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Loading...A vibrant traditional Peruvian beverage made by simmering dried purple corn with pineapple rinds, apple, and warm spices. Naturally sweet and deeply colored, this refreshing drink is served cold over ice and packed with antioxidants from prized Andean maize.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings6
Yield6 servings (about 6 cups)
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 140 kcalCalories
- 0.5 gFat
- 0 gSaturated Fat
- 35 gCarbs
- 2 gFiber
- 27 gSugar
- 1 gProtein
- 15 mgSodium
- 180 mgPotassium
- 30 mgCalcium
- 1 mgIron
- 12 mgVitamin C
- 5 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Corn Base
- 1 cup dried purple corn kernels
- 8 cups water
- 1/2 pineapple, rind and core reserved (or 1 cup fresh chunks)
- 1 red apple, cored and quartered
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 star anise (optional)
For Sweetening and Serving
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, or to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh pineapple or apple chunks, for garnish
Directions
- Rinse the dried purple corn under cold running water and drain well.
- In a large stockpot, combine the purple corn, water, pineapple rind and core, apple pieces, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise if using.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes, until the liquid turns a deep, inky purple.
- Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing gently on the solids to extract all the color and flavor.
- Discard the spent solids, return the purple liquid to the pot, and stir in the sugar over low heat until fully dissolved.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and taste, adjusting sweetness or acidity as needed.
- Transfer the drink to a pitcher and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until thoroughly cold.
- Serve in tall glasses over ice cubes, garnished with fresh pineapple or apple chunks.
Cook’s Notes
- Using only the pineapple rind and core keeps the finished drink clear and free of pulp.
- Simmer a few extra minutes for a deeper color and more concentrated flavor.
- Store refrigerated in a sealed pitcher for up to 3 days; stir before serving.
- Add a splash of pisco for an adult cocktail version.
- Sweeten with piloncillo or panela instead of sugar for a richer, molasses-like depth.
