• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Beyond Mere Sustenance logo
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • HOME
    • ABOUT
    • RECIPES
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home • Desserts • Peruvian Chicha Morada

    Peruvian Chicha Morada

    Published: Jul 17, 2019 · Last Modified: Dec 17, 2022 by Beyond Mere Sustenance with 10 Comments· This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads ·

    Share this post!

    1.0K shares
    • Share449
    • Twitter

    This post may contain affiliate links, see my Privacy Policy and Disclosure Statement

    Peruvian Chicha Morada in a tall pilsner glass with cancha.

    The royal purple color of Peruvian Chicha Morada (purple corn drink) captivates the artist in me, but its flavor and health benefits keep me interested. Chicha morada is the quintessential drink of the Andes and an essential ingredients in cocktails, desserts, and more... Make it on your stove top or in your Instant Pot, grab an icy cold glass, and reserve the rest for future use!

    2 glasses of Peruvian chicha morada, a bowl of cancha, on a wood cutting board with a dark background.
    Jump to:
    • 🥤What is it?
    • 📋 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🧂 Useful Stuff
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🥤What is it?

    I submit that chicha morada (aka purple corn drink) is the representative non-alcoholic beverage of Peru (pisco sours being their alcoholic counterpart). The traditional Peruvian drink preparation combines dried purple corn with spices, and typically fruit including pineapple peels and cubed apple. Then the mixture is slow-simmered (think mulled apple cider), strained, and mixed with fresh lime juice and sweetened to taste.

    As I started working on this drink recipe, it seemed the Instant Pot would be a perfect cooking method. I love the "set it and forget it" approach. You can simmer it on the stove, or use your Instant Pot. Both yield great results!

    Health Benefits

    The base ingredient in chicha morada is purple corn (culli, ckolli). While purple corn was once a sacred crop to the ancient Inca civilization, it is now grown and harvested in the Peruvian Andes in abundance, and consumed throughout Peru.

    Historically, purple corn was valued as a natural colorant for foods and beverages. While the traditional uses continue, research into the health benefits of purple corn has made it a sought-after ingredient in supplements and "functional foods" (foods with boosted or added nutrients). According to the USDA and Manuel Villacorta, MS, RD (video below), purple corn provides many health benefits.

    • One of the most potent vegetable sources of antioxidant-rich color pigments called anthocyanins
    • Promotes healthy aging and heart health
    • Powerful antioxidants
    • Supports healthy lipid and glucose metabolism
    • Anti-inflammatory properties
    • It's all natural

    Do I have to Make It Myself?

    Nope. While homemade chicha morada is clearly my preference (hence this post), I confess to using this packaged drink mix while I waited on my Amazon shipment of maiz morado (purple corn). It's a powdered drink mix that compares about as well to homemade as instant powdered tea compares to brewed tea. NOT. THAT. GREAT. At any rate, since I was playing with flavors, it did give me a good idea of what direction to head with my recipes.

    A tastier option IMHO is a natural concentrated chicha morada (includes the fruits and spices). However, neither short cut option has the complex (and delicious) flavors made the traditional way, nor does it have the health benefits!

    NOTE: If you're using a concentrate or packaged mix, be sure to follow instructions for diluting!

    Ingredients for chicha morada: pineapple, maiz morado (dried purple corn), apple, limes, spices, on a wood cutting board.

    📋 Ingredients You'll Need

    Here is a quick look at the ingredients in the recipe – it’s handy to use at the grocery store or as a summary of what you need. Skip to the recipe for quantities.

    Here is a quick look at the ingredients in the recipe – it’s handy to use at the grocery store or as a summary of what you need. Skip to the recipe for quantities.

    • dried maiz morado (purple corn) - This is a very unique Peruvian ingredient. However, it is available in many Latin markets outside Peru, and from Amazon.
    • pineapple peels - This is a great way to use the refuse from a fresh pineapple!
    • apple
    • cinnamon sticks
    • whole cloves
    • allspice berries - This ingredient is optional, but I always include it!
    • star anise
    • limes
    • sweetener - I prefer a liquid sweetener, especially ginger simple syrup. You can use honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, etc.

    🔪 Instructions

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot or deep pot for stove
    • cutting board
    • sharp knife
    • citrus squeezer

    Steps

    Peruvian Chicha Morada is so simple to make! On the stove, it requires about 50 minutes. My preferred method is to use my Instant Pot. SET. FORGET. I set the Instant Pot to 25 minutes, and let it naturally depressurize (though you can certainly open it sooner).

    1. Add ingredients to pot - Add corn, pineapple peels, cut up apple, spices, and water to the Instant Pot.
    2. Cook the ingredients - Lock lid. Set to 25 minutes high pressure. Release pressure after 10 minutes. If using the stove, simmer gently for 50-60 minutes. Be sure to cover the pot.
    3. Finish the drink - Strain the liquid, pressing the solids to remove as much liquid as possible. Add the fresh lime juice, and sweeten to taste. Serve over ice, and garnish with fresh fruit if desired.
    A close up of Peruvian chicha morada (purple corn drink) in a tall pilsner glass with lime twist and pineapple wedge.

    💭 Expert Tips

    This Peruvian drink recipe requires pineapple peels (you can use the top as well). I always plan a use for the pineapple flesh as well. It always feels good to avoid waste! I'm planning a Pisco sangria, and some of the pineapple will go in the pitcher and glasses. A fruit salad is another good option. Not on pizza, okay? 😂

    Chicha morada keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, and you can freeze it for a couple of months. Consider making a large batch, and planning another Peruvian recipe like mazamorra morada or a pisco and chicha morada cocktail.

    Add sweetener a little at a time to get the recipe just sweet enough!

    ❓ FAQ

    Is there a substitute for purple corn in this recipe?

    Unfortunately no. It is a unique flavor, and the color is an inherent part of its appeal.

    How well does chicha morada keep?

    I will keep it 4-5 days in the refrigerator in an airtight vessel. You can also keep it in the freezer for 1-2 months.

    🧂 Useful Stuff

    Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps to offset the costs of maintaining my blog and creating awesome content! 😊

    Purple Corn
    Instant Pot
    Star Anise Seeds

    Peruvian Chicha Morada is a "stand alone" recipe, but also the foundation for cocktails and desserts. You know Peru holds my heart, right?

    Signature in red and green with chiles and limes.

    📖 Recipe

    Chicha Morada, purple corn drink, is a Peruvian classic, healthy, vegan, gluten free. A tall pilsner glass of chicha morada with ice.

    Peruvian Chicha Morada

    Tamara Andersen
    Chicha morada is the quintessential drink of the Andes and an essential ingredients in cocktails, desserts, and more... Purple corn simmers with fruit and spices and the result is healthy and delicious!
    4.67 from 6 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSave Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Additional Time 10 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Beverages
    Cuisine Peruvian
    Servings 6 cups
    Calories 100 kcal

    Ingredients

    • 15-16 ounces maiz morado - purple corn
    • pineapple peels - refuse from one
    • 1 apple - cut in chunks
    • 2 cinnamon sticks
    • 5 whole cloves
    • 5 allspice berries - see notes
    • 2 star anise - see notes
    • 8 cups water
    • juice of 3-4 limes
    • sweetener - see notes

    Instructions

    Instant Pot

    • Add corn, pineapple peels, cut up apple, spices, and water to the Instant Pot.
    • Lock lid.
    • Set to 25 minutes high pressure
    • Release pressure after 10 minutes.

    Stove top

    • Add corn, pineapple peels, cut up apple, spices, and water to a large pot.
    • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
    • Simmer 50-60 minutes.

    Finish

    • Strain into a pitcher or other appropriate container (I remove large pieces first).
    • Cool.
    • Add fresh lime juice.
    • Sweeten to taste (see notes).
    • Pour over ice, and garnish with fruit if desired.

    Notes

    I love to use ginger simple syrup to sweeten chicha morada! I definitely recommend a liquid (rather than granular sweetener) like honey or agave nectar. Sweeten to your taste. We prefer ours less sweet.
    If you're only using a portion of the recipe, you may wish to sweeten only the part you're using. We reserve the leftover portion to add to cocktails or desserts, and prefer to sweeten separately.
    Calories will vary according to amount and type of sweetener, size of serving, how much pineapple is left on the peels, etc. The entire bag of maiz morado has only about 90 calories. We use about 1 tablespoon simple syrup per serving, and I used 4 servings in calculation.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12ounces | Calories: 100kcal

    NOTE: Macronutrients are an approximation only using unbranded ingredients and MyFitnessPal.com. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or star rating! Email us with any questions: tamara@beyondmeresustenance.com

    More Desserts and Sweets

    • Chocolate Mascarpone Mousse Without Eggs
    • Peruvian Alfajores Cookies
    • Spiced Kumquat Confit
    • Coconut Lucuma Ice Cream

    Share this post!

    1.0K shares
    • Share449
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Pam Cail says

      February 03, 2022 at 9:26 am

      Hi Tamara,
      My husband brought some Purple corn powder home from Peru. I want to try this recipe but have a pineapple intolerance, anything else I can substitute? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Tamara Andersen says

        February 03, 2022 at 10:51 am

        Hi Pam! This is a really good question since it's just the outer "refuse" that is used traditionally in the recipe. I found this article on pineapple substitutes that might be helpful. I think the nectarine and kiwi combination is probably the closest. I don't have a good feel for quantity because the pineapple skin and core are not where most of the flavor lies. If it were me, I'd use 2 to 3 of each fruit, and after washing them, slice in half, and put them in the pot seeds, skin, and all. Let me know how this works out if you try it!

        Reply
    2. Jhon says

      May 15, 2020 at 12:52 pm

      Can you use the same weight of corn powder instead of on the cob, as I’m thinking maybe use less powder? As it might be more potent ? Thank you

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        May 15, 2020 at 3:40 pm

        Hi Jhon! If you're making chicha morada with corn powder, you will want to mix the amount of powder recommended on the package for approximately 6 cups of water. You might go easy on it and add more after tasting if necessary. Good luck!

        Reply
    3. Pam Greer says

      March 18, 2020 at 10:03 am

      I've never seen purple corn, but this drink is beautiful and I love pretty drinks!! I also love that it's high in antioxidants!

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        March 22, 2020 at 9:17 am

        I love its pretty purple hue, and the health benefits are definitely a plus. Thanks Pam!

        Reply
    4. larry barreto says

      July 27, 2019 at 12:42 pm

      I like your recipes.

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        July 27, 2019 at 4:05 pm

        Thank you Larry!

        Reply
    5. mjskitchen says

      July 22, 2019 at 7:25 pm

      What an absolutely gorgeous drink! Bobby and I love these types of drinks throughout the summer. However, rather than get the ingredients to make chicha morada, I think I'll be using Amazon. Have gotten lazy recently. 🙂 Can't wait to be sipping on this beverage.

      Reply
      • Tamara says

        July 22, 2019 at 10:25 pm

        Haha MJ! I can't imagine you'd be lazy about anything. 🙂 I know New Mexico has been hot lately, so I really don't blame you! Thanks for stopping by...

        Reply

    I'd love to hear from you! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Tamara Andersen in floral top in front of ficus tree.
    Cuzco, Peru in 2022...

    A Little About Me

    Hola from the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas! I'm Tamara, the recipe developer, cocktail mixologist, photographer, and writer behind Beyond Mere Sustenance. Read more→

    Popular Recipes

    • Homemade Tajín Recipe (Copy Cat)
    • Peruvian Beans
    • Pollo Saltado
    • Simple Peruvian Rice

    Healthy Mains

    • Pan-Seared Mexican Fish
    • Peruvian Cilantro Chicken Soup
    • Shrimp in Roasted Goldenberry Sauce
    • Instant Pot Pork with Tomatillos and Green Chile

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Get in Touch

    Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps to offset the costs of maintaining my blog and creating awesome content! 😊

    Copyright © 2022 Beyond Mere Sustenance