🎄 Traditional Christmas Punch (Ponche Navideño)
This warm and comforting traditional Christmas punch is a festive favorite, filled with seasonal fruits, aromatic spices, and rich natural sweetness. Perfect for family gatherings, cold evenings, and holiday celebrations, this punch brings both flavor and tradition to every cup.
Ingredients (Makes approx. 6–8 cups)
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12–14 guavas, cut in half
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6–8 tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn), peeled
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1 cup dried raisin plums (or prunes)
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1 cup red apple, diced
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1 cup sugar cane sticks, cut into pieces
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1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (Jamaica flower)
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1 cone piloncillo (or brown sugar, to taste)
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2–3 cinnamon sticks
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2 liters water
Optional:
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A splash of fresh orange juice
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Extra sugar, if a sweeter punch is desired
Preparation
1. Infuse the Hibiscus Base
Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the hibiscus flowers and cinnamon sticks. Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes until the liquid turns a deep red color. Strain out the flowers, reserving the infused liquid, and return it to the pot.
2. Sweeten the Punch
Add the piloncillo to the hot liquid and stir until completely dissolved, creating a naturally sweet and fragrant base.
3. Add the Firm Fruits
Stir in the tejocotes, sugar cane pieces, diced apple, and raisin plums. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes so the harder fruits soften and release their flavors.
4. Add the Guavas
Add the guavas toward the end of cooking to help them keep their shape. Continue simmering for another 10–12 minutes over medium heat.
5. Adjust Flavor
Taste the punch and adjust sweetness if needed by adding sugar or extra piloncillo. For more tartness, add a bit of the reserved hibiscus concentrate or a splash of orange juice.
Serving
Serve hot in mugs, ensuring each cup includes fruit and a piece of sugar cane for a classic presentation. Enjoy this comforting holiday drink with loved ones. 🎄☕
