Naturally Fermented Turmeric Soda (2024)

Naturally fermented turmeric soda is a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of turmeric. Turmeric soda is an easy natural soda recipe made using a ginger bug. It’s vibrant, healthy, fizzy, and has an amazing taste!

Fermenting Turmeric for Soda

You might remember a while back I made a turmeric bug, which is basically a “starter” for making fermented sodas.

The turmeric bug started bubbling away very quickly, within only a few days, which was really exciting.

That means it’s time to make a naturally fermented turmeric soda!

This is similar to how one would make a traditional ginger beer using a ginger bug, but with turmeric root instead.

Related: 12 Fermented Soda Recipes

How to Make Fermented Turmeric Soda

The first step in making this recipe is to get a turmeric bug going. Once you have at least½ cup or more of bubbling turmeric bug starter, then you can proceed with this recipe.

The ginger and peppercorns are optional, but recommended ingredients. I think the ginger gives it a little bit more flavor, and the peppercorns increase the bioavailability of the turmeric.

I think that one cup of sugar is perfect in this recipe, but you may want to add a little more if you like things on the sweeter side.

Make the Turmeric Soda Base

Bring the turmeric root, ginger, and peppercorns to a boil in about two quarts (8 cups) of filtered water.

Simmer for at least 30 minutes to make a strong turmeric tea.

Let it cool a bit, then strain out the spices.

Put the turmeric tea into a wide-mouth gallon glass jar (make sure it’s not too hot so the glass doesn’t break), add the sugar, and stir to dissolve.

Fill up the jar with cold filtered water, leaving several inches of head space.

Once the mixture has completely come down to room temperature, add the turmeric bug.

Stir the turmeric bug into the turmeric soda until combined.

If you want to keep your turmeric bug going, leave a few tablespoons out and continue feeding it as described in my post on how to make a turmeric bug.

Cover the jar with cheesecloth or a clean towel secured with a rubber band.

Ferment the Turmeric Soda

Put the jar in a dark and quiet corner of your kitchen. Check on it daily and give it a good stir. It should start bubbling within the first day or two.

Since it was fairly cold in my kitchen, I let the soda ferment for about 3-4 days. In warmer temps, it may only take a day or two.

Bottle the Turmeric Soda

Once you are ready to bottle the turmeric soda, first strain out the pieces of turmeric that were from the bug.

Then use a funnel to transfer the soda into flip top bottles. Let the bottles sit at room temperature for a few days to a few weeks to build up carbonation.

Again, if it is warm out it will only take a few days to build up carbonation, and if it’s cold it may take a week or two.

Be sure to check the pressure by opening a bottle every couple of days to make sure that they aren’t building up too much to cause bottle breakage!

Refrigerate once the fermented turmeric soda is to your liking.

My soda has been sitting in the bottles for about a week, and some carbonation has built up.

I tend to like mine really fizzy though, so I’m going to let them sit for a few more days before I refrigerate them.

This fermented turmeric soda turned out absolutely delicious! I love the turmeric flavor, it’s interesting and different, but quite good.

It’s so nice to have a healthy and homemade alternative to regular store-bought sodas, with the added benefit of anti-inflammatory turmeric.

Have you ever made a naturally fermented soda? What is your favorite flavor?

Naturally Fermented Soda Recipes

Here are some more naturally fermented soda recipes for you to try.

• Strawberry Rhubarb Soda
• Fermented Root Beer
• Fermented Elderberry Soda
• Elderberry Soda
• Sweet Potato Kvass
• Kefir Soda
• Winter Herb Kvass
• Pine Needle Soda
• Strawberry Water Kefir Soda