Pineapple Cooler

This is a most extraordinary drink. It sounds so unlikely, but it really does taste good – not like pineapple but more like cider. It's very refreshing on a hot summer's day, and it's great fun to make in that it uses only the skin of the pineapple which is normally thrown away – so there's nothing to lose!

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Method

First of all cut the stalky top and the base off the pineapple and discard these. Now stand the pineapple upright on its base and, using a sharp knife, cut away the skin in long strips, working your way all round the fruit. Reserve the fruit itself for a dessert.

Now get to work with a sharp knife, chopping the skin into small pieces about 1 inch (2.5 cm) square. Then pile them all into a bowl, pour over 1½ pints (850 ml) cold water, then cover the bowl with a cloth and leave at room temperature for 3-4 days or until the mixture is bubbly and fermenting. Strain it into a jug, add sugar to taste and serve with lots of ice and sprigs of mint.

_This recipe is taken from Delia Smith’s Summer Collection._