Guidey's Pineapple Ferment Drink
A refreshing, naturally fermented drink made from pineapple skins and aromatic spices, inspired by traditional tepache and Guidey's unique pine drink.
Ingredients
- 1 medium organic pineapple skin only (peel removed
- 8 cups filtered water
- 0.5 cup brown sugar lightly packed (or other sweetener like piloncillo)
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- 5-6 whole cloves
- 0.5 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger sliced
Instructions
- Wash the pineapple thoroughly. Carefully peel the skin, ensuring no fruit flesh is left if you want a clearer drink, or leave a bit for more flavor.
- In a large, clean glass jar or pitcher (at least 1-gallon capacity), combine the pineapple skins, brown sugar, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, grated nutmeg, and sliced ginger.
- Pour the filtered water over the ingredients, ensuring the pineapple skins are fully submerged.
- Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Cover the jar with a breathable cloth (like cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel) and secure it with a rubber band. This allows air circulation while keeping out contaminants.
- Place the jar in a warm spot, out of direct sunlight, to ferment for 2 to 4 days.
- Stir daily and taste a small amount each day using a clean spoon. You're looking for a slightly tangy, subtly sweet, and fizzy taste. Foam on top and small bubbles indicate active fermentation.
- Once desired flavor and fizziness are achieved, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into clean bottles or jars. Discard the solids.
- Refrigerate immediately to slow down fermentation. Serve chilled, over ice.
Notes
Fermentation typically takes 2-4 days, depending on ambient temperature. Taste daily. Strain well before serving. Can be served chilled or over ice. For extra fizz, bottle in airtight containers for another 12-24 hours after primary fermentation. Adjust spices to your preference. Use organic pineapple to avoid pesticides on the skin.