative to commercial sodas. The natural fermentation process develops complex flavors while providing beneficial probiotics for digestive health.

Ingredients

For the Fermented Fruit Champagne:

  • 7 medium plums (approximately 500g / 1.1 lbs) or fruit of your choice
  • 1 large organic lemon (approximately 100g / 3.5 oz)
  • 90g (3.2 oz / ½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 60ml (2 fl oz / ¼ cup) whey (liquid from strained yogurt)
  • 1.3 liters (44 fl oz / 5½ cups) filtered water

Equipment Needed:

  • Large glass jar (2-liter capacity)
  • Rolling pin
  • Clean cloth
  • Elastic band
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Glass bottles for storage

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit Base

  1. Prepare the plums by cutting 7 plums in half. There’s no need to remove the pits as they will add natural enzymes to the fermentation process.
  2. Place the plum halves in a large glass jar. Using a rolling pin, crush the plums thoroughly to release their juices. The more you crush them, the more flavor and color you’ll extract.
  3. Cut the organic lemon into small pieces, including the peel. Add the lemon pieces to the crushed plums in the jar.
  4. Crush the mixture again with the rolling pin to combine the plums and lemon, releasing more juices and essential oils from the lemon peel.

Create the Fermentation Base

  1. Add the sugar (90g) to the fruit mixture and stir well to help dissolve the sugar and distribute it evenly.
  2. Pour in the whey (60ml), which will provide the beneficial bacteria needed for fermentation and probiotics.
  3. Add the filtered water (1.3 liters) to fill the jar, leaving about 5cm (2 inches) of headspace for fermentation expansion.

First Fermentation Stage

  1. Cover the jar with a clean cloth and secure it with an elastic band. This allows the mixture to breathe while keeping dust and insects out.
  2. Let the mixture macerate for 48 hours in a dark, room temperature location (around 20-22°C / 68-72°F).

Strain and Bottle

  1. After 48 hours, remove the cloth and observe the beautiful color development. The mixture should have a vibrant, fruity aroma.
  2. Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer to remove all fruit pieces and pulp. Press the fruit gently to extract maximum juice.
  3. Transfer the strained liquid into clean glass bottles, leaving about 3cm (1 inch) of headspace. Cap the bottles tightly.

Second Fermentation Stage

  1. Ferment for an additional 48 hours at room temperature. This stage creates the carbonation.
  2. Degas daily by opening each bottle once per day to release excess pressure and prevent over-fermentation. You should hear a satisfying “pop” sound.
  3. After 48 hours, your fermented fruit champagne will be naturally sparkling and ready to enjoy.

Serving and Storage

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Fermentation Time: 4 days
Total Time: 4 days, 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8 glasses
Alcohol Content: 1-3% ABV

Nutrition Information (per 200ml serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 45-60 calories
  • Carbohydrates: 8-12g
  • Natural Sugars: 6-10g
  • Probiotics: Live beneficial bacteria cultures
  • Vitamin C: From lemon and plums

Storage and Safety Tips

Store your finished fermented fruit champagne in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 2 weeks. The cold temperature slows fermentation and maintains the perfect level of carbonation. Always taste before serving, as fermentation can continue slowly even when refrigerated.

This naturally fermented beverage contains beneficial probiotics that support digestive health. The fermentation process creates a lightly alcoholic drink (1-3% ABV), making it a healthier alternative to commercial sodas while providing the sophistication of a sparkling beverage for entertaining.

Seasonal Variations: While this recipe uses plums, you can substitute with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, grapes, or berries following the same proportions and method.