Naturally Fermented Hibiscus Soda

 If you don't have hibiscus tea, use a different type of herbal tea.

Ingredients

• 1 heaping tablespoon hibiscus tea leaves
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 cups water total
• 1/4 cup strained ginger bug

Instructions

1. Steep the hibiscus tea leaves in 1 cup of hot water to make strong tea.
2. Strain the tea and stir in the sugar.
3. Add the remaining 3 cups of water. By diluting the tea this way, you cool it down faster and can add the ginger bug sooner, which speeds up preparation.
4. Once the tea has cooled to room temperature, add the ginger bug.
5. Fill glass flip-top bottles with the mixture and set aside in a cupboard or box to carbonate.
6. Burp the bottles every day or two to release built-up carbon dioxide and prevent geysers and exploding bottles. Simply open and close the bottle quickly.
7. The soda will be ready in approximately 3 days. Transfer to the refrigerator or ferment for longer for a higher alcohol content.

Notes

Exploding bottles can and do happen. Store your bottles in a cupboard or box to contain any possible explosions and subsequent messes. Burp your bottles every day or two, depending on the progress of the fermentation. If you open them too often, carbonation will not develop. After you have made this drink a couple of times, you'll have a better feel for what works best in your kitchen.