Get ready to warm your heart and home this holiday season with the delightful flavors of Mexican Christmas Punch, or Ponche Navideño! This traditional festive drink is a vibrant blend of fruits, spices, and a hint of sweetness that will transport you straight to a cozy Mexican fiesta. Perfect for gatherings, this punch not only fills your kitchen with enchanting aromas but also brings friends and family together in celebration. Curious about how to make this deliciously fragrant concoction? Dive into our recipe and discover the secret to creating a holiday beverage that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 10 cups water
- 1 cup piloncillo (or brown sugar)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 cup chopped fruit (like guava, apple, and pear)
- 1 cup tejocotes (or substitute with small apples)
- 1/2 cup prunes
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brandy (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 10 cups of water, 1 cup of piloncillo (or brown sugar), 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of chopped fruit (such as guava, apple, and pear), 1 cup of tejocotes (or substitute with small apples), 1/2 cup of prunes, 1/2 cup of raisins, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and 1/2 cup of brandy (optional).
- In a large pot, pour in 10 cups of water and place it on the stove over medium heat.
- Add the piloncillo (or brown sugar) to the pot. Stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved in the water.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, add the 2 cinnamon sticks to the pot. This will infuse the water with a warm, spicy flavor.
- Next, add the chopped fruits including guava, apple, and pear. If you are using tejocotes, you can add them whole or halved, depending on your preference.
- Add the prunes and raisins to the pot. These dried fruits will add sweetness and depth to the punch.
- Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the fruits to soften.
- After simmering, remove the pot from heat. Strain the punch if you prefer a clear liquid, or you can leave the fruits in for a heartier drink.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of orange juice for a citrusy brightness.
- If desired, add 1/2 cup of brandy to the punch for an extra kick. Stir well to combine.
- Serve the ponche navideño hot in mugs or heatproof glasses. You can garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange for an extra festive touch.
- Enjoy your Mexican Christmas punch with friends and family, celebrating the warmth and joy of the holiday season!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Fruits: Opt for ripe, seasonal fruits like guava, apples, and pears for the best flavor. The fresher the fruit, the more vibrant your punch will be!
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to mix and match fruits based on what you have available or your personal preferences. Tejocotes can be hard to find, so small apples work as a great substitute.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter punch, add more piloncillo or brown sugar to taste. Remember, you can always start with less and add more as needed.
- Let It Simmer: Allow the punch to simmer for the full 30 minutes to ensure that all the flavors meld beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste!
- Brandy Optional: If you’re serving this punch to children or those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, simply omit the brandy. It’s still delicious without it!
- Serve Warm: Ponche Navideño is best enjoyed hot, so keep it warm on the stove or in a slow cooker for your guests to help themselves.
- Garnish for Festivity: Add a cinnamon stick or a slice of orange to each mug for a festive touch that also enhances the aroma as you sip!
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the punch a day in advance. Just reheat before serving, and it will taste just as delightful!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
