What You’ll Need
To make tepache, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ripe pineapple
- 3/4 cup of brown sugar
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 cloves
- 1 teaspoon of whole grain wheat
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Start by removing the outer skin of the pineapple and discarding the top and bottom. Slice the pineapple into small chunks, removing the tough core, if desired. Place the pineapple chunks in a clean, glass container.
Step 2: Add the Sweetener
Add the brown sugar to the container with the pineapple. The sugar will help kick-start the fermentation process and add sweetness to the drink. Stir the sugar into the pineapple until it dissolves.
Step 3: Spice it Up
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and whole grain wheat to the container. These spices will lend their unique flavors to the tepache as it ferments. Give the mixture a gentle stir to distribute the spices evenly.
Step 4: Add Water and Cover
Pour 4 cups of water into the container, making sure the pineapple is fully submerged. Cover the container with a clean cloth or plastic wrap, secured with a rubber band or string. This allows the mixture to ferment while keeping out any contaminants.
Step 5: Fermentation
Place the covered container in a cool, dark place to ferment. Let it sit undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours. During this time, natural yeasts in the air will initiate fermentation, turning the pineapple mixture into tepache.
Step 6: Strain and Serve
After the fermentation period, remove the cloth or plastic wrap and give the tepache a good stir. Using a fine-mesh strainer, strain the liquid into a pitcher or serving container, discarding the pineapple chunks and spices.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Homemade Tepache
Your homemade tepache is now ready to be served. Pour it over ice and garnish with a pineapple wedge or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness. Share it with friends and family, and savor the delightful taste of this traditional Mexican drink.
Making your own tepache allows you to experiment with flavors and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your liking. So why not give it a try? Brew a batch of this delicious fermented pineapple drink and elevate your taste buds to another level.