How to Make Mexican Christmas Punch (Ponche Navideno) - A Step-by-Step Guide

As the holiday season approaches, many people are looking for festive and traditional recipes to celebrate with friends and family. One popular drink that is enjoyed during the Christmas season in Mexico is Ponche Navideno, or Mexican Christmas Punch. This warm and comforting beverage is a staple at holiday gatherings, and is made with a variety of fruits and spices that give it a unique and delicious flavor.

Ponche Navideno is a beloved holiday tradition in Mexico, and it is often en...

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Ingredients

  • 12 whole cloves
  • 2 navel oranges
  • 6 Mexican hawthorns (tejocotes)
  • 12 cups water
  • ¼ cup dried hibiscus petals (flor de jamaica)
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 Granny Smith apples, sliced
  • 1 sugar cane stick, cut into 4-inch pieces
  • 1 pear, sliced
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 12 fluid ounces rum

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 12 servings

  • Stud each orange with 6 whole cloves, using the pointed ends of the cloves to pierce the skin. Cut oranges into wedges. Reserve 12 wedges for garnish. Cut some slits into each hawthorn.
  • Bring water, hibiscus petals, and cinnamon sticks to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until water is a deep pink color, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove hibiscus petals but leave cinnamon sticks in the water to infuse further. Stir in orange wedges, hawthorns, apples, sugar cane, pear, and brown sugar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes.
  • Ladle the punch into 12 mugs, making sure each mug gets some slices of fruit. Add 1 fluid ounce rum to each mug to give the punch an extra kick. Garnish mugs with reserved orange slices.
  • Nutrition

    125 cal.

    • Total Fat: 0g
    • Sodium: 13mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 16g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 13g
    • Protein: 0g
    • Vitamin C: 4mg
    • Calcium: 35mg
    • Iron: 0mg
    • Potassium: 68mg