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Sparkling Elderberry Extract Lemonade

Sparkling Elderberry Extract Lemonade

Dolce Flav

Servings

5

Prep Time

10 minutes

Category

Elderberry

This naturally bubbly elderberry lemonade uses elderberry extract (not dried berries) for concentrated flavor and color, then relies on a gentle lacto-fermentation to create fizz. You’ll warm water just enough to dissolve honey, stir in fresh lemon juice, whey (or sauerkraut brine) and 2 Tbsp elderberry extract, let it ferment on the counter for a few days, then transfer to a swing-top bottle for a second ferment until it’s lively and lightly sweet. Chill, “burp” as needed, and enjoy within a couple of weeks.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups filtered water

  • ½ cup raw honey

  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice

  • ¼ cup whey

  • 2 Tbsp elderberry extract

Directions

  1. Warm & dissolve: Heat the water just until comfortably warm; stir in honey until fully dissolved, then cool to room temp.

  2. Mix the base: Stir in lemon juice, whey (or sauerkraut brine), and elderberry extract. Transfer to a clean 1-quart glass jar.

  3. Primary ferment: Cover the jar with cloth or a loose lid and ferment at room temperature ~3–5 days, tasting daily. The longer it sits, the less sweet it becomes.

  4. Bottle condition: Funnel into a swing-top bottle. Seal and condition 4–7 days, burping daily to release pressure. When pleasantly fizzy, refrigerate.

  5. Serve: Chill completely, then pour over ice. Enjoy within a couple of weeks; burp occasionally in storage to avoid geysers.