Christmas Punch

 Ingredients: 2 liters of water, 2 tamarind pods, 200 g brown sugar, 2 green apples, peeled and diced into small cubes, 2 pears, peeled and diced into small cubes, 2 oranges, 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon cloves, 200 g walnut/almond/cashew kernels, 100 g raisins, 2 cinnamon sticks, 500 ml tequila, brandy or rum (I used white rum)

To prepare this delicious drink, the first step is to soak the tamarind pods in hot water. It is recommended to keep them covered for about an hour, as this will help release the rich flavors of the tamarind, which is essential for the final taste of the preparation. In the meantime, we can take care of the fruits. We cut the apples and pears into small cubes, so they integrate better into the mixture, and we can slice the citrus fruits thinly. It is important to ensure that the lemon, which we will squeeze later, is well washed before extracting its juice.

Once we have prepared all the ingredients, we put the cut fruits into a large container, adding the 2 liters of water that will form the base of our drink. To this mixture, we add the walnut pulp, which will bring a pleasant texture and a distinct flavor, as well as the raisins, which will add a touch of sweetness. The spices are what will transform this drink into a true aromatic experience; thus, we add cinnamon, tamarind pod, and cloves, making sure to disperse them evenly.

We place the container on the heat and wait for it to reach the boiling point. Once the mixture comes to a boil, we add the sugar, which will enrich the drink's flavor and bring a perfect balance between the acidity of the fruits and the desired sweetness. After adding the sugar, we let everything simmer on low heat for about an hour. It is important to stir occasionally to ensure that all the ingredients combine harmoniously.

After the boiling time has expired, we turn off the heat and add the alcohol, which will provide an extra layer of complexity and intensify the flavors. We let the mixture cool slightly, and before serving, it is essential to remove all the spices, namely the cinnamon and cloves, to avoid an unpleasant surprise during tasting. Personally, I chose to strain the entire liquid, so I serve the drink without fruits, but this step can be adapted according to everyone's preferences. We serve this aromatic and comforting drink either warm or at room temperature, to enjoy the complexity of the flavors.

 Tags:  sugar fruits apples lemon oranges nut christmas and new year's recipes pear gluten-free recipes lactose-free recipes vegetarian recipes fat-free recipes