Elderberry Ginger Bug Soda Recipe

Step 1: Make a Traditional Ginger Bug Starter

A ginger bug is a wild ferment of ginger and sugar that captures natural yeasts and bacteria

to carbonate beverages.

Ingredients:

- 2 tbsp fresh ginger root (grated, with skin)

- 2 tbsp sugar (organic cane sugar works best)

- 1 cup filtered, non-chlorinated water

Instructions:

1. Day 1: Combine ginger, sugar, and water in a clean glass jar. Stir well. Cover with a cloth

or coffee filter and secure with a rubber band.

2. Days 2–5: Each day, stir and add:

- 1 tbsp grated ginger

- 1 tbsp sugar

Your ginger bug is ready when it’s active and bubbly with visible fizz and a yeasty aroma.

Step 2: Make Elderberry Ginger Soda Base

Basic Elderberry Syrup Soda (1-gallon batch):

- ¾ to 1 cup Popple Tree Creek Farms elderberry syrup

- ¼ to ½ cup ginger bug liquid (strained)

- ¾ gallon filtered water

- ¼ cup sugar or honey

- Juice of 1 lemon (optional for tang and acidity)

Instructions:

1. In a clean 1-gallon glass jar or jug, combine water, elderberry syrup, lemon juice (if

using), and sugar.

2. Stir in the ginger bug liquid.

3. Pour into bottles (swing-top bottles work best), leaving 1–2 inches of headspace.

4. Seal and let ferment at room temperature for 2–5 days. Check for carbonation daily by

gently opening a bottle.

5. Once fizzy, refrigerate to stop fermentation.

Three Flavor Variations

1. Elderberry Lemon Spice

- Add zest and juice of 1 lemon

- Add ¼ tsp ground cinnamon and a pinch of clove or allspice

- Tastes like a spiced elderberry lemonade with fizz

2. Elderberry Mint Lime

- Add juice of 2 limes

- Add a handful of fresh mint leaves

- Super refreshing, bright, and herbal

3. Elderberry Hibiscus Rose

- Add 1 tbsp dried hibiscus flowers and 1 tsp dried rose petals to the syrup base

- Steep in hot water first if you want a smoother floral taste

- A fragrant and slightly tart floral soda

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