This easy yogurt drink is made with kefir, sparkling water, and a pinch of salt for a light and refreshing boost. Perfect for those who enjoy drinkable yogurt with a bubbly twist and a dose of probiotics.
Looking for more healthy beverages?
Check out hibiscus tea recipe, Starbucks honey citrus mint tea, and protein coffee recipe.
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Recipe Overview
- Prep and Cook Time: 5 minutes to make
- Cooking Method: No-cook
- Dietary Info: GAPS, Keto, Ancestral diet
- Tools Needed: none
- Skill Level: Easy
What is an ancestral diet? Read my post on what nourishing foods are based on the traditional dietary principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
Reasons to Love this Drinkable Yogurt
I came across a Persian yogurt drink called Doogh at a local Arab market and was instantly intrigued. It never occurred to me to combine two of my favorite ingredients—kefir and sparkling water—but the ingredient list seemed simple enough. When we brought it home, I decided to recreate it with more nutrient-dense, healthier ingredients. The result was richer, more refreshing, and far better for you.
For reference, the Abali Yogurt Soda from the store lists this as the ingredients:
MILK, CARBONATED WATER, YOGURT CULTURE, SALT
To turn that into a powerhouse drink, I used whole milk kefir, mineral water, and unrefined salt, creating a much more nourishing and super inexpensive, might I add, beverage. And I think you will love it as much as we do!
Ingredients for Yogurt Drink
- Kefir: I prefer whole milk plain kefir. Even better if you can find raw kefir, but at the very least, I opt for kefir that is never ultra-pasteurized, like Kalona. If you use flavored kefir, you may want to cut back on the salt.
- Sparkling water: My go-to sparkling waters are those with natural mineral content, like Mountain Valley or Gerolsteiner (you can spot the minerals on the label). It would be a shame to use something like club soda in this probiotic-rich beverage.
- Real salt: Another opportunity for minerals here - make sure you use unrefined salt like Baja salt, Redmond's real salt, or Celtic salt.
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweet - Cut the salt and sweeten it with maple syrup or raw honey instead. I would dissolve the honey in a tablespoon or two of warm water first, then add it to the rest of the yogurt drink.
- Add heat - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of brine from fermented jalapenos.
Yogurt Drink Health Benefits
This yogurt soda drink is packed with minerals to aid hydration, probiotics from kefir to support gut health, and a touch of sea salt for balance. It’s the perfect way to quench your thirst while nourishing your body.
How to Make Yogurt Soda
The complete printable recipe is below in the recipe card for your convenience. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions for the best results.
Step 1. Combine
Divide the kefir between 2 large drinking glasses. Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt into each glass and stir to combine.
Step 2. Add
Add a cup of sparkling mineral water into each of the glasses and gently stir. Enjoy immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use chilled ingredients - Keep your kefir and mineral water in the fridge before preparing.
- Dissolve salt first - Stir in the salt first into the kefir, then add the sparkling water to avoid an explosive reaction.
- Adjust the salt - Start low and adjust to taste. Too much salt can overwhelm the drink, so a little goes a long way.
- Serve immediately - This drink is best enjoyed fresh, as the carbonation in the sparkling water will dissipate over time.
Serving Suggestions
Doogh, the Persian yogurt drink, is traditionally served with different types of kebabs in Iran, Azerbaijan, and Armenia. The live enzymes and probiotics in the drink help aid digestion, especially when paired with rich, flavorul meats.
It's a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, like chicken, beef, or lamb and can be enjoyed with other Middle Eastern dishes like pilafs and stews.
We've enjoyed it with meals as well as an nourishing afternoon treat. It's so refreshing and light yet oddly satisfying.
More yogurt soda pairing suggestions:
- Easy Lamb Loin Chops Recipe in Air Fryer15 Minutes
- Stuffed Cabbage Rolls2 Hours 30 Minutes
- Shurpa Soup Recipe (Uzbek Lamb Soup with Vegetables)1 Hours
- Easy Air Fryer Duck1 Hours 15 Minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
This beverage is best made fresh and enjoyed immediately, but if you have any leftovers, store it in an airtight jar like Weck juice jars with lids to prevent the carbonation from escaping. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Even if there are no more bubbles, it still retains the health benefits just without the fizz.
Yes, you can substitute yogurt for kefir, but you may need to add more sparkling water to achieve the same consistency. Kefir has a thinner texture and more pronounced probiotic benefit, so using yogurt will create a slightly different taste and mouthfeel.
Yes, if you want to make a larger batch of this drinkable yogurt, I recommend mixing the yogurt and salt together and refrigerating it. Then, when you're ready to serve, add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain the fizz.
Looking for more related recipes? Here are some ideas:
Did you make this Yogurt Drink? Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recipe rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comments. Thank you!💚
Printable Recipe
Yogurt Soda Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup kefir
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups sparkling mineral water
Instructions
- Divide the kefir between 2 large drinking glasses. Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt into each glass and stir to combine.
- Add a cup of sparkling mineral water into each of the glasses and gently give a stir or two. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Dissolve the salt in kefir first before adding sparkling water to avoid a chemical reaction.
- Chill ingredients before preparing for best flavor.
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