When raising a toast this Christmas, why not do it the Spanish way? No Spanish toast is complete without a cheerful “salud” or the classic “chin chin.”
If you are celebrating with a lively group, you might even hear the full routine of “arriba, abajo, al centro y adentro” (up, down, to the centre and in).
Christmas on the Costa Blanca is relaxed, colourful and full of good food, so it seems only fair that the drinks should match the mood. Here are five festive punches and warmers, each with its own little bit of history.
Christmas Eve Punch
This punch stands on the shoulders of history. During the colonial era in New Spain, European traditions mixed with local ingredients, creating a completely new style of Christmas cooking. This drink became especially linked with Nochebuena, the family-focused evening of 24 December, and it is still served with pride in many homes.
Ingredients
- 1 and a half litres of water
- 10 peeled tejocotes
- 4 pieces of peeled and sliced sugarcane
- 1 cup of raisins
- Half a cup of prunes
- 6 peeled and quartered guavas
- 1 cinnamon stick
- A small piece of orange peel
- Juice of 1 lime
- Sugar to taste
- Brandy or rum to taste
Bring everything except the lime juice and alcohol to a boil. Add sugar carefully, as the fruit already sweetens the water. Once the fruit softens, add the lime juice and your chosen spirit. Serve warm.
Cider Punch
Cider is ancient. The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all enjoyed fermented apple drinks. In Spain, cider became particularly popular in Asturias and the Basque Country, where apple orchards thrived. It is now one of the traditional choices for Christmas toasts.
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- Maraschino liqueur
- 1 bottle of cider
- Sugar to taste
- Crushed ice
Slice the lemon and mix everything in a bowl or jug. Let it rest a little, then serve with crushed ice.
Christmas Punch
A true classic. Punch has been part of winter gatherings for centuries. The idea first arrived in Europe with sailors from the East India Company in the seventeenth century. The original drink had five ingredients, which is why many believe the name comes from the old Sanskrit word panch, meaning five.
When the recipe reached the Americas, local fruit was added, especially in Mexico, where tejocotes and guavas became part of the tradition. The result is a warm, fruity drink that feels like Christmas in a cup.
Ingredients
- 3 and a half litres of water
- 600 grams of sugar
- 250 grams of peeled and chopped tejocotes
- 250 grams of chopped guavas
- 250 grams of halved prunes
- 12 peeled sugarcane sticks
Heat the water, dissolve the sugar and add all the fruit. Let it boil until the fruit is soft. Add more sugar if you prefer it sweet. Cover, serve and enjoy.
Hot Punch with Red Wine, also known as Mulled Wine
Mulled wine is probably the most famous Christmas drink in Europe. Its roots go right back to ancient Rome, when soldiers warmed wine with spices to survive winter campaigns in colder regions. By the Middle Ages, it had become a much-loved drink across Britain, Germany and the Nordic countries.
It remains a favourite today because it is easy to make and an excellent excuse to gather around something warm.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water
- 1 lemon
- Half an orange
- 6 cloves
- 1 large cinnamon stick
- Nutmeg to taste
- 1 bottle of red wine
- 1 cup of sugar
- Sprigs of mint
Heat the water with the citrus peels and spices. Simmer for five minutes. Strain, then add the wine and sugar. Warm gently without boiling. Serve with a mint sprig.
Pomegranate Punch
This colourful punch comes from nineteenth century Jalisco, where pomegranates grew in abundance and tequila was becoming the spirit of the region. Locals combined the two to create a drink that looked festive and tasted even better. Over the years it became a Christmas favourite, especially for outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 cup of grenadine syrup
- 1 cup of tequila
- 3 pomegranates
- 100 grams of chopped peanuts
Boil the water with the cinnamon and grenadine. Add the tequila. When serving, place peanuts and pomegranate seeds in each cup, then pour the punch over the top.
Raise a toast the Spanish way
Salud, and may your celebrations be merry, bright and pleasantly bubbly.
