This delicious cider is usually only prepared once or twice a year. This cider known as ponche is prepared a day before Christmas. The reason for this is to gather friends and family to celebrate the holidays before Christmas with a variety of foods and deserts. Ponche is usually served first to any of the guests while they wait on the rest of the food to be prepared.

Ponche is a part of many Hispanic and Latino families for religious purposes or just for gathering family. Ponche can be considered a small dessert and apple cider. It's perfect for the cold weather and a delicious dessert for anyone. It is only available once or twice a year so get it while you can.

Recipe

To make this famous and delicious hot cider you need a variety of fruits.

• 4 gallon of water
• 1 large piloncillo cone (or 12 oz. of brown sugar)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 lb Tejocotes
• 1½ Lb. guavas about 12 guavas
• 3/4 cup prunes chopped
• 1½ cup apples chopped
• 1 cup pear chopped
• ½ cup raisins
• 3 sugar cane sticks, about 5-in. long cut into four pieces each
• 1 cup of Tamarind pods peeled (or 1 cup of Hibiscus Flowers)
• 2 pineapples chopped
• 1 bag of sugar
• Boil for 3 to 4 hours