Fizzy Fermented Fruit Coolers (Finnish Sima)

Step 1
Combine 2 gallons water, sugar, cranberry sauce, limes, mulberries, lemon juice, dates, 1/3 cup raisins, and ground ginger in a large pot over high heat. Heat mixture until boiling, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 2
Boil a kettle of water and use it to rinse the rim and inside of a 5-gallon food-safe container or bucket. Rinse a second time.

Step 3
Pour the hot sugar-fruit mixture into the sterilized container. Top off with boiling water to 1 or 2 inches below the rim. Cover the container with a clean thin plastic sheet and secure with a large rubber band. Place in a draft-free area until cool, 4 to 5 hours.

Step 4
Combine 1/2 cup water and 10 raisins in a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover tightly, and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Stir in brewers' yeast. Cover sima tightly and let sit until mixture is a bit foamy, 6 to 12 hours.

Step 5
Sterilize a spoon with boiling water. Stir the hydrated yeast mixture and pour it into the sugar-fruit mixture in the 5-gallon container. Stir; there should be some bubbles and foam.

Step 6
Cover the 5-gallon container again with the plastic sheet and secure with the rubber band. Add a layer of newspaper and a board or piece of plywood on top; this will keep out air while allowing carbon dioxide to escape.

Step 7
Allow the sima to ferment for 2 days to 3 weeks, depending on the amount of fermentation and alcohol content you desire.

Step 8
Sterilize 10 plastic 1.5-liter soda bottles and caps with a 2% bleach solution. Rinse bottles well and allow to air dry.

Step 9
Fill the bottles with sima and cap them. Let the bottles sit at room temperature until hardened; store in the refrigerator 8 hours to overnight or until serving.