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SIMA - FINNISH FERMENTED LEMONADE

This Finnish Fermented Lemonade, called Sima, is the perfect refreshing summertime drink.
Course: beverages
Cuisine: Finland
Keyword: beverages, fermentation, lemonade, lemons
Author: Debbie

Ingredients

  • 14 cups water
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 each organic lemons thinly sliced
  • 1/8 teaspoon yeast
  • raisins

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the sugars and stir until they dissolve.
  • Add the lemon slices, stir, and remove from the heat. Let sit until it is room temperature.
  • Once cooled, add the yeast and transfer to a non-reactive container. (I use a gallon size jar.) Cover loosely with cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Use a rubber band to keep in place. Let sit overnight. You should see tiny bubbles the next morning.
  • Strain the lemonade and pour into sterilized bottles. I use 32 oz growlers to increase the fermentation.
  • Add 4-5 raisins to each 32-ounce bottle and cap tightly.
  • Once daily, carefully loosen the cap to release the gasses that form.
  • Let the bottles sit at room temperature until the raisins rise to the top.
  • Transfer to the refrigerator to stop the fermentation process.