Step 1: Cut the PineappleRemove the crown and base of the pineapple, then rinse the body of the pineapple with cool tap water to remove potential pests or dirt. Cut the peel from the pineapple in big chunks, leaving about ½ inch of the pineapple flesh on the peel. Reserve pineapple flesh for another use. 

Step 2: AssembleTo clean, large glass or ceramic jar, add light brown sugar (or piloncillo), and some water, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Add pineapple rinds, and remaining ingredients, then cover with remaining water. The pineapple will need to be submerged in the liquid to prevent mold, so weigh it down using either a glass, spoon, or fermentation weight.

Step 3: FermentCover with a clean dishtowel or a few layers of paper towels, then secure with a rubber band. This will keep out pesky gnats or flies while allowing the yeasts to have oxygen. Set somewhere dark and room temperature (ideally 75-80°F, 24-26°C), letting it ferment for 1 to 3 days.

Step 4: Drink or BottleThe tepache is finished fermenting when you see many small bubbles on top and it tastes how you want it to (test by drawing some out with a paper straw, using your finger to keep the tepache in the straw).

The longer it ferments, the less sweet and more yeast flavored it will become. The reaction will go more quickly in a warm environment and will slow down when it is cooler, so begin tasting after 24 hours, letting the fermentation run for up to 72 hours.

At this point, you can either refrigerate and drink the tepache as it is, or carbonate it by bottling the liquid in what we call the second fermentation.

Pro-tip: There is still yeast left on your pineapple peels, so you can reuse them for one or two more rounds!

Second Fermentation

Much like in brewing kombucha, the second fermentation is an optional step used to add carbonation (and sometimes flavor) to your drink.

By bottling the tepache in an airtight container, all the CO2 released by the yeast is trapped in the liquid, creating that fizzy, beer-like texture. 

Step 5: Second Fermentation (optional, but recommended)Funnel the liquid into fermentation-grade bottles (I recommend these bottles), leaving about 2 inches free at the top of each bottle. Set somewhere room temperature and dark, then allow it to ferment for another 1 to 3 days. After 24 hours, pop open a bottle to see how carbonated it has become and to gauge how much longer it will need. When the tepache has reached a carbonation level that you like, transfer the bottles to the refrigerator to stop the fermentation.

Please note, carbonating tepache does involve pressure build up inside the bottles, which is why I recommend bottles specifically made for fermentation. As with any second fermentation, there is a risk of bottles exploding, so check on your bottles regularly and move them to the refrigerator when done.