Tepache is a lightly fermented, low-alcohol beverage from Mexico, typically containing less than 1% alcohol. It's made by fermenting fruit juices and pulp from fruits like pineapple, guava, apple, prickly pear, and orange.
How it is made
Tepache is prepared by allowing a mixture of fruit juices and pulp to ferment for several days. The specific fruits used include pineapple, guava, apple, prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica), and orange. The fermentation process can be adjusted to increase alcohol content by allowing it to ferment longer, though this also increases bitterness and acidity. Over-fermentation will turn the beverage into vinegar.
How it is served
Tepache is served cold, often with added panela or brown sugar. Sometimes it is seasoned with chili pepper powder. The drink has a sweet taste similar to beer but with its own unique character.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Тепаче (напиток), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.