The mental health benefits of socializing aside, repeatedly hanging out over beers may not be the the healthiest habit. Thanks to a University of Texas at Austin alum, San Antonians who are ready to insert a little variety and a lot of probiotics have a new hangout spot to visit and enjoy a different kind of brew.

Fermentería is now open at 2243 E. Commerce, serving as a taproom for its new "hard water kefir." It seems to have been in a soft-opening phase for at least the past two weeks, but now it's rolling out the figurative red carpet via media outreach and renewed social media posting.

The taproom is also hosting its first monthly community event on April 13, from 6 pm to midnight. Details on what the event will entail are sparse, but it's free, and some sales proceeds each month will be donated to a local nonprofit. This time, it's the Thrive Youth Center, a shelter for LGBTQ+ youth.

Working backwards: Kefir is an Eastern European cultured milk product, like yogurt but often thinner and more concentrated with probiotics. Water kefir is made in a similar process with "kefir grains," which bind together bacteria, yeast, sugar, and other compounds to help them thrive. Finally, the "hard" distinction appears simply to alert drinkers that it is an alcoholic drink; this one is 5 percent, about equal with a beer. (The taproom will also offer some non-alcoholic options, too.)

The result is a fizzy drink that is not unlike a hard seltzer, which anyone alive in 2024 has probably noticed is reaching its peak as a trend. This alternative option rides the wave of the bubbly craze, but this recipe has been in the works for years. Fermentería owner, UT Austin's Jade Sheppard learned the craft in Nicaragua, and spent two years perfecting the commercial process in Texas.

“When I first tried hard water kefir, I was astonished at how light and bubbly it was because it gave me a great little buzz with no hangover,” said Sheppard in a press release. “I couldn’t be more excited to share this great drink with the Central Texas community. Now that we’ve opened our doors, Fermenteria will be a fantastic, healthy alcoholic alternative.”

Water kefir drinkers don't just enjoy gut and immune system benefits, but the taste of the beverage. Unlike kombucha, which is at best an acquired taste for most, water kefir is sweet and mild. Combined with fruits, it is almost like a zero-sugar natural soda.

Fermentería offers six alcoholic flavors: pineapple lemongrass, brut (a wine term meaning "very dry"), hibiscus sangria, Paloma, Thai lime coconut, and orange elderflower. Non-alcoholic flavors include pineapple coconut, butterfly pea tea lemonade, and strawberry lime tulsi. Friends who need a pick-me-up can also enjoy nitro cold brew coffee and espresso at the taproom.

Many people interested in kefir products are not the type to wave off a wasteful packaging system, so they'll be delighted to hear they can bring their own containers to purchase to-go drinks. Growlers will also be for sale. The product will soon be appearing in grocery stores, the release says.

The Fermentería taproom will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-10 pm, Fridays from 4 pm to midnight, Saturdays from 11 am to midnight, and Sundays from and 11 am to 9 pm. More information is available at fermenteria.com.