The Eastern Alliance
Aliñao oriental is a drink originating from eastern Cuba, although it is traditionally prepared throughout the country.
It is also called the drink of births, precisely because it is prepared from the moment the news of the pregnancy is received and it is reserved until the arrival of the new little one in the family, to celebrate such an event.
Many Cubans do not even know of its existence. However, it is a delicious drink, not only because it has an incredible mixture of flavors, but especially because the texture that the fruits take on in its preparation is surprising, a true explosion of flavors in the mouth.
It is also a tradition in the East to reserve this drink from birth to celebrate the famous fifteen years, the age when a Cuban girl becomes a woman, and the drink ages and then transforms into an elixir of particular intensity.
But how is this kind of oriental arranged rum prepared? In a large glass container, sugar cane brandy and all the natural fruits half-cooked in light syrup, which you can add, are mixed. For example, papaya, grape, pineapple, cherry, plum, sugar cane, star fruit and orange among others. The lid of the container is well sealed and the drink left to rest until the moment it is to be consumed.
There are those who prefer to bury the preparation in the garden, but this is not absolutely necessary, if only to avoid at all costs the temptation to taste the potion before time.
Despite the long history of such a custom, this tradition has been maintained, especially among peasants, because it is an element of our popular culture that is more deeply rooted in rural areas.
So it might be a good idea for you to bring back some Cuban sugar cane brandy on your next trip south, and prepare an Aliñao Cubano with the fruits from home. The combination could only be fantastic.
Photo: Internet.
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