Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata

This delightful recipe not only produces a delicious and refreshing fermented drink but also introduces beneficial microorganisms from sourdough into your diet.

I've already made two batches of Socata this year, and they were gone too quickly as my children couldn't get enough of it. It’s a perfect family-friendly beverage that’s easy on the stomach and highly recommended!

Ingredients
Elderflowers
10 pieces
Water
4 l
Lemon
4 pieces
Sugar
600 g
adjust to taste and optionally partially replace with honey
Sourdough
1 tsp
wheat or rye, whichever you have on hand
Step by step
Step 1

For Socata, I prefer using a 5-liter can of still water, which can be sealed well and refrigerated after fermentation. Carefully add the unwashed elderflowers (to retain the pollen) to the can.

If you use a 5-liter glass jar, ensure it fits upright in the refrigerator.

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 1
Step 2

Wash the lemons thoroughly, preferably organic or with untreated peel. Squeeze the juice and add it to the jar, along with the remaining peels, cut thinner if necessary to fit the jar’s mouth.

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 2
Step 3

Pour 600 grams of sugar into the jar using a funnel. Adjust the amount to taste based on your preference for sweetness.

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 3
Step 4

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sourdough in a glass of water. It doesn't need to be fed beforehand; use it as you have it or even the leftovers from bread making.

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 4
Step 5

Add the glass of sourdough mixture and the remaining water (about 4 liters) to the can, leaving some space at the top for fermentation gases.

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 5
Step 6

Ensure the jar is full but with some space left. Close the lid tightly.

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 6
Step 7

Shake the can until all the sugar is dissolved.

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 7
Step 8

Loosen the lid slightly to allow gases to escape during fermentation. Let the jar ferment on the kitchen table or balcony, shaking it daily (remember to seal the jar again and then open it slightly each time). Stop the fermentation and refrigerate when the taste reaches your desired level of acidity.

Strain the drink before serving. Keep it refrigerated and open the jar carefully as it continues to ferment slowly even when cold.

Enjoy!

Elderflower Sourdough Fermented Soda - Romanian Socata - Step 8
Quantity: 4 l (5 liter can)
Prep time:
600 min
Difficulty: easy
Ready in: 30 min