Ponche Navideño, or Christmas punch in English, is a fruity traditional Mexican punch served hot and enjoyed during the holidays.
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Ponche Navideño first originated in India, according to food website LAist. The Indian drink, called pãc, directly translates to “five” due to the punch’s five core ingredients: wine, sugar, lemon, tea, and water.
The Mexican take on the punch is enjoyed from December 16 to December 24, celebrating posada. The Mexican Posada is a nine-day celebration in Mexico and other Latin American countries that honors the biblical trip that Mary and Joseph took from Nazareth to Bethlehem, according to travel agency Journey Mexico’s blog.
Ponche Navideño is made in Mexico with tejocotes (Hawthorne apples) that can be found in most Mexican grocery stores and taste like a tart plum. In addition to tejocotes, you’ll need guavas, pears, prunes, oranges, tamarind, panela sugar, and cinnamon sticks. According to Yvette Marquez’s food blog Muy Bueno, all you need to do is boil the ingredients in hot water and enjoy. For an extra kick, brandy or tequila can be added.
