Mocochinchi (Bolivian Spiced Dried Peach Refresco)
In short: A cold amber drink of dried peeled peaches simmered with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel in a light cane sugar syrup, served over ice with the fruit. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 50 min
- Resting
- 12 h
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 160 kcal
Mocochinchi is the cooling drink Bolivians reach for in dry, sunny weather. Dried, peeled peaches are soaked overnight, then simmered gently in water with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel and sweetened with cane sugar. The liquid turns amber and fragrant, and the soft fruit stays in the glass to be eaten with a spoon. Serve it very cold, with ice, as a refresco beside lunch or a sweet snack.
Instructions
- Rinse the dried peaches under cold running water. Cover them with 1 L (4 cups) of the water and soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Pour the peaches and their soaking water into a large pot. Add the remaining 1.5 L (6 cups) of water, the cinnamon, cloves and orange peel.
- Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, partly covered, for 30 to 40 minutes, until the peaches are soft and plump and the liquid is amber.
- Stir in the sugar and cook for 5 minutes, until dissolved. Taste and add more sugar if you like, remembering that chilling dulls sweetness.
- Cool to room temperature, remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peel, and chill for at least 3 hours. Serve in tall glasses over ice, with a few peaches in each glass.
Tips
- Look for dried peeled peaches in Latin American shops. If you only find unpeeled dried peaches, simmer them 10 minutes longer and expect a slightly darker, less clear drink.
- The drink keeps for 5 days in a covered jar in the fridge. For a more filling drink, add a few spoonfuls of cooked husked wheat (mote) to each glass, as many Bolivian vendors do.
Questions and answers
What is mocochinchi?
Mocochinchi is a Bolivian refresco made from dried peeled peaches simmered with cinnamon, cloves and sugar, then served cold with the fruit. It is a popular street drink.
Is mocochinchi served with husked wheat?
It can be. This recipe serves the drink plain, with just the peaches, but many vendors in Bolivia add a spoonful of cooked husked wheat (mote) to each glass, which makes it more filling.
Can I serve mocochinchi warm?
Yes. Serve it warm in cold weather, with the soft peaches. It tastes cozy, though most vendors sell it cold.
How long does it take to make Mocochinchi (Bolivian Spiced Dried Peach Refresco)?
About 1 h in total: 10 min of preparation and 50 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Mocochinchi (Bolivian Spiced Dried Peach Refresco)?
About 160 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 41 g of carbohydrates and 0 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 160 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
