Step 1

Place the turmeric root, ginger, and peppercorns in a medium pot along with 8 cups of filtered water. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Step 2

Remove from heat, then cool slightly (just until it's not hot enough to crack a glass jar). Strain the turmeric tea into a wide mouth gallon jar.

Step 3

Add the sugar to the turmeric tea and stir to dissolve.

Step 4

Add additional filtered water to the jar, leaving 2-3" inches of headspace. Cool to room temperature.

Step 5

Add the turmeric bug to the cooled turmeric tea, then stir well. Cover the jar with cheesecloth secured with a rubber band.

Step 6

Place the jar in a dark corner. Stir once a day. It should start bubbling within a day or two. Ferment to taste, anywhere from 1-2 days in a warmer spot to 3-4 days in a cooler location.

Step 7

When you're ready to bottle, strain the soda to filter out the pieces from the turmeric bug. Use a funnel to transfer the soda into flip top bottles. Set the bottles aside at room temperature for a few days to a few weeks to build up carbonation. Refrigerate once fermented to your preference.