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Ponche navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)

Ponche navideño is a Mexican christmas punch made of many types of fruit. This is a traditional beverage served during las posadas and Christmas season. Las Posadas are a traditional Mexican celebration that starts the 16th of December and ends on the 24th. The punch can be served as is. However many adults like to serve it with alcohol or as they say in spanish “con piquete”.

ponche navideño in a Mexican mug.

What does ponche taste like?

You may find that this Christmas punch tastes similar to apple cider but with a more exotic flavor thanks to its variety of ingredients.

Traditionally this punch is made with the fresh fruits tecojotes (Mexican hawthorne) and guayabas (guavas).

But since I’m in Kentucky it’s difficult to find those items.

We will also need sugar cane which is hard to find.

Luckily, my husband found a jar of fruit punch at the Mexican supermarket that has all of those ingredients and the punch still comes out super delicious!

What ingredients are in ponche navideño?

Recipes for Mexican ponche will vary between homes.

The recipe I’m sharing today is based off of my mother in law’s recipe.

Since we couldn’t find the fresh fruits tecojotes and guayabas she suggested we use a jar of fruit punch.

  • apples
  • pineapple
  • orange
  • ciruela pasas (pitted prunes)
  • canned pears
  • jar of fruit punch
  • cinnamon sticks
  • piloncillo
  • water
ponche navideño ingredients

You will most likely need to visit a Mexican grocery store in order to find the ciruelas pasas, jar of fruit punch, cinnamon sticks and piloncillo.

However you can always substitute piloncillo with brown sugar.

Some people also like to add hibiscus flowers, whole cloves and tamarind to their punch.

I say get creative and make it to your liking!

How to make ponche Mexicano

Bring the piloncillo, cinnamon and water to a boil. Boil it for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the piloncillo has dissolved.

piloncillo and canela

While that is boiling dice the apples and pineapple.

diced apples and pineapple

Add the apples and pineapples to the piloncillo and canela water.

Then add the peeled orange, ciruelas pasas (pitted prunes), canned pears and the jar of fruit punch.

Stir everything, cover and simmer on low for about one hour.

making christmas punch

Now the ponche navideño is ready to be served. Your kitchen should be smelling pretty delicious too!

ponche navideño in a pot

Ladle the punch into the mug and make sure you get pieces of fruits as well.

mexican christmas punch in a mug

How long does Mexican ponche last in the fridge?

This ponche navideño will stay good for about 3 days if stored in the refrigerator.

It’s very delicious though, so it will probably be gone before then!

Looking for more delicious Christmas recipes? Try these!

Ponche Navideño recipe

This Mexican Christmas punch is an amazing recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy.

Adults can add a bit of rum or tequila to it if they wish.

I highly suggest serving this punch with some delicious pork tamales.

I truly hope you guys will enjoy this ponche recipe as much as we do.

Please let me know what you think of it in the comments below and don’t forget to leave it a rating.

Thanks for visiting! See you soon!

ponche navideño in a mug
ponche navideño in a mug
3 from 2 votes
Print

Ponche Navideño

Ponche navideño is a Mexican Christmas punch that both kids and adults will enjoy!

Course Drinks
Cuisine latin american, Mexican
Keyword mexican christmas punch, ponche navideño
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 16
Author Carissa

Ingredients

  • 3 apples diced
  • 2 cups pineapple chopped
  • 1 orange peeled
  • 2 oz pitted prunes
  • 14.5 oz canned pears
  • 32 oz fruit punch jar
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 8 oz piloncillo
  • 1 gallon water

Instructions

  1. Put the piloncillo and canela in a pot. Cover it with the gallon of water and bring to a boil. Boil for about 10 -15 minutes or until the piloncillo has dissolved.

  2. While the water is boiling dice and chop the apples and pineapple.

  3. Add the apples and pineapple to the water. Then add the orange, pitted prunes, canned pears and the fruit punch to the water.

  4. Stir and cover. Let simmer on low for about one hour.

  5. Ladle the punch into mugs making sure to include the pieces of fruit.

  6. Serve. Once the punch has cooled down any leftovers and can be stored in the refrigerator.

Recipe Rating




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