World Flavors Cookbook

Ponche Navideño

Salvadoran Christmas punch — a hot spiced fruit drink with tamarind, hibiscus, pineapple, and warming spices.

Cuisine: El Salvador

Ingredients

• 200g dried tamarind pods
• 100g dried hibiscus flowers (Jamaica)
• 500g pineapple chunks
• 2 apples, cubed
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cloves
• 150g piloncillo or sugar
• 2L water

Instructions

1. Simmer tamarind in water until soft. Strain out pods.
2. Add hibiscus, cinnamon, and cloves. Simmer 10 minutes.
3. Add pineapple and apple. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Add piloncillo and stir until dissolved.
5. Taste for sweetness and tartness.
6. Serve hot in mugs.