Spice Up Your Holidays with Authentic Mexican Christmas Ponche!

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Living in Mexico during the holidays? Lucky you! Not only do you get the beautiful weather, but you’re also surrounded by delicious, festive traditions. One you absolutely have to try is Ponche Navideño, a traditional Mexican Christmas fruity punch, just the thing to get you in the holiday spirit. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want to try something new, this authentic recipe is a must-have for your holiday lineup!

 

What Is Mexican Ponche?

Mexican ponche is a cozy, spiced fruit punch that combines the flavors of seasonal fruits, warming spices, and a hint of sweetness. Traditionally served hot, it’s like a holiday hug in a cup!  The beauty of ponche is that you can customize it based on the fruits you can find, making it a great recipe to experiment with!

 

Let’s Make Ponche!

Ingredients:

For a large batch, perfect for sharing:

– 10 cups water

– 4-5 whole guavas, sliced in half (or substitute apples or pears if you can’t find guavas)

– 1-2 green apples, chopped

– 1/2 cup tejocotes (small Mexican hawthorn fruits; they add a unique flavor but are optional)

– 1 cup sugar cane sticks, peeled and chopped into smaller pieces (or substitute with dark sugar or brown sugar)

-1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (jamaica), optional for a hint of tartness

– 2-3 cinnamon sticks

– 3-4 whole cloves

– 1/2 cup prunes, pitted

– 1/2 cup raisins

– 1/2 cup piloncillo (Mexican unrefined cane sugar; substitute with brown sugar if needed)

– Pro tip: 1/2 to 1 cup rum or brandy for adults who want an extra kick!

 

Instructions:

1. Boil the Water: Start by bringing the water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the Spices and Sweeteners: Toss in the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and piloncillo. Stir until the piloncillo dissolves. This creates the warm, spicy base of your ponche.
3. Add the Fruits: Next, add in the guavas, apples, tejocotes, prunes, and raisins. If you’re using hibiscus flowers, add them here as well for a lovely tartness and a beautiful ruby color.
4. Let it Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the ponche simmer for about 30-40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the fruits to soften, releasing all their juices and fragrances into the punch.
5. Taste and Adjust: Give your ponche a taste, and feel free to add a bit more sugar or piloncillo if you’d like it sweeter.
6. Serve Hot: Ladle the ponche into mugs, making sure each cup gets a good mix of fruit and liquid. If you’re adding rum or brandy, pour a splash into each mug for the adults just before serving.

 

Tips to Make Your Ponche Extra Special

– Mix Up the Fruits: Ponche is versatile! You can add other fruits like pears, oranges, or pineapple if you like.

– Sweetness Levels: Some people love ponche very sweet, while others like it more on the tart side. Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness as needed.

 

Why Mexican Ponche Makes the Perfect Holiday Treat

One of the best parts of making ponche is that it fills your kitchen with the most amazing holiday aromas. It’s a drink that warms you from the inside out, just right for the cool holiday evenings in Mexico. Plus, it’s a fun and unique way to celebrate the season like a local, and it’s an easy crowd-pleaser.

So go ahead, gather the ingredients, bring out your biggest pot, and start stirring up this warm Mexican tradition. It’s a delicious way to add a bit of Mexican holiday magic to your holiday season—and who knows, it might just become a new favorite tradition of your own. Happy holidays and salud!