It’s now June, and that means the official start of summer isn’t far behind. With summertime comes all kinds of fun, including refreshing beverages and cocktails. Few things are better than sipping an ice-cold, sparkling cocktail for happy hour on a sunny day.
If you’re a fan of mixed drinks, then you know that some of the mixers out there aren’t exactly healthy. In fact, many cocktail add-ins contain a ton of sugar or other ingredients that can bring on a bit of a guilt trip.
This is where tepache comes in. It’s our new favorite cocktail mixer for summer—and it even has some health benefits. Read on to find out what it is and why we love it. Plus, snag some delicious cocktail recipes to try out this weekend.
What is Tepache?
First and foremost, you may want to know what exactly you’ll be drinking when you consume tepache. It’s similar to kombucha in that it’s a fermented beverage. However, tepache is most often made from pineapples and spices.
Where Did Tepache Come From?
Interestingly enough, even though tepache isn’t very well-known in the United States, it’s been around for a while. In fact, it got its start in Mexico, somewhere in the “pre-colonial days,” according to Atlas Obscura.
A Drink With Benefits
One really cool fact about tepache: The fermenting process means it contains gut-friendly probiotics. Plus, tepache made from pineapples contains all sorts of beneficial nutrients such as vitamin C and calcium.
Where to Find Tepache
Since the U.S. hasn’t quite fully embraced the goodness of tepache yet, it can be a little challenging to find. You might try local grocery stores, or you could shop around online. If you’re into a little DIY project, you can also brew a batch of it at home.
Making Tepache Cocktails
Tepache is delicious on its own, but it gets even better when you turn it into a cocktail. Our friends over at Big Easy Bucha provided us with the following recipes, which are perfect for those hot summer days ahead:
Easy Breezy
Recipe courtesy Big Easy
{Internal Notes: photo link, if you want it)
1/2 of a lime
2 oz rum
4 oz Big Easy Prickly Pear Tepache
Optional: mini painted palm frond or other tropical garnish
Directions: Add ice to a fancy cocktail glass. Add rum and a squeeze of lime juice, then stir. Fill with Big Easy Prickly Pear Tepache. Garnish and enjoy!
Tepache Shipwreck
Recipe courtesy Big Easy
2 oz fresh-squeezed orange juice
2 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
.5 oz sugared citrus oil with notes of lemongrass and ginger, such as Cocktail & Sons Oleo Saccharum
4 oz overproof rum
Big Easy Pineapple Tepache
Pineapple wedges and paper straws, for garnish
Directions: Add orange juice, lime juice, oleo saccharum, and rum to a shaker tin filled with ice. Shake well, strain into a tiki vessel filled with ice, fill the glass with Big Easy Pineapple Tepache. Garnish with pineapple wedge.
Trendy Tepache
It may not be a household name yet, but you can see why tepache could quickly become summer’s newest trend. Its various health benefits make it a must-try summer sipper, not to mention its delicious taste. Plus, it’s just as refreshing on its own as it is in a cocktail. Cheers to this healthier and delicious beverage!
