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    Home » Recipes » Drinks » Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) + VIDEO

    Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) + VIDEO

    Last Updated November 9, 2022. Originally Posted December 22, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) is a festive drink that is guaranteed to liven the mood of any Holiday party. Sweet, fruity, and oh so satisfying.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) served in a decorative clay mug with a cinnamon stick.
    Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) served in a decorative clay mug with a cinnamon stick.

    Ponche Navideño is a sweet, warm drink that’s served at Las Posadas and Christmas season in Mexican households everywhere.

    This Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch is made of a combination of unique ingredients and dried fruits in a large pot.

    Comforting and yummy and so delicious. It’s sure to hit the spot on cold winter nights.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Ponche Navideno on a wooden table.

    These are the main ingredients needed to make a traditional Ponche Navideño.

    • Jamaica (or hibiscus flowers)
    • Piloncillo (or swap out for sugar)
    • Cinnamon Sticks
    • Fresh Tejocotes
    • Apple
    • Caña (or fresh sugar cane)
    • Guayaba

    Optional: Plums, raisins, oranges, pineapple, blueberries, tamarind pods, whole cloves, Star Anise.

    Recipe Variations: Different parts of Mexico have different recipes. In the south, for example, you will see this recipe with tropical fruits like pineapples and orange slices.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    Water pouring into a metal stock pot.
    • Add water to a large stock pot.
    • This recipe will make roughly 16 cups, or 1 gallon.

    More water will be added. Right now, we are making the base for the drink.

    Translation:

    Ponche Navideño translated means “Christmas Punch.” Also called “Ponche Mexicano.”

    Christmas Party Tip:

    Make a big batch days ahead, even months ahead of time, and take out the day of the party. Multiply the recipe for larger parties.

    Cinnamon, piloncillo, and hibiscus leaves in a pot with water.
    • Add the cinnamon, piloncillo, and jamaica to a large stockpot.
    • Boil until the piloncillo is fully melted. About 5 minutes.

    If you are using star anise, tamarind, or cloves, add them HERE.

    This beverage is usually made during the Holidays along with champurrado, atole de chocolate, and cafe de olla.

    A spoon removing the cooked jamaica leaves.
    • Strain hibiscus mixture from the stock pot.
    • Leave the whole cinnamon in the pot.

    The whole cinnamon is usually served for decoration. That’s why it’s ok to leave it in the pot.

    If you are using star anise, tamarind, or cloves, also remove them from the pot.

    Pro Tip:

    Use the largest pot you have in the kitchen. This recipe makes enough for a party.

    Tejocotes, diced apples, and sugar cane sitting in bowls.
    • Wash and chop the tejocotes, apples, and cana.
    • If you can’t find tejocotes or cana, simply omit and add more of the other fruits.

    Tejocotes (also known as Hawthorn apples or manzanitas) is a very traditional ingredient in ponche. Mexican grocery stores and Latin markets will carry them around the Holiday season. However, they can be difficult to find.

    Substitute for Tejocote:

    Crab Apples or Asian pears.

    The caña (or fresh sugarcane) was sold already chopped and found in the refrigerated section.

    Or, look for a large piece in the produce area of the grocery store and chop at home.

    You can also buy whole sugar cane on Amazon.

    A picture of a large stock pot with fruit.
    • Add the tejocotes, apples, and caña to the pot.
    • Add the rest of the water and give everything a good stir.
    • Simmer for 15 minutes.

    The apples and the caña will pick up a warm color.

    Many people serve this hot beverage with traditional Mexican Christmas foods like tamales, pozole, or menudo.

    For extra holiday spirit, add tequila or brandy to make “ponche navideño con piquete.”

    Diced guayaba in a bowl above the stock pot of ponche.
    • Wash and cut the guayaba in half.
    • Add to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

    The guayaba will fall apart. There is no way around it.

    The most important part is to taste it. Add more water if you want it less sweet. Or add sugar if you want it sweeter.

    A ladle holding the fruit from the punch over a large stock pot.

    How long does Ponche Navideño Last?

    • In the fridge, it lasts 3 days.
    • In the freezer, it lasts 8-12 months.

    It is supposed to be served warm with buñuelos or pork tamales at Holiday parties.

    Hand holding a decorative clay mug with Ponche Navideno next to a Christmas tree.

    Nothing says Christmas like the smell of Mexican ponche and the taste of its sweet flavor on Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve.

    Ladle the Mexican fruits and punch into serving mugs and enjoy. Feliz Navidad!

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    Did you make this recipe? Please rate the recipe below!

    Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) served in a decorative clay mug with a cinnamon stick.

    Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch)

    Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Punch) is a festive drink that is guaranteed to liven the mood of any Holiday party. Sweet, fruity, and oh so satisfying.
    5 from 31 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drink
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 8 minutes
    Cook Time: 27 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 16 cups
    Calories: 177kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • 1 stick piloncillo
    • 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (or jamaica)
    • 2 cinnamon sticks whole
    • 16 cups water divided
    • 16 ounces sugar cane (or caña) chopped into 2-inch pieces
    • 4 apples diced
    • 1 lb tejocotes
    • 8 guayaba cut in half

    Instructions

    • Add the piloncillo, hibiscus flowers, and cinnamon to a large stock pot.
    • Cover with water. About 8 cups.
    • Bring to a simmer.
    • Simmer until the piloncillo has fully melted.
    • Remove the cooked hibiscus flowers.
    • Add the sugar cane, apples, tejocotes to the pot.
    • Simmer for 15 minutes.
    • Add the guayaba. Cook for another 5 minutes.
    • Serve warm and enjoy.

    Video

    Notes

    Optional Ingredients: Plums, raisins, oranges, pineapple, blueberries, tamarind, cloves, star of anise. 
    Look for chopped caña in the refrigerated section of the store. Or, buy a large piece in the produce area of the grocery store, and chop at home. 
    Also look for caña and other fruits in Asian markets. 
    If unable to find some of the ingredients, simply omit and add more of another fruit. 
    How Long Does Ponche Last?
    • In the fridge, it lasts 3 days.
    • In the freezer, it lasts 8-12 months. 
    Some people like to add tequila or rum to this drink. This is totally optional. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 420mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 455IU | Vitamin C: 131.8mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 0.7mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Drinks, Holiday Recipes, Mexican, Recipes

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. melissa chapman

      December 23, 2019 at 1:11 pm

      5 stars
      That punch sounds so amazing. I have never heard of a lot of those ingredients but I am willing to learn. I will try and save this for a big gathering.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 10:53 am

        It is amazing! Perfect for the holidays!

        Reply
    2. Tasheena

      December 23, 2019 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      I wish I had everything on hand to make this. This looks so yummy and refreshing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 11, 2020 at 11:26 am

        It’s soo good! Hope you try it.

        Reply
    3. Destany

      December 23, 2019 at 3:31 pm

      What a great way to celebrate the holidays! Looks easy, really, once you get started.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 10:39 am

        Right? So easy and delicious

        Reply
    4. Amber Myers

      December 23, 2019 at 5:49 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, what great flavors. I will have to try this for sure. I bet my family would love it.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 10:38 am

        Delicious and flavorful!

        Reply
    5. Natalie

      December 23, 2019 at 6:01 pm

      Wow this sounds SO good! I need to source these ingredients and give this a try, looks so refreshing.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 5, 2020 at 3:48 pm

        Delicious and refreshing!

        Reply
    6. Sue Reddel

      December 23, 2019 at 6:06 pm

      What a delicious holiday drink. We’ll have to try it. Wishing you and your family a very happy holiday!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 14, 2020 at 5:30 pm

        It’s delicious indeed! Glad you enjoyed it

        Reply
    7. Brandy

      December 23, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      That looks like a delicious Christmas punch. I’d enjoy it, I’m sure. I am saving this to try, but won’t be in time for Christmas, so perhaps New Year’s eve!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 5, 2020 at 3:48 pm

        Perfect recipe for the Holidays! You will love it!

        Reply
    8. Kathy

      December 23, 2019 at 8:24 pm

      I’m always looking for new punch drinks like this. I will have to give yours a try real soon. It really does look amazing.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 5, 2020 at 3:47 pm

        Thanks! Hope you try this recipe.

        Reply
    9. Beth

      December 23, 2019 at 9:00 pm

      It looks like an interesting drink! I bet it is delicious, I’d love to try it sometime.

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 5, 2020 at 3:47 pm

        Delicious indeed. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    10. Chef Dennis

      December 23, 2019 at 11:06 pm

      5 stars
      This Mexican Christmas Punch sounds really tasty! Perfect for our Christmas dinner party! I love that it’s sweet and fruity. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 19, 2020 at 2:50 pm

        Glad you liked this recipe is amazing!

        Reply
    11. Lori Bosworth

      December 24, 2019 at 4:59 am

      5 stars
      That is a really different Christmas punch recipe! I like that it has cinnamon and cloves!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 10, 2020 at 10:38 am

        It’s amazing! Hope you try it

        Reply
    12. Tomi C

      December 24, 2019 at 9:30 am

      I have a friend that used to make this for every holiday office gathering. It was always a hit. Always reminded me of a super sweet tea but it a treat because I know how difficult some of the ingredients were to find

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 5, 2020 at 3:45 pm

        It’s delicious. Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    13. Sarah Bailey

      December 24, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      This sounds like an amazing idea to brew up for Christmas – I bet it tastes absolutely wonderful – I could definitely see myself trying some!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 5, 2020 at 3:45 pm

        It’s amazing. Hope you try it!

        Reply
    14. Barbies Beauty Bits

      December 24, 2019 at 3:25 pm

      5 stars
      Looks and sound yummy. Reminds me of a mull I drink with red wine, warm.

      Reply
      • Maggie Unzueta

        December 31, 2019 at 4:44 pm

        My husband said the same thing about ponche. That it reminded him of mulled wine. LOL.

        Reply
    15. Karen Morse

      December 25, 2019 at 6:43 pm

      It’s really nice to learn more about how different cultures and countries celebrate the season. I wouldn’t mind giving that Punch a try!

      Reply
      • Maggie U

        August 5, 2020 at 3:44 pm

        it’s delicious. Hope you try it!

        Reply
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