Chicha Morada (Spiced Purple Corn Drink)

Method

1. 1

   Put the purple corn, pineapple peel and core, apple, cinnamon and cloves into the water and bring to a boil.

2. 2

   Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, until the liquid is intensely purple and reduced by about a quarter.

   💡 The color keeps deepening right to the end — resist pulling it early.

3. 3

   Strain, pressing on the solids, and stir in the sugar while the liquid is hot.

4. 4

   Chill completely, at least 2 hours.

5. 5

   Add the lime juice only at serving time, pour over ice, and drop diced apple or pineapple into each glass if you like.

   💡 Lime added early dulls the color; added late it makes the purple glow.