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Mexican Punch (Ponche Navideño)

A traditional Mexican holiday punch made with fresh and dried fruits simmered in sweet spiced water, perfect for warming up festive gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 10 cups water
  • 1 cup piloncillo or packed brown sugar
  • 4 to 5 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 to 5 star anise pods
  • 6 to 8 whole cloves
  • 2 medium oranges sliced into rounds
  • 2 medium apples cored and quartered
  • 3 to 4 guavas halved
  • 2 medium pears cored and halved
  • 1 piece tejate or Mexican cinnamon bark optional
  • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving
  • 1 cup rum or brandy optional for serving

Equipment

  • Large pot (8 to 10 qt capacity)
  • Wooden spoon for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Ladle
  • Punch bowl or large serving pitcher
  • Mugs or punch cups
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Wash and cut all fruit into serving-sized pieces, leaving skins on apples and oranges.
  2. Pour 10 cups of water into a large pot and heat over medium-high heat.
  3. When water is warm, add piloncillo, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and cloves; stir until sugar dissolves (5 to 7 minutes).
  4. Increase heat to bring mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes to extract spice flavors.
  5. Add apples, pears, and orange slices; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. Add guavas and optional tejate or cinnamon bark; continue to simmer for 5 to 8 more minutes until all fruits are tender.
  7. Taste and adjust sweetness with extra piloncillo or balance with water at the 25-minute mark.
  8. Using a ladle, transfer punch to a serving bowl or pitcher, leaving most fruit behind; strain if desired.
  9. Keep punch warm on low heat during serving; offer lime wedges and optional warm alcohol on the side.

Notes

Punch can be made up to 4 hours ahead and kept warm; flavors deepen over time. Guests can add rum or brandy individually.