Poncha Recipes

PONCHA

Steps:

• STIR honey with aguardiente in base of shaker to dissolve honey
• Add other ingredients, SHAKE with ice and strain into ice-filled glass

MEXICAN CHRISTMAS PUNCH (PONCHE NAVIDENO)

Steps:

• Stud each orange with 6 whole cloves, using the pointed ends of the cloves to pierce the skin. Cut oranges into wedges. Reserve 12 wedges for garnish. Cut some slits into each hawthorn.
• Bring water, hibiscus petals, and cinnamon sticks to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until water is a deep pink color, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Remove hibiscus petals but leave cinnamon sticks in the water to infuse further. Stir in orange wedges, hawthorns, apples, sugar cane, pear, and brown sugar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 30 minutes.
• Ladle the punch into 12 mugs, making sure each mug gets some slices of fruit. Add 1 fluid ounce rum to each mug to give the punch an extra kick. Garnish mugs with reserved orange slices.

PONCHE

Steps:

• Combine 2 quarts water and the tejocotes in a large stockpot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the tejocotes start to soften, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the tejocotes to a medium bowl and let cool. Reserve the cooking liquid. When the tejocotes are cool to the touch, remove and discard the skins, stems and pits and tear the fruit in half with your hands. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, add the hibiscus flowers to the reserved cooking liquid and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the flowers and discard or save for another use, such as a second infusion for a jamaica agua fresca.
• Add the tejocotes, piloncillo, prunes, raisins, tamarind, guavas, sugarcane, apples, dates, cinnamon and vanilla, if using, to the pot. Lower the heat and gently simmer until the fruit is softened and the mixture is reduced slightly, about 30 minutes.
• Pour the hot ponche into mugs, scoop some fruit into each and garnish with a cinnamon stick and chopped pecans. Serve with spoons.

HOT PUNCH: PONCHE

Steps:

• In a large pot, place the fruit, sugar, cinnamon, and 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil and lower heat and simmer for 1 hour. Serve hot in a mug that has a shot of tequila in it.

TRINIDAD'S PONCHE-DE-CREME (PUNCH WITH CREAM)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat eggs and lime zest using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually pour in the condensed milk while continuing to mix, and then pour in the evaporated milk.
• Stir in the rum and bitters, and sprinkle with nutmeg. Transfer to a bottle and chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve over crushed ice.

PASSION FRUIT PUNCH (PONCHA MARACUJá)

Steps:

• Place 1/2 cup juice and the honey in a pitcher. Stir to dissolve honey. Stir in remaining juice.
• Add cachaa and stir. Place ice in 4 highball glasses; pour juice mixture over it. Serve with straws.

PONCHA (MADEIRAN PUNCH)

Steps:

• Whisk the lemon juice and honey until smooth. Whisk in brandy.
• Serve over ice.