Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)

Ponche is a traditional Mexican fruit punch, usually served warm during the holiday season. This delightful recipe combines a variety of fruits, comforting spices, and an optional splash of liquor to create a festive beverage perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients:

🌿 1 cinnamon stick
⭐ 3 anise stars
🌺 1 cup hibiscus flowers
🌿 1 cup tamarind
🍑 1 cup plums
🍭 Sugar cane (to taste)
🍐 Pears (quantity to your taste)
🍏 Apples (quantity to your taste)
🍈 Tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn, quantity to your taste)
🍐 Guavas (quantity to your taste)
🍊 Oranges (quantity to your taste)
🍬 1 cup sugar or piloncillo (to taste)
🥃 Optional: Tequila, Mezcal, or cinnamon whiskey for extra flavor

Instructions

1- Prepare the Pot:

• In a large pot, add water but leave enough space for all the fruits you will be adding later.

2- Boil the Spices and Base Ingredients:

• Add the cinnamon stick, anise stars, hibiscus flowers, tamarind, and plums to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3- Prepare the Fruits:

• While waiting for the mixture to boil, peel and cut the pears, apples, and guavas. Slice the oranges and sugar cane. Wash and prepare the tejocotes.

4- Simmer the Mixture:

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Use a strainer to remove the spices and base ingredients, leaving the clear, flavorful liquid.

5- Add the Fruits:

• Add all the prepared fruits into the pot along with the sugar or piloncillo, adjusting the sweetness to your taste.

6- Infuse and Serve:

• Allow the fruits to infuse for about 20 more minutes on low heat. If desired, add tequila, Mezcal, or cinnamon whiskey for a warming kick. Serve hot with some of the fruits in each cup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people.
Equipment: Large pot, strainer, knife, cutting board

Cooking Tips:

• Adjust the types and quantities of fruit based on availability and personal preference.
• The drink can be made ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.

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Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)