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Authentic Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)

Close-up of a warm mug filled with rich Ponche Navideño, featuring chunks of apple and orange floating with dried red spices.
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Make this traditional, fragrant Mexican Christmas punch. It is a warming, tangy-sweet infusion packed with softened fruit, perfect for serving at holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 1 gallon water
  • 1 pound piloncillo (or 2 cups packed brown sugar)
  • 1 large piece (about 6 inches) Mexican cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 cup dried hibiscus flowers (jamaica)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup tamarind pulp (or 4 tamarind pods, seeds removed)
  • 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and quartered
  • 4 guavas, quartered
  • 4 small sugar canes (about 1 foot each), peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • Optional: 1 cup tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn fruit) or substitute with 1 cup firm pears, quartered
  • Optional for serving: 1 cup white rum or tequila

Instructions

  1. Combine the water, piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon stick, hibiscus flowers, raisins, and tamarind pulp in a large stockpot.
  2. Add the prepared apples, guavas, sugar cane pieces, and optional tejocotes or pears to the pot.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the punch simmer for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the fruit to soften and the spices to infuse the liquid.
  5. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving. If you prefer a clearer punch, strain out the hibiscus and raisins, but keep the softened fruit pieces in the pot for guests to eat.
  7. Serve the ponche hot in mugs. Offer rum or tequila on the side for guests to spike their individual servings if desired.

Notes

  • If you cannot find tejocotes, firm pears or orange wedges make a good substitute for texture and flavor.
  • For easier cleanup, you can place the hibiscus and raisins inside a large cheesecloth bag before adding them to the pot.
  • This recipe makes a large batch, suitable for parties. If you are planning your holiday menu, consider using a meal planning approach to organize all your dishes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/ponche-navideo-recipe-warming-tangy-sweet-punch/