Christmas Punch with Spiced Rum

Servings: 6-8
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 4 liters of water
• 6 tejocotes (peeled and cut in halves)
• 6 guavas (quartered)
• 2 apples (diced)
• 1 cup of prunes
• 1 cup of sugar cane (in pieces)
• 1 cup of hibiscus flower
• 1/2 cup tamarind (peeled)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 star anise
• 1 cup of piloncillo (or brown sugar, to taste)
• 1 cup spiced rum (adjust the amount according to preference)
• Cloves (4-5 units)

Preparation

1. Boil the water:
   In a large pot, bring 4 liters of water to a boil.
2. Add the aromatic ingredients:
   Add the cinnamon, cloves, star anise, and hibiscus flower. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes to release the aromas.
3. Add the fruits:
   Add the hawthorn, guavas, apples, prunes, sugar cane, and tamarind. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Sweeten:
   Add the piloncillo (or brown sugar) and mix until completely dissolved. Adjust the amount to your liking.
5. Adding the special touch:
   Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Before serving, add the spiced rum and mix well. If you'd prefer everyone to enjoy it, you can serve it without rum first and leave it as an extra for the adults.
6. Serve:
   Serve hot in large mugs. You can garnish with a piece of sugar cane or a cinnamon stick.