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CocinaKitchenDrinks
Rum steeped with quenepas
The drink of Vieques: quenepas left to steep in rum with sugar and cinnamon until it turns golden and sweet-tart.
Bilí is Vieques in a bottle. Families make it in summer, when the quenepa trees are full, and pour it at parties for months afterward.
Quenepas (mamoncillos, Spanish limes) are small green fruits with a tart, juicy pulp around a big seed. Crack the skin with your teeth or your thumbnail and the fruit pops out.
De dónde viene:Where it comes from: A tropical fruit from the islands and rum from the sugar plantations, made the Vieques way.
IngredientesIngredients
Amounts in the steps are for 12 servings.
UtensiliosTools
- Large glass jar with a lid
PasosSteps
Crack and peel the quenepas, dropping the fruit, seeds and all, into a large clean glass jar.
Add the sugar and cinnamon sticks, then pour in the rum. Close the jar and shake until the sugar starts to dissolve.
Leave the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking it every few days. It turns golden as it steeps.
Serve very cold in small glasses, with a quenepa or two from the jar.
Bueno saberGood to know
- Finding quenepas
- In the States, look for quenepas or mamoncillos at Caribbean and Latin markets in summer.
- Sweetness
- Taste after two weeks and stir in more sugar if you like it sweeter.
Pregúntale a Mami (o a tu abuela)Ask Mami (or your abuela)
- Did your family make bilí or buy it in Vieques?
- How long did yours steep?