How do I know when the fermentation is complete and the soda is ready?

Taste a small spoonful daily from day 3 onward. The soda is ready when it tastes pleasantly fizzy with the sweetness noticeably reduced from the original infusion and you hear a satisfying hiss of released pressure when you open the bottle. It should taste refreshing and lightly carbonated rather than sweet or flat. If it still tastes very sweet with no fizz it needs more time in a warmer spot.

Can I use dried dandelion flowers if I cannot find fresh ones?

Yes. Food-grade dried dandelion flowers from a reputable herbal supplier work well in this recipe. Use approximately half the quantity called for as dried flowers are more concentrated in flavor than fresh. Steep for the shorter end of the recommended time range and taste the infusion before proceeding to ensure the dandelion flavor is present but not overly bitter or intense.

Is this soda safe for children?

The alcohol content is typically below 0.5% ABV when made as written, which is similar to kombucha and many commercial fruit juices. For children, we recommend consuming the soda on the earlier end of the fermentation window at 2 to 3 days and refrigerating as soon as the first noticeable fizz develops to keep the alcohol content as minimal as possible. Always use your own judgment based on your family's preferences and health considerations.

Dandelion Soda Easy Homemade Fermented Spring Drink

Name: Dandelion Soda The Most Refreshing and Unique Homemade Fermented Drink You Will Make
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-497460H25M12S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups Fresh Dandelion Flower Petals loosely packed yellow only; 8 cups Water; 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 2 large Lemons zested and juiced separately; 1-inch piece Fresh Ginger peeled and thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Warm Water 100 to 110°F; 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar for yeast activation; 1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast

Description

The most refreshing and unique Dandelion Soda made by naturally fermenting a dandelion flower lemon and ginger infusion with active dry yeast into a gloriously bubbly sparkling drink. A beautiful homemade fermented spring beverage ready to enjoy in 2 to 5 days.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups Fresh Dandelion Flower Petals loosely packed yellow only

8 cups Water

1 cup Granulated Sugar

2 large Lemons zested and juiced separately

1-inch piece Fresh Ginger peeled and thinly sliced

1/2 cup Warm Water 100 to 110°F

2 tbsp Granulated Sugar for yeast activation

1/4 tsp Active Dry Yeast

Instructions

1. Separate yellow dandelion petals from all green bases and sepals. Collect 4 loosely packed cups.

2. Combine 8 cups water, 1 cup sugar, lemon zest, and sliced ginger in a large stockpot. Simmer over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

3. Remove from heat. Add dandelion petals, stir, cover, and steep 30 minutes to 2 hours. Allow to cool naturally.

4. Strain through cheesecloth-lined sieve into a large bowl. Press solids to extract all liquid. Discard solids.

5. Add fresh lemon juice to the strained infusion and stir. Cool completely to below 85°F.

6. Combine warm water, 2 tbsp sugar, and yeast in a small bowl. Stir gently and let sit 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.

7. Pour activated yeast into the cooled dandelion infusion and stir thoroughly.

8. Funnel into clean sanitized swing-top or plastic soda bottles leaving 1 to 2 inches headspace.

9. Seal tightly and ferment in a warm dark location 65 to 75°F for 2 to 5 days.

10. Burp each bottle daily by opening briefly to release pressure then resealing.

11. Once pleasantly fizzy, transfer immediately to the refrigerator.

12. Serve well chilled in clear glasses.

Notes

Remove every bit of green base from dandelion petals to prevent bitterness in the finished soda.

Always cool the infusion below 85°F before adding yeast or the yeast will die and no fermentation will occur.

Burp bottles every day during fermentation without exception to prevent dangerous over-pressurization.

Use swing-top bottles or sturdy plastic soda bottles. Never use standard glass jars as they can shatter under pressure.

Store refrigerated up to 1 to 2 weeks after fermentation is complete.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Drinks, Beverages
Method: Fermentation
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 glass
Calories: 195
Sugar: 48g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: dandelion soda, homemade dandelion soda, fermented dandelion drink, sparkling dandelion recipe