Mexican Christmas parties are not complete without a large glass of warmed, possibly boozed up Ponche de Frutas or Fruit Punch. This is basically a Mexican version of mulled wine or spiced apple cider, however we use Tequila or Mezcal to booze it up. People make it all through the winter, but it is particularly popular during the Christmas and New Year's celebrations.
This is one Mexican tradition that has been missing from my life since I moved to Ireland and one that I have finally found the perfect solution for: a dehydrated fruit punch kit! It has all the elements required to make a traditional fruit punch: sugar cane strips, slices of guayabas, apples, hibiscus flowers, prunes, raisins, pineapple, tamarind, tejocote and Mexican cinnamon.
It is super easy to make, just place all the ingredients in a pot with 4 litres of water, sweeten to taste with sugar, honey or go all native and add Mexican Piloncillo (most Mexicans use it). Bring the mixture to the boil and simmer covered for 20 minutes. Add tequila or mezcal to taste if you are making a grown up version of the punch. Serve it warm.
Detail: Christmas Punch Kit, Don Zabor, 150 g
Care: keep in a dry cool place and if you are only using half of it, make sure you distribute the fruit and spices equally to get the proper flavours.
