Citrus Kvass

Elevate your homemade kvas with a burst of citrus zest! This refreshing recipe blends the earthy flavors of traditional kvas with vibrant lemon or orange zest and the natural sweetness of honey or molasses. Perfect for summer sipping or as a unique addition to gatherings, this zesty kvas will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!
ingredients
- 1 cup rye bread, toasted and cut into cubes
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup honey or molasses
- Zest of 1 medium lemon or orange
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: Fresh fruit slices for garnish
steps
- 1.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and toast the rye bread cubes until golden brown.
- 2.
In a large heatproof container, combine the toasted bread and 4 cups of boiling water. Let it steep for about 4 hours, covered, until cooled to room temperature.
- 3.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, discarding the bread.
- 4.
Stir in the honey or molasses, citrus zest, salt, and active dry yeast until well combined.
- 5.
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours, tasting periodically to check for desired sourness.
- 6.
Once fermented, strain the kvas again to remove the zest, then transfer to bottles, leaving some space at the top.
- 7.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh fruit slices if desired.