Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (2024)

Published: by Valya's Taste of Home · 20 Comments

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This traditional Ukrainian Apple Kvass recipe is a real treat. While there are many variations of kvass, a fermented probiotic drink popular in Ukraine and Russia, this apple version stands out for its light, delightful flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.

Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (1)

Kvass is a drink that has been enjoyed for centuries in Eastern Europe, and for good reason. Similar to kombucha, it's packed with probiotics and is fantastic for your gut health.

This particular apple kvass (Квас Яблочный) recipe is a favorite at my table because of its refreshing taste and the health benefits it offers. And don't worry about the alcohol content, it's typically very low, but if you're concerned, you can control it by adjusting the fermentation time.

If you enjoy this apple kvass recipe, I recommend trying your hand at some other traditional Russian and Ukrainian drinks. You might like homemade Kompot, a sweet and tangy fruit juice, or authentic Kisel, a fruit-based dessert drink that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Table of Contents
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Key Ingredients
  • How to Make Apple Kvass
  • Tips for Making the Best Kvass
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Recipe Variation Ideas
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to Store Leftovers
  • Similar Recipes You'll Love
  • Recipe Card
  • Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный)
  • Comments

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious Apple Flavour: This apple kvass recipe has a deliciously light apple flavor that sets it apart from traditional, more tangy kvass recipes, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
  • Traditional and Time-Tested: This recipe stays true to the traditional Ukrainian kvass, a drink that has been enjoyed for generations in Eastern Europe for its flavor and its potential health benefits.
  • Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this recipe is easy for anyone to make, whether you're new to fermentation or a seasoned pro.
  • Family Favorite: This kvass is a hit with the whole family. Its mild, sweet flavor is a refreshing treat for kids, and adults will appreciate its traditional charm.
  • Budget-Friendly: With basic ingredients like water, sugar, and apple juice, this recipe is as kind to your wallet as it is to your palate.

Key Ingredients

All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this apple kvass recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:

For a full list of ingredients and quantities, please check the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Water: The base of our kvass recipe, it provides the liquid environment needed for the fermentation process to take place.
  • Instant Coffee: This ingredient might seem unusual, but it adds a deep, rich flavor to our kvass. It also provides a food source for the yeast, helping it to ferment the beverage.
  • Organic Sugar: Sugar is food for the yeast. As the yeast consumes the sugar, it produces carbon dioxide and alcohol, giving our kvass its signature fizzy, slightly alcoholic kick.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds a tangy undertone to our kvass and helps to create the acidic environment that the yeast needs to thrive.
  • Frozen 100% Juice: We're using apple juice concentrate to add a sweet, apple flavor to our kvass. This will be the predominant flavor of the finished drink.
  • Yeast: This is our key bacteria, it's responsible for the fermentation process that transforms our simple ingredients into a complex, tangy, fizzy beverage.
Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (2)

How to Make Apple Kvass

Making this incredible apple Kvass is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:

Create the Base: Pour water into a large pot and add sugar, coffee, and apple cider vinegar.

Heat and Stir: Place the pot on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly until all the sugar has dissolved.

Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (3)

Cool and Add Ingredients: Once it's boiled, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. Then, add apple juice and yeast.

Stir and Ferment: Combine the ingredients well, then let the mixture sit at room temperature for 12 hours to ferment. Stir the kvass a couple of times during this process.

Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (4)

Refrigerate: After the fermentation is complete, refrigerate the kvass. It's best served cold! Enjoy your delicious, homemade apple kvass.

Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (5)

Tips for Making the Best Kvass

  • Use Quality Ingredients: For a delicious kvass, always use high-quality, organic sugar, and apple cider vinegar. The type of yeast you use can also impact the flavor, so opt for a good quality yeast.
  • Pay Attention to Fermentation: Allow your kvass to ferment for the full 12 hours. This process is crucial for developing the unique flavor of kvass. Stir the kvass a couple of times during the fermentation process to ensure all the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Cool the Mixture Quickly: To speed up the cooling process, place the pot in a sink filled with cold water and ice. Stir the kvass multiple times during cooling and change the water in the sink multiple times. This will help your kvass to cool and be ready for fermentation more quickly.

Serving Suggestions

  • After a long day, unwind with a refreshing glass of chilled kvass. The crisp, tangy flavor of the fermented beverage is the perfect way to relax and recharge.
  • Planning a picnic? Kvass pairs perfectly with sandwiches and salads. Its unique flavor compliments a wide range of picnic foods, making it a refreshing choice for your outdoor meal.
  • For a unique twist, try using Kvass as a base for a cocktail. Add some fresh fruit and a splash of vodka for a refreshing, summery drink.
  • Kvass also makes a great non-alcoholic alternative to beer. Enjoy a cold glass with your favorite barbeque for a refreshing and satisfying beverage.

Recipe Variation Ideas

This delicious kvass recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a traditional Russian fermented beverage. However, if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:

  • Fruit Kvass: If you're a fan of fruity flavors, this variation is perfect for you. Simply add your favorite fruits, such as berries, to the kvass during the fermentation process. The fruits will add a sweet and tangy twist to the traditional recipe, making it a refreshing summer drink.
  • Herbal Kvass: For a more aromatic version of kvass, try adding some fresh herbs like mint or rosemary. The herbal notes will give your kvass a refreshing and unique flavor that pairs well with a light lunch.
  • Spiced Kvass: If you enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of spices, this variation is a must-try. Add cinnamon, cloves, or other spices to your kvass. The spices will give your kvass a cozy, comforting twist, perfect for sipping on a cool evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kvass?

Kvass is a traditional fermented beverage from Eastern Europe, particularly Russia. It is made by fermenting water with sugar, apple juice, and yeast. The fermentation process gives kvass its unique flavor and also makes it a source of beneficial bacteria for gut health.

Is Kvass alcoholic?

Kvass is naturally fermented, so it does contain a small amount of alcohol, usually around 0.5-1.0% ABV (alcohol by volume). However, it's considered a non-alcoholic beverage in most places.

How can I make Kvass fizzy?

To make fizzy Kvass, you can add a small amount of sugar or fruit juice before bottling it for fermentation. Make sure to leave some headspace in the bottle and burp it occasionally to release excess gas.

How to Store Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: After your batch of kvass has fermented, you can store the leftovers in a sealed jar or airtight container in the fridge. Kvass can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It's best to serve kvass cold, so make sure it's well chilled before enjoying it.
  • Freeze: Unfortunately, freezing kvass is not recommended as it can alter the flavor and texture of the drink. The fermentation process in kvass can make it prone to changes in flavor when frozen and thawed. It's best to enjoy your kvass fresh or chilled from the fridge.
Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (6)

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Recipe Card

Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный)

Valya's Taste of Home

This traditional Ukrainian Apple Kvass recipe stands out for its light, delightful flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. Easy to make and tastes great!

4.84 from 6 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Drinks

Cuisine Ukrainian

Servings 14 quarts

Ingredients

For the Apple Kvass

  • 10 Liters - water
  • 4 teaspoon – Instant coffee (or ¼ cup brewed espresso)
  • 3 cups – organic sugar
  • ¾ cup - apple cider vinegar
  • 1 can (12 oz)- frozen 100% juice juice
  • 2 teaspoon - yeast

Read More

Instructions

How to Make Apple Kvass

  • Create the Base: Pour water into a large pot and add sugar, coffee, and apple cider vinegar.

  • Heat and Stir: Place the pot on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly until all the sugar has dissolved.

  • Cool and Add Ingredients: Once it's boiled, remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool completely. Then, add apple juice and yeast.

  • Stir and Ferment: Combine the ingredients well, then let the mixture sit at room temperature for 12 hours to ferment. Stir the kvass a couple of times during this process.

  • Refrigerate: After the fermentation is complete, refrigerate the kvass. It's best served cold! Enjoy your delicious, homemade apple kvass.

Notes

  • To shorten the cooling time I like to cool it in the sink filled with cold water and ice. Change water in the sink multiple times to speed up the cooling process. Mix kvass multiple times during cooling.

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This recipe was originally posted on July 19, 2014 (original picture below), and updated for a better user experience.The post may contain affiliate links. Read mydisclosure.

Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (8)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mila says

    Love to try this but wondering if you know how much sugar is in each serving? Thanks.

    Reply

    • Valya's Taste of Home says

      I do not! You can reduce the sugar amount to half if this is too much for you and it will still work. It will not be as sweet though. Thank you for asking!

      Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      Refrigerate for up to a week in the same pot or large glass jars.

      Reply

  2. Tatyana says

    This recipe looks awesome but that's a huge amount of kvas! Have you tried making it in smaller batches? Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      Lol, I know! Yes, you can easily half the recipe.

      Reply

  3. Nadin says

    Hi! Can I make kvas with fresh apples instead of juice?

    Reply

    • Valya of Valya's Taste of Home says

      Sure, add apples with the first set of ingredients.

      Reply

  4. Tamara says

    can you please add printable version of this recipe?
    thanks

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Sure, as soon as I get a chance.

      Reply

  5. Natasha says

    Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (14)
    I'm not a fan of Kvas at all! But this recipe is AWESOME!! JUST cooked up my 4th batch after your recipe post. Thanks for posting! My new favorite drink. I even bought Kvas again at Russian store and it's not the same. Like only this recipe 🙂

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Thanks Natasha for such a sweet comment! I'm so glad you like my recipe! I am not a kvas fan either, but when I tried this one when we were visiting my sister-in-law, I have been making it ever since and this is my families favorite. I never buy kvas at the Russian store no more. 🙂

      Reply

  6. Tatyana says

    Valya, do I have to stir kvas just before pouring it to bottles? Thank you:)

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Yes you do. Thanks Tanya 🙂

      Reply

  7. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

    Love kvas! Haven't had it in ages - you're bringing me back to my childhood memories! Pinning!

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Thank you Julia! I'm not a kvas fan, but I like this recipe a lot. It's very tasty, and a lot different from the one you buy at the store. 🙂

      Reply

  8. Tanya says

    Valya,
    You are such an inspiration to me! Thank you for your blog so much. You cook the exact same way as my mom does. I just found you and will making your Cherry Cake today with my 6 year old daughter for her Birthday tomorrow. For a long time she wanted a princess cake, but when I was looking at your blog and specifically Cherry Lake Cake, she said, "Mama, this is the most beautiful pink cake! Can we make it instead of the princess cake." Thank you for sharing your little jewels, because, I know how hard it is to find a good recipe that everyone will love. I will follow up and let you know how the cake turned out, Irish soda and kvass. It's now on my to do list! Thank you Valya! -Tanya

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      You are very welcome Tanya! I am so glad that you like my recipes. I was told by my sisters sooo many time to make a blog and share my recipes with the world. I'm glad you like it! 🙂

      Reply

  9. Slavic says

    Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (15)
    All the food looks great! Especially love the cakes...

    Reply

    • valya'stasteofhome.com says

      Thank you Slavic! 🙂

      Reply

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Homemade Apple Kvass Recipe (Authentic Квас Яблочный) (2024)
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