Pineapple Cider Recipes That Are Simple to Make
Pineapple is a delicious fruit. It is packed with tons of health benefits along with its totally yummy taste. If you are interested in exploring other ways you can utilize pineapple, then look no further. Here, we are going to explore the wonderful world of pineapple cider.
Now, pineapple cider can be interpreted in a few different ways. In some cases, it may actually mean pineapple beer. Pineapple beer is otherwise known as tepache. Tepache is a fermented drink made from the rinds of pineapples. It is an excellent way to utilize all parts of the fruit rather than producing waste with it.
Tepache is a traditional Mexican beverage. It has roots that go back in history hundreds of years. For this reason, tepache can also be referred to as pineapple cider for those who may not be totally familiar with the drink. Or, pineapple cider may contain tepache as one of its ingredients. But that’s all semantics; who needs it? What matters is getting down to this list of super simple ways to make pineapple cider brews.
What Makes Something a Cider?
Cider is made through the fermentation process of fruit. Usually, when it comes to cider, that means apples. However, there are a lot of different mechanisms that can get you the end result of a cider. But that’s enough chit-chat; we’re here to make some simple cider recipes. So, let’s get started.
Hot Pineapple Apple Cider
Hot pineapple cider is great for when that cold season rolls around. You can enjoy the warmth and comfort of a cinnamony cider by the fire. The pineapple flavor gives a sweetness and novelty that takes this traditional wintertime drink and gives the holidays a tropical twist.
The ingredients you will need to make this cider are;
- 1 medium navel orange (cut into ½ inch slices)
- 50 to 60 whole cloves
- 6 cups apple cider or apple juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 ¼ cups of unsweetened pineapple juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
This cider has a warm zest to it that you are sure to enjoy. Plus, it is super easy to make. All you need to do is bring the apple cider or juice with the cinnamon stick already in it to a boil.
Then simmer the mixture and add in your pineapple juice, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and nutmeg. Get that trusty pot boiling again, and then cover it. Return it to a simmer and let it do its thing for about five minutes.
To serve it, you can garnish with orange slices. Be sure to serve it warm to get the full cozy effect—fluffy socks: recommended but not required.
Hard Pineapple Cider
Maybe you are looking for something a little boozier in your cider. This hard pineapple cider will certainly do the trick. Hard cider is popular at most bars these days, but most of them are apple-based. We think pineapple deserves to get in on the fun too. This recipe has our mouths watering.
Here’s what you will need:
- 2 ounces of apple cider
- 2 ounces of canned pineapple juice
- ½ ounce orange-flavored liqueur
- 2 ounces of spiced rum
- ½ ounce cinnamon and clove simple syrup
- ½ teaspoon grated lemon peel
Like all cocktails, feel free to deviate from the recipe based on your preferences and individual style. You can be heavy-handed if you like, or just toss in a splash of alcohol for a little kick. The choice is always yours.
So, to make this cider, first add the cider, pineapple juice, spiced rum, orange-flavored liqueur, simple syrup (or clove and cinnamon syrup—see below), and grated lemon peel to a small saucepan. Next, you will bring this tasty concoction to a simmer. Be sure not to boil it. Then strain it out to get rid of the lemon peel.
The cinnamon and clove simple syrup is a great way to elevate your cider game if you are looking to be the envy of all of your party guests. However, this step is completely optional if you want to keep your cider more simple.
Cinnamon and Clove Syrup
However, if you are up for the challenge, here is how to make the cinnamon and clove syrup:
Add 1/2 cup water and 1/2 sugar to a saucepan. Warm this mixture until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar has dissolved, add one cinnamon stick and four whole cloves to the saucepan. Then, turn down the heat and let it simmer for about five more minutes. Finally, cool the mixture and strain it.
Serve this drink warm as well and watch everyone’s jaw drop once they taste it. Pineapple adds such a fun and unique aspect to an otherwise traditional cider cocktail.
Pineapple Cider AKA Tepache
Like we said earlier, tepache is made from fermented pineapple skins. There are endless variants to the recipe for tepache. That’s part of the beauty of the drink: there’s a version for everyone. It all shakes out well, so save the stress for something else.
Here’s what you need to make tepache pineapple cider:
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- One pound piloncillo
- 12 cups of water
- 1 ripe pineapple
And here’s how you make it:
Combine the cloves, cinnamon sticks, piloncillo, and water in a big ol’ pot and allow it to boil. Once it comes to a boil, turn off the heat.
Peel and cut up your pineapple. You will want to wash the skins very well as they will be making direct contact with what you drink. Next, you can add the pineapple and orange peel into the large pot. Cover it up and let it sit for about two days in a warm location.
After you’ve patiently waited those two days, uncover and pour in any Mexican beer of your choice. Then let the mixture relax for about another eight to 12 hours. Finally, strain the mixture and chill it before serving, and simply enjoy!
Pineapple Cider: Versatile Treat
Pineapple cider can be mixed and concocted into so many different and delicious drinks. Its flavors pair perfectly with a warm wintery evening or a sweet summer's afternoon. The options don’t end here either; you can have a pineapple cider in a variety of different flavors as well as alcohol contents. Do not be afraid to experiment either; make it your own and own that flavor.
If you aren’t feeling up to the challenge of making your own pineapple cider today, you can always get one already brewed to perfection with the help of De La Calle!. At De La Calle!, we have drinks that will transport you to an instant vacation.
Hopefully, these recipes have inspired you to grab a drink, put your feet up, and thank a pineapple the next time you see one.
Sources:
Pineapple Cider Recipe | My Recipes
What is Piloncillo? How Is It Used? | AllRecipes
