Ponche Navideño

Ponche Navideño is a Mexican Christmas punch made with fresh and dried fruits, cane sugar, and spices. Traditional ponche typically includes water, piloncillo (raw cane sugar), spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and tamarind, along with fresh tejocotes (Crataegus mexicana), guavas, hibiscus flowers, apples, pears, prunes, and raisins.

The combination is slowly simmered until the fruit is softened and flavors are combined. Ponche is traditionally poured in mugs and should always be served warm, with each portion including a portion of aromatic liquid and chunks of fruit. Ponche is usually enjoyed on Las Posadas, a traditional Christmas celebration that takes place during nine days leading up to Christmas and ending on December 24.

This classic version is sometimes laced with brandy or tequila to create a variation known as ponche con piquete (punch with a sting).