🇲🇽 Mexico · Drinks
Tepache
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇲🇽 MXA refreshing, slightly fermented pineapple drink that is beloved across Mexican street markets. It balances sweetness with a gentle tang and signature spice profile.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Thoroughly wash the pineapple and carefully remove the peel in thick strips.
- 2
In a large glass or clay vessel, combine the 2 liters of water and 200g of piloncillo.
- 3
Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the sugar has fully dissolved into the water.
- 4
Add the pineapple peels, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 3 cloves into the liquid.
- 5
Cover the vessel with a clean kitchen towel and secure it with a rubber band to keep insects out.
- 6
Place the vessel in a warm, dark spot in your kitchen to ferment for 48 hours.
- 7
Check the liquid daily; you are looking for small, consistent bubbles on the surface.
- 8
Once the aroma is pleasant and slightly tangy, strain the liquid into a pitcher and chill before serving over ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tepache alcoholic?+
It contains a very low, trace amount of alcohol due to natural fermentation, usually less than 1%.
Can I use brown sugar instead of piloncillo?+
Yes, but piloncillo provides a unique, smoky molasses depth that is essential to the authentic taste.
How do I know if it has gone bad?+
If it smells sour like vinegar or shows fuzzy mold on the surface, discard it immediately.
Can I make it faster?+
You can leave it in a warmer spot, but 48 hours is the golden window for the best flavor development.
