The end of the year in Mexico is filled with warmth, family, and cherished traditions. At the heart of these festivities is ponche navideño, a traditional Mexican fruit punch with rich flavors of tropical fruits, warming spices, a hint of sweetness and sometimes a kick of alcohol such as tequila or mezcal (referred to as "con piquete"). 

Ponche is a must-have for New Years Eve gatherings. We grew up making it and the aroma brings back great childhood memories. There is nothing like the smell of a house with freshly made ponche. It's like a warm hug as you walk in. 

And what better way to serve this festive warm drink than in handcrafted Mexican ceramic mugs from VOLVERde's Mexican ceramic collection? Let’s dive into the history of ponche, how to make it, and how to create a beautiful holiday presentation.

The Global History of Mexican Ponche

Ponche, which means "punch" in Spanish, traces its roots to India, where it was called  paantsch, a Hindi word meaning "five". This referred to the original recipe involving just five ingredients: lemon, sugar, water, alcohol and spices.

It was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish in the 17th century. Over time, Mexicans added their own unique twist, incorporating indigenous fruits like guavas and tejocotes, and creating a drink that’s now a staple of holiday celebrations. 

Traditional Mexican Ponche Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 cups of water

• 6 tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn fruit), peeled and halved

• 4 guavas (can be frozen)

• 2 apples, chopped

• 1 cup of sugarcane sticks, cut into small pieces (can be frozen)

• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers (flor de jamaica)

• 1/4 cup tamarind pods, peeled

• 2 true Mexican cinnamon sticks (ceylon variety)*

• 3 piloncillo cones (or 1 cup brown sugar as a substitute)

• Optional: tequila or mezcal for a spiked version

Instructions:

1. Simmer the Base: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the cinnamon sticks, piloncillo, and hibiscus flowers. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the piloncillo dissolves.

2. Add Fruits: Add the tejocotes, guavas, apples, sugarcane, and tamarind (if using). Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruits are soft and the flavors are well combined.

3. Serve Warm: Ladle the ponche into your favorite ceramic mug or cup. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a slice of fruit for an added festive touch. If you’re adding alcohol, mix it into individual mugs before serving.

Why Serve Ponche in Handcrafted Mexican Ceramic Cups?

1. Authentic Presentation: VOLVERde's collection of ceramic cups and mugs are crafted by skilled artisans, capturing the essence of Mexican tradition and culture.

2. Heat Retention: The natural properties of ceramic keep your ponche warm for longer, ensuring every sip is as cozy as the first.

3. Sustainable and Unique: Each piece is handcrafted and eco-friendly, making them a plastic-free and stylish choice for your holiday table. No need to worry about ingesting microplastics here!

4. Festive Elegance: The intricate designs and vibrant colors of VOLVERde's ceramic collection elevates your presentation, turning a simple drink into an unforgettable experience.

Bring the Tradition Home

Making Mexican ponche is more than a recipe; it’s a celebration of heritage and togetherness. By serving it in handcrafted ceramic cups, you’re honoring the artistry and tradition of Mexico while creating cherished holiday memories.

Explore VOLVERde’s Handcrafted Mexican Ceramics Collection and find the perfect pieces to elevate your holiday traditions.