Fermented Pineapple

There is a lot of tasty life going on in there

This authentic Mexican drink comes from the same region that brought the world tequila and is called Tepache. It is relatively simple to make and with pineapples on sale it is hard to find a valid excuse not to have a bucket of this going constantly.The final product is a fruit flavored golden beverage that is really refreshing.

You will need a glass or ceramic jar that holds 5 liters of liquid and has a tight seal on the lid. Any light colored full flavored beer will work, but I find a hefewiezen or triple work best. To make this the old fashioned way omit the beer and let it ferment for at least 1 week after adding the sugar.

Tepache

• 1 large or 2 small pineapples
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 2 whole allspice
• 1 stick canela (Mexican cinnamon)
•  10 1/2 cups water
• 1 lb packed dark brown sugar
• 1 1/2 cups golden beer

Wash the pineapple well. Cut off the top and bottom and discard. Cut the rest of the fruit into small chunks, including the skin and core and place in the container. Combine the whole spices in a mortar and roughly crush. Add spices to the pineapple and stir well. Add 8 cups of water, stir well again and seal. Place jar in a warm spot that gets direct sunlight and let sit for 3 days. Check to see if bubbles are forming on the third day. If so continue, if not wait another day. Combine sugar and remaining water in a pan and bring to a boil. Turn heat down and simmer until sugar dissolves then let cool to room temperature. Add sugar and beer to pineapple and stir well. Seal well and return to warm spot. Let ferment 3 days longer and check. The mix should have a strong smell of fermentation and appear bubbly throughout. If not, let ferment longer. If ready strain mixture through cheesecloth pressing all juice from pineapple chunks into a clean pitcher. Refrigerate until cold and serve over ice.