4.9 from 252 votes
Spiced pineapple drink {Chicha de piña}
Spiced pineapple drink, or Chicha de piña, is a warm or chilled beverage brewed by simmering pineapple skins and core with panela (unrefined sugar) and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. The simmering develops a sweet, spiced flavor enriched by the pineapple's natural sweetness, resulting in a comforting traditional drink.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Servings:
2
liters
Course:
Drinks
Cuisine:
South American, Ecuadorian
Ingredients
- pineapple skins and core organic if possible and well washed, from 1 pineapple
- ½ to ¾ lb panela piloncillo or brown sugar, whole or in chunks - more or less to taste
- cinnamon sticks all spice peppers, cloves, anise, etc, assorted spices
- 10-12 cups of water
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in large saucepan or pot
- Bring to a boil and simmer partially covered for at about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Let cool down, unless you are drinking it warm or hot, you can drink it immediately or let it rest refrigerated to allow the spices and pineapple flavor to concentrate.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- To make fermented chicha de piña, boil half the pineapple skins with panela and spices, then mix with raw skins and core; cover and let ferment at room temperature until bubbly before straining and refrigerating.