The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (2024)

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This classic kvass is made with sweet apple juice and fermented to bubbly, tangy perfection. A classic Slavic refreshment that can be enjoyed by the whole family!

The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (1)

This recipe for kvass comes straight from my mother’s cookbook. She used to make it for us as kids during apple season and we would go back for glass after glass. Largely known as the national drink of Russia, this beverage is served as a refreshment at most Slavic get-togethers. A must-try!

What is Kvass?

Kvass is a traditional Slavic drink. Both children and adults are obsessed with its fizzy, fermented deliciousness. In its most authentic form, it’s made with rye bread and birch sap. This recipe provides a way to achieve the same great taste with a fraction of the effort. Below, find a rundown of the flavor, texture, and time.

  • Flavor: The flavor can vary on the process, however, you’ll find most kvass taste similar to kombucha, while slightly less tangy and more fermented.
  • Texture: The texture can be compared to a naturally fermented kombucha. You’ll love the fizziness!
  • Time: From start to finish, it takes anywhere from 1-2 days to make. If you like it extra bubbly you’ll want to ferment the beverage for two days. If you like it a bit more mild, 1 day will do the trick.
The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (2)

Is Kvass Alcoholic?

Because it’s fermented, many people wonder if kvass is considered alcoholic. It’s not! Similar to kombucha, it contains less than 1% of alcohol, making it safe to be consumed by kids and adults alike.

How to Make Slavic Kvass

Making this Slavic staple only requires a bit of mixing and patience for the fermentation process. Below, find a brief overview of the recipe before you dive in.

  • Mix the Ingredients: In a large, sealable commercial storage container, mix the warm water, apple juice, sugar, apple cider vinegar, instant coffee, and yeast together until well-combined.
  • Cover and Ferment: Cover the container with a lid and let the kvass ferment for 24-48 hours depending on the level of fermentation you prefer.
  • Refrigerate and Serve: Transfer the kvass into a sealable pitcher or individual bottles. Refrigerate, serve cold, and enjoy!
The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (3)
The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (4)

Tips & Tricks

Below, find a couple of pro tips and tricks to help you make the best, most refreshing kvass.

  • Allow it to ferment in a warm place. Before you refrigerate and serve kvass, you’ll want to let it ferment in a warm place. A couple of examples include your garage (except during winter of course!), on top of the dryer, or close to a heating vent.
  • Ferment it longer if you like tang. The longer you let the kvass ferment, the more fermented and tangy it will be. Feel free to experiment with fermentation times as you see fit!
  • Store it in a sealable pitcher or jar. To prevent the beverage from soaking up the smells in your refrigerator, store it in a sealable pitcher or jar.

Storing Kvass

  • Refrigerator (Pitcher): You can store kvass in a sealable pitcher for up to 10 days. As it sits, it will continue to ferment and the colors will deepen.
  • Refrigerator (Bottles): If you want to have some grab-and-go bottles, feel free to store your kvass in some sealable glass bottles. They will also keep for up to 10 days.

Serving Kvass

This kvass can be served alongside just about any meal. Much like kombucha, it’s a refreshing drink that is great for those times when you need a sweet and fizzy pick-me-up.

The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (5)

FAQ

What does kvass taste like?

The flavor of kvass greatly differs on the technique and the manufacturer. Most of the commercially available kvass tastes closer to fermented cola drink, while the traditional (proper) and homemade recipes taste like a mix between beer and kombucha.

Is kvass the same thing as kombucha?

While both are fermented beverages, kvass and kombucha are not the same. To ferment kvass, you rely on the natural sugars and yeast breaking down through a process called lacto fermentation. On the other hand, kombucha requires you to make culture, referred to as a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast) to power the fermentation process.

When should I drink kvass?

Kvass is generally consumed as a refreshing drink, think of soda. You can find it sold at lemonade stands in European countries. It’s also common to consume alongside dinner or a feast.

Can kvass go bad?

Kvass will go bad after about 10 days. It will turn strong and bitter.

More Drink Recipes

  • Citrus and Mint Infused Water – Refreshing flavored water
  • Homemade Kompot Drink – Popular Slavic juice beverage
  • Sparkling Mango Drink Recipe – Carbonated and blended mango drink

Recipe

The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (6)

The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe

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Servings

25 Servings

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

This classic kvass is made with sweet apple juice and fermented to bubbly, tangy perfection. A classic Slavic refreshment that can be enjoyed by the whole family!

Ingredients

US UnitsMetric

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients together in a large plastic container or a couple of sealable pitchers.

  • Cover the kvass and allow it to sit for 24-48 hours in a warm place to ferment. The longer it sits, the stronger the tangy flavor will be.

  • Refrigerate, serve cold, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 113 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Sodium 21mg1%

Potassium 57mg2%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 28g31%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 1IU0%

Vitamin C 1mg1%

Calcium 15mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Posted December 20, 2021

About Author

The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (10)

Natalya Drozhzhin

Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.

  1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (11)

    KathyFeb 16, 2024

    I have made Kombucha for years - very interested in trying this. I may have to wait until it gets warmer. I don't think the ferment will move along in our cold temps. Is low 60's viable?
    Could I use dark roasted dandelion root and or chicory in place of the coffee?

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (12)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 16, 2024

      Hey Kathy, Lows 70s would be ideal for fermentation. I have not tried a coffee replacement, but if you do please report back!

  2. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (13)

    Tamara KorotkikhAug 1, 2023

    Hi! Can you tell me what the instant coffee adds to the taste. I always made it with just apples, sugar, dark bread (dried) and yeast. Can't wait to try your recipe! Thank you 😊

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (14)

      Natalya DrozhzhinAug 1, 2023

      Hi Tamara, It adds a depth of flavor. This is the way my mother and family make it and I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think about the coffee.

  3. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (15)

    Yelena KJun 18, 2022

    We never have instant coffee, I don’t want to buy it, it’s pretty bad, can we use something else?

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (16)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJun 20, 2022

      Hey Yelena, I have not tried making it with out coffee or replaced it with other things. If you come up with something, please let me know. Thank you!

  4. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (17)

    EbsApr 26, 2022

    I really enjoyed making this recipe! Lived in KG/UA/LT for a total of 10 years. Have been very nostalgic, obviously, these past months. And although I can get kvass at a local shop, it's never quite right. I had to halve the recipe and then halve again the water due to lack of enormous eastern pot 🙂 and then I reduced the sugar by 1/2 cup and it is exactly how I wanted it. Perfect!
    Dyakyuyu!

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (18)

      Natalya DrozhzhinApr 27, 2022

      Hi Ebs - That's awesome! Kvass is a drink that always brings me back to my childhood. I'm glad you were able to make this recipe your own and I hope you find more that bring you back to your days in Eastern Europe. 🙂

  5. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (19)

    Charlie ArikJan 14, 2022

    Does the birch sap come from sweet birch trees? I have some growing where I live,the sap tastes like wintergreen. I make my own maple syrup in the early spring and the birch sap flows at the same time.

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (20)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJan 14, 2022

      I believe so, Charlie, but I'm not entirely sure. I would love to have fresh maple syrup! I'm jealous over here.

  6. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (21)

    Charlie ArikJan 14, 2022

    What kind of yeast is used? I assume it is bread yeast but there is also wine and beer yeast. Each would give it a unique flavor.

  7. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (23)

    MarynaDec 20, 2021

    Какой яблочный сок вы использовали? Homemade?

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (24)

      Natalya DrozhzhinDec 20, 2021

      Hi Maryna - Any store bought apple juice will work! You don't need to use homemade. Hope this helps!

  8. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (25)

    YelenaJul 6, 2020

    Hi, What is the best way to store this kvass? Would it keep well in dark glass bottles?

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (26)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJul 7, 2020

      It would keep well in any container but don't seal the lid all the way. It will continue brewing as it sits.

  9. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (27)

    lilyJul 24, 2014

    hi, do you have a birch tree kvas recipe?

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (28)

      Natalya DrozhzhinJul 24, 2014

      Hi Lily, oh gosh, you just took me to me childhood. Mom use to make it all the time when we lived in Ukraine. Where would you get birch tree juice here? I would of love some, we have never made the kvas here in USA.

      1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (29)

        lilyJul 24, 2014

        well we have a neighbor over here that has a birch tree but i just wish i knew how to make one before i ask their permission for the trees juice & yeahh in Ukraine my family use to make them also, i miss it so much because it was soooooooo good =)...there isn't many options in USA to make birch tree kvas so i understand & even the hazelnuts trees are hard to find, which to me tastes much better off the tree then store bought anyway thank you for the response Natalya.

        1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (30)

          Natalya DrozhzhinJul 24, 2014

          Doesn't juice come only in a spring time? Now I really want to look into this 🙂

          1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (31)

            lilyJul 24, 2014

            yeahh, my dad also told me it has to be cold for birch trees to produce juice but i guess it has to be extracted from the tree in early spring...i honestly don't remember i was really young when i left Ukraine to remember how this works lol =).

  10. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (32)

    AllaMar 23, 2014

    I try it and I love it.... Thanks a lot

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (33)

      Natalya DrozhzhinMar 23, 2014

      Glad you guys loved it! We have a sauna at home and guys love it when I make it 🙂

  11. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (34)

    AllaFeb 23, 2014

    Thanks Natasha. I will give it a try..

  12. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (35)

    AllaFeb 21, 2014

    Hello,
    What kind of instant coffee do i need to use? Which apple cider vinegar regular yellow or organic or white vinegar?
    Please let me know Natasha.

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (36)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 21, 2014

      You can see it in the picture. But there is no specific brand of coffee needed, just any of your favorite instant. For the vinegar, as long as it apple vinegar, it will work.

  13. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (37)

    LilyaFeb 9, 2014

    Thank you, I heard about this recipe 10 years ago and never asked the person who made it. I have been looking for it ever since.

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (38)

      Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 9, 2014

      I hope you love it. So far we have been sticking to this one for years because it's so easy and so good.

  14. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (39)

    katyaSep 21, 2013

    do i cover it with anything? and what warm place do you mean?

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (40)

      Natalya DrozhzhinSep 21, 2013

      I usually cover with a lid but not all tight. You can keep it in a room temperature if its warm at home. Or place it on top of a laundry dryer, next to heating, or on top of a fridge. It just has to be a little warm.

  15. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (41)

    katyaSep 21, 2013

    u need 10 quarts of water and only 1 quart of apple juice?

    1. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (42)

      Natalya DrozhzhinSep 21, 2013

      Yes, that is correct.

  16. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (43)

    natalyaFeb 26, 2013

    I haven't tasted difference. Recently I been using plastic, before I used metal pot.

  17. The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (44)

    LenachkaFeb 26, 2013

    Does it make a difference if I use a big metal pot? or is plastic or glass better?

The Best & Easiest Kvass Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make kvass taste better? ›

You can also add herbs and spices to change things up if you find yourself making kvass regularly. Fresh dill with red beets is particularly good. Kvass is a tasty and healthy probiotic fermented drink—and your liver will thank you for it.

What is the best yeast for kvass? ›

Kvass needs a starter culture, and sourdough works well. If you don't keep a sourdough starter, try making wild yeast with dried fruit and water. Alternatively, you could use ¼ cup plain kombucha since it also contains yeast, or even ½ teaspoon baker's yeast.

How do you know when kvass is ready? ›

And as every chef knows, the best way to test something is to taste it. Kvass can take anywhere between 2-7 days before it's fermented to perfection, so try tasting a little after the second day. What you're looking for is that perfect balance of sweet and sour, with a hint of carbonation.

How long does kvass last in the fridge? ›

The shelf-life of kvass is around 4-8 weeks from the moment you receive your order. Always remember that Quas can only be stored in the fridge.

How often should you drink kvass? ›

Most of the Kvas is liquid; you can drink a little bit at a time or add it to soups or smoothies. Start with small amounts and slowly increase your intake until you can drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup daily.

What is kvass supposed to taste like? ›

Kvass is a fermented cereal-based low-alcohol beverage of cloudy appearance and sweet-sour taste.

How much alcohol is in homemade kvass? ›

Kvass is a mildly alcoholic fermented drink (0.5-2.5%) traditionally made using stale rye bread, yeast, sugar, and dried fruits for flavouring; it has a sweet/sour taste.

Is it healthy to drink kvass? ›

Kvass is considered a “functional food” because it offers a wide range of probiotics and nutrients, including vitamin B12, selenium and manganese. If made with beets, it also contains a good dose of antioxidants, natural nitrates, vitamins A and C, and potassium.

How long does it take for kvass to ferment? ›

After 24 hours you can see fermentation bubbles. Taste your brew every day to see when it is ready, it depends on the room temperature and sugar content. It should taste sweet and tangy and the fruit look 'cooked'. Strain the brew and drink as it is or store in the fridge for up to a week.

What are the side effects of kvass? ›

Among people who are new to drinking probiotic drinks, kvass can potentially give them stomachaches or other mild side effects at first. Introduce this drink to your diet slowly to minimize any reactions, such as nausea, heartburn or bloating.

What is the difference between kvass and kombucha? ›

Another reason why we love kvass is that it's low in sugar and doesn't contain any sweeteners, unlike many other fermented beverages, like kombucha. Kvass also contains more probiotic cultures than kombucha (billions vs millions).

Can you eat the beets from kvass? ›

We like to brighten the flavor with a few slices of ginger, and a squeeze of lemon or a sprig of mint are nice additions too. Once the mixture has fermented for anywhere from 3-14 days, you can remove the beets and eat them in salads, but the liquid that is left behind is the real treasure.

Can you drink too much beet kvass? ›

CAN I HAVE TOO MUCH? BEET KVASS is a live cultured tonic, so whilst you become accustomed to its incredible living properties, it is best to start out slow and steady. Drinking too much too soon can result in unpleasant symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, nausea or loose stools.

How much beet kvass should I drink a day? ›

Start with 1 teaspoon of fermented foods/drinks per day. If no adverse reactions, add a little more each day. Consume fermented foods/liquids prior to each meal to help with digestion. You can eventually go up to 2 cups per day.

Is beet kvass supposed to taste salty? ›

Beet kvass is an acquired taste. It's salty and earthy, with little sweetness, so it's a great drink if you want to avoid sugars in your diet. It's essentially an infusion of beets, salt and water, fermented by wild yeasts in the air.

Is kvass good for gut health? ›

Great Source of Probiotics

Probiotics in your diet, including from kvass, have been shown to increase gut microflora diversity and support metabolic activity, while also potentially having appetite-reducing effects.

Does kvass taste like kombucha? ›

Unlike the sweet, vinegar-forward flavor of kombucha, kvass has a light, crisp, clean taste and is full of all three biotics: pre- (fuels beneficial bacteria), pro- (live bacteria), and post- (beneficial metabolites).

Is it legal to drink kvass? ›

“Is Kvass considered alcoholic under US law?” Kvass can have as much as 1 percent ABV. Each state has its own laws so that might count is one state but not in another state. The most common rule in US states is 1 percent ABV and down don't count as alcoholic beverages.

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