Name: Holiday Kinderpunsch
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Water; 2 Fruity tea bags (ex. Wild Berry Tea); 2.5 cups Apple juice; 1 cup Cherry juice; 2 cups Mixed red fruit juice (ex. pomegranate, cherry, apple, currant, grape, cranberry); 1 tbsp Honey; 2 Star anise; 10 Whole cloves; 1 Cinnamon stick; 1 Sliced orange; Pomegranate arils

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As I mentioned in part 1 of our trio of hot drinks (Easy Dark Hot Chocolate), Charlie and I have been living by hot drinks, particularly recently when visiting the Christmas markets. So far this year we have made it to 10 markets throughout Germany and France, and I have to say they are simply beautiful. Each one has its own flair and while I won’t get into them all now (but you definitely can expect a post later!), I highly recommend experiencing them if you ever have the chance. But if you can’t visit, bring a little Weihnachtsmarkt magic to your own home through this holiday Kinderpunsch! Yes, German Christmas markets are famous for their Gluhwein (mulled wine), but they also provide alcohol free mulled ciders which they appropriately name Kinderpunsch (aka kid’s punch). While the Gluhwein is tasty, Charlie and I have preferred the Kinderpunsch and have enjoyed trying the variety of recipes, flavors and variations throughout the booths. Spiced, subtle and perfect on a cold night, this mulled cider is such a treat. So, if you are looking for a delicious Christmas drink for Christmas Eve, holiday parties and get-togethers, be sure to try out a cup of this dreamy holiday Kinderpunsch.

A Fruity Tea Base

One of the elements that really sets Kinderpunsch apart from a typical cider is that traditionally it is made with a fruit tea base. Some of our Weihnachtsmarkt samplings have been much more tea flavored than others, but on the whole each good Kinderpunsch is begun with either a Hibiscus tea or fruit tea. Unlike a normal cider that can be quite thick, this Kinderpunsch has a thinner consistency due to the hot tea mixing with the fruit juices and spices. For this recipe, I chose to use a wild berry tea, however feel free to add whichever fruity tea (pomegranate, apple, hibiscus, berry, cranberry, cherry etc.) might appeal to you. This will help each batch vary just slightly depending on the tea that is used.

A Trio Of Hot Drinks Part 2: Holiday Kinderpunsch (Mulled Cider)

Spices

Beyond the tea, the key players for this holiday Kinderpunsch are the spices. Made with a mix of cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves and fruit slices, the spices of this hot drink really help to embody the Christmas feeling. Noticeable but not overpowering, the flavors of each spice help to create an exciting and balanced hot winter drink. Be sure to use the whole spice instead of ground spices as this will allow the flavor to meld with the cider while helping to prevent any grainy bits from overwhelming your last sip. Since they are full spices, be sure to give them appropriate time to steep in the hot Kinderpunsch. I would recommend adding in all the spices to the Kinderpunsch to steep for at least 30 minutes (or longer if you want a more intense flavor) and you will have a cider that is beautifully balanced between the spices, tea and fruit juice.

Recipe

Holiday Kinderpunsch

Bring the magic of German Weihnachtsmarkts straight to your home with this delicious holiday Kinderpunsch. Fruity, spiced and so flavorful, this wonderful mulled cider is sure to be a highlight of the Christmas season.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Course Drinks

Ingredients

2 cups Water
2 Fruity tea bags (ex. Wild Berry Tea)
2.5 cups Apple juice
1 cup Cherry juice
2 cups Mixed red fruit juice (ex. pomegranate, cherry, apple, currant, grape, cranberry)
1 tbsp Honey
2 Star anise
10 Whole cloves
1 Cinnamon stick
1 Sliced orange
Pomegranate arils

Instructions

To start the Kinderpunsch, begin by adding all of your juices and water to a pot. Bring to a soft boil over medium to medium high heat.
Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and add the tea bags to the hot juice mixture. Let steep for 5 to 8 minutes. Do not over steep to prevent the cider from becoming bitter.
Next, add the whole spices, honey, sliced orange and pomegranate arils to the cider. Stir then let steep for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the orange slices and continue simmering the cider with the spices.
Simmer for 15 to 20 more minutes then remove all the spices and any remaining fruit bits. Pour into mugs to serve. Garnish with pomegranate arils or an orange slice if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to make this holiday Kinderpunsch ahead of time and then store (without the spices or fruit!) in the fridge until ready to heat again and serve.

Final Thoughts

Trying the various Kinderpunsch recipes has been one of our favorite elements of each Weihnachtsmarkt and has become the way in which we keep track of our favorite spots (we are keeping a cup from each market we visit!). Whether at home or out among the twinkling booths, a hot cup of Kinderpunsch with spirals of spiced steam is certainly going to be a part of our Christmas memories (and hopefully new traditions!) for years to come. So, do you like spiced cider or are you looking to travel the world through your kitchen at home? Give this holiday Kinderpunsch mulled cider a go to bring a taste of Christmas to your house and let me know what you think!

Merry Christmas!