“Sorry, we could not calculate the walking directions from "Mexico City, Mexico" to "Modus Merewether.”
Not helpful, Google Maps. I was going to do a whole thing about the distance a street vendor from Mexico City would have to travel to bring you a cup of authentic Tepache, and how it’d be warm by the time it gets here. Though perhaps Google Maps has made a different point: it’s not gonna happen.
Tepache (te-par-shey) is a fizzy fermented drink made using the parts of the pineapple you usually throw away. Traditionally, it’s very low in alcohol; it’s similar to kombucha.
But Modus have made a boozier version for us that comes in at four percent ABV - and is also gluten free and only 90 calories per can, if that matters to you. It pours lemony yellow with a slight natural cloudiness and an aroma that’s full and sweet, capturing something of a cross between fresh pineapple and tinned. But rest assured, Modus’ version is indeed made using all parts of the pineapple. It’s quite light bodied, with plenty of soft carbonation giving an almost champagney feel. Modus’ Tepache drinks like dry apple cider… but, you know, pineappley.
Don’t ask me how similar it tastes to the stuff you get in Mexico; I’ve never tried the authentic stuff. But I do know street vendors in Mexico will sometimes add a splash of beer to give their Tepache an extra kick, so feel free to experiment by adding some cerveza and feel like you’re having a traditional experience. Or add some IIPA if you want - we can make our own tradition!
Mick Wust
Published October 24, 2023 2023-10-24 00:00:00
