After a few days in which our very hot summer gave way to intense and seemingly-random rain, we are back to sunlight and hot days. Fortunately we Dominicans have a few weapons in our arsenal to help us survive the heat.
Fermented drinks are not uncommon in the Dominican Republic, I would dare to say that they are more rare now in account of the myriad carbonated drinks in the market (because let’s face it, even if they are not the healthiest drinks they are very darn refreshing). Having turned my back on carbonated drinks a while ago, this time hopefully for good, fermented drink is a great way to satisfy the craving for “bubbly”, cold drinks. It is also cheaper and much healthier.
If you find the idea of drinking fermented fruit drinks somewhat-off-putting, let me put your mind at ease: Dominicans have been drinking mabíes and guarapos (fermented root and fruit drinks) for a long time. give it a try, trust me, it’s worth the effort.
Another good thing about this drink is that you only use the pineapple peel, you can use the rest of the pineapple in other dishes, or add frozen pineapple cubes to your drink to keep it cooler longer that with just ice, then you can eat it the fruit you finish your drink.
You have to admit that a bubbly, ice-cold pineapple drink just screams "tropical summer", right?. Well, wether you are in the tropics or not this is a a must-try. I am sure you will soon add it to your list of favorite drinks.
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple
- 2 quarts drinking water
- 1 cup sugar or equivalent sweetener
Instructions
- Wash the pineapple in running water scrubbing the peel clean.
- Peel the pineapple (reserve the pineapple for other uses), rinse the peel again.
- Put the pineapple in a pitcher big enough to fit the water and pineapple peels.
- Cover and leave outside until you notice some froth on the surface.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days, or until you notice bubbles stuck to the sides of the pitcher.
- Strain and pour the liquid into another clean pitcher. Add sugar to taste, ice and frozen pineapple cubes (optional).
Important Notes
For some extra fun dice and freeze other fruits (watermelon, melon, mango) and add it.
Aunt Clara's Kitchen is a collection of traditional Dominican recipes, recipes inspired by Dominican flavors, as well as the chronicles of the Aunties' adventures in the kitchen and outside.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I sometimes find I’ve left my pineapple in the fridge a little too long, and have that ‘fermented’ flavor with bubbles climbing the side of the jar… and I use it anyway…
frequently in a green drink… have never had any negative results!!