Made with pineapple peels, piloncillo, and spices, Tepache is a traditional Mexican fermented drink with a lightly sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavor. It's easy to make and perfect served ice cold.
Wash and peel the pineapple, then set the peel and core aside.
In a small pot, bring 2 cups of the water to a boil. Add the piloncillo and stir until completely dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature.
Place the pineapple peels and chopped core in a large glass, ceramic, or clay container.
Pour in the cooled piloncillo syrup. Add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and the remaining water. Stir gently.
Cover the container with a clean kitchen towel and leave it at room temperature.
After about 12 to 24 hours, you should start to see bubbles and a little foam on top.
Let it ferment for 2 to 3 days, depending on how warm your kitchen is. It's ready when it's lightly fizzy, smells fruity, and has a nice sweet-tangy flavor.
Strain the tepache, discard the peels and spices, then pour it into bottles or a pitcher. Chill before serving and enjoy over ice.
Notes
Let the piloncillo syrup cool completely before pouring it over the pineapple peels.
Wash the pineapple well and scrub the peel to remove any dirt.
If the peels float, gently push them back under the liquid.
Taste the tepache every day after the first 24 hours and strain it once it reaches a flavor you enjoy.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will continue to slowly ferment and become more tart over time.