Tepache by Mercado Sin Nombre

Tepache

By Mercado Sin Nombre

Ingredients:

• rind + core of 1 pineapple (preferably organic)

• 1 piloncillo cone, shaved

• 1 Mexican cinnamon stick

• 2 star anise, cracked

• 2 cloves, cracked

• 3 allspice berries, cracked

• 3 black peppercorns, cracked

• Pinch of salt

Directions

• Place all ingredients in a ceramic or glass container. Cover with water and stir to dissolve piloncillo shavings. Ensure all pineapple rind is submerged (about 1.5 – 2 liters. Place a weight of some kind on top if needed) before covering with a lid. Let sit in a cool, dark place for 3-4 days without letting much, if any, air in.

• Pour tepache through a fine mesh strainer to remove solid ingredients. If liquid is too syrupy, add water to get to your desired consistency. Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy.

• If you’re looking for a brighter and nuanced tepache for those hotter days, add:
  1 lemongrass stick
  1 tsp coriander
  1 tbs chamomile