Cuban recipe
Purple Caimito Refresco
Homemade, alcohol-free drink made with ripe purple caimito, cold water, sugar and a few drops of lime. Smooth, creamy and lilac-colored.
- Preparation20 min
- Total time50 min
- Servings4 glasses
- DifficultyEasy
Purple caimito is one of those backyard fruits best enjoyed at its peak: white, juicy, sweet pulp surrounded by a purple skin that isn't eaten. In many Cuban homes it is eaten by the spoonful, but it can also be turned into a smooth, creamy refresco.
This homemade version is simple and uses ingredients easy to find at Latin markets. It is a home-style preparation, not a dish of exclusive origin, and it works very well on hot afternoons.
Ingredients
Check off the ingredients you have.
Method
- Wash the caimitos with cold water and dry them well with a clean cloth.
- Cut them in half and, with a spoon, scoop out the white, juicy pulp. Discard the skin (it contains latex and is not eaten) and carefully remove all the dark seeds.
AI-generated image.CiberCuba - Check the pulp once more and remove any seed or bit of skin that remains.
- Put the pulp in the blender with 1 cup of cold water and the sugar. Blend on low speed for about 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to break down the pulp without crushing any remaining bits.
AI-generated image.CiberCuba - Strain the mixture through a fine strainer into a pitcher, pressing with a spoon to get all the liquid.
AI-generated image.CiberCuba - Add the remaining 2 cups of cold water and the drops of lime. Stir, taste and adjust the sugar if needed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and serve in glasses with ice, stirring before serving.
AI-generated image.CiberCuba
