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Home Ā» Food Ā» Kinderpunsch (German Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch)

Kinderpunsch (German Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch)

December 11, 2016 by Kimberly Killebrew Ā· 41 Comments

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The flavorful and heavenly smelling mulled Christmas punch (non-alcoholic) you know and love from the German Christmas markets!

There is something magical about German Christmas markets: Ā The colors, the lights, the sounds, the displays, the huge selection of hand-crafted goods, delicious foods, and intoxicating aromas.

Time seems to stand still in this setting and you can easily lose yourself for hours.

And that’s where two traditional German Christmas hot drinks come in handy to keep your warm as you meander your way through the stalls, inhaling the enchanting atmosphere.

market

The first of these is Glühwein, a mulled wine with classic warming spices. Ā The other, Kinderpunsch, is just what its name translates to: Ā A punchĀ for kids or for adults who don’t drink. Ā It’s like the virgin version of Glühwein.

I remember visiting the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt (where I grew up) every year next to the Altes Schloss (old palace). Clutching a mug of steaming hot Kinderpunsch between my hands, I would sip it slowly as we made our way through the market.

The thing that distinguishes this German punch from other mulled punches is the addition of Früchtetee (fruit tea), most commonly Malvetee (hibiscus tee), one of the most popular herbal teas in Germany.  It infuses the punch with a red color and contributes a wonderful tangy flavor.

My most treasured Christmas market memories are of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a small medieval walled city about an hour and a half northeast of Stuttgart (less if you drive like a German), and home to the world famous KƤthe Wohlfahrt store and a special deep-fried pastry, SchneebƤlle.

schneeballe-cropped-1

While it’s not one of the more famous Christmas markets because of its small size, it’s nevertheless my personal favorite because of the quiet and reverent atmosphere and the sheer beauty of the old setting.

I remember those Winter family drives out to Rothenburg with my parents and brother, listening to three of our family’s favorite Christmas albums, The Carpenters, John Denver, and The Jackson 5, and enjoying more of that Kinderpunsch while strolling through the town with the lights twinklingĀ along each cobblestoned street.

And as funny as it might sound, every time I hear little Michael singing “Someday at Christmas” and “Give Love On Christmas Day” I’m filled with those cherished memories of that special German townĀ in Bavaria.

1

To make the Kinderpunsch, simply place all the ingredients except for the honey and tea in a stock pot and bring to a boil. Ā Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Ā Add the tea bags and let them steep, covered, for 10 minutes. Ā Remove the tea bags and add honey to taste. Ā Reheat the punch until hot.

Serve hot. Ā Optional garnishes to put in each mug include some orange slices, cloves, star anise or cinnamon stick.


Ā© Alexander Raths | Dreamstime

Kinderpunsch (German Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch)

Kimberly Killebrew
The non-alcoholic mulled Christmas punch you know and love from the German Christmas markets!
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Beverages, Drinks
Cuisine German
Servings 6
Calories 91 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 cups orange juice
  • 2 cups apple juice
  • 1/2 cup cherry juice (can substitute more orange or apple juice)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 2 whole star anise
  • 5 bags hibiscus tea , or buy in bulk and use 5 teaspoons loose dried hibiscus petals
  • Honey to taste

Instructions
 

  • To make the Kinderpunsch, simply place all the ingredients except for the honey and tea in a stock pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the tea bags and let them steep, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove the tea bags and add honey to taste. Reheat the punch until hot.
  • Serve hot. Optional garnishes to place in each mug include orange slices, cloves, a star anise or cinnamon stick.

Notes

There are many variations of Kinderpunsch - use the fruit juices and ratios you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 171IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
Keyword Christmas Punch, Kinderpunsch
Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

 

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41 Comments →

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41 Responses

  1. Sabrina says

    December 13, 2016 at 7:40 am

    My mother-in-law loves rich, fruity teas! I’m definitely going to be sharing this recipe with her!

    Reply
  2. Ingrid says

    December 13, 2016 at 6:21 am

    Oh the sweet memories of a German Christmas market. Just the aroma of spices brings it all back. As a young child it was even more magical than when I went back as an adult. The large chocolate covered Lebkuchen in heart shapes hanging with red ribbons in the vendors stalls, the potatoes puffers, the Quark belle, the music and so much more is a real treat.
    Thanks for the memories and the pictures. You made my day. Now I’m going to go bake some memories.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      December 13, 2016 at 10:01 am

      Thank you for sharing that, Ingrid. (By the way, you share my mother’s name and my daughter’s middle name :) Agreed, it’s especially magical as a child. I’m looking forward to being able to take my kids to Germany during Christmastime someday.

      Reply
  3. Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen says

    December 13, 2016 at 5:11 am

    I’ve always wanted to go to a German Christmas market – it definitely sounds magical. And this kinderpunsch is so perfect for the season.

    Reply
  4. Erin @ Texanerin Baking says

    December 13, 2016 at 2:39 am

    SchneebƤlle?! Whaaat?! Why don’t we have those here? :( And LOVE that last pic! Incredible.

    Reply
  5. Marta @ What should I eat for breakfast today says

    December 13, 2016 at 2:29 am

    You presented a real Christmas mood, love it!

    Reply
  6. Alyssa | EverydayMaven says

    December 12, 2016 at 10:22 pm

    Sounds like an amazing way to spend Christmas – those markets remind me of Prague!

    Reply
  7. H shouse says

    December 12, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    I love your website. The international recipes the stories the fantastic photos. I can’t think of a recipe site of any kind I like more- and I live on the internet. I just wanted to say so. I would say I am in love with the Indian recipes but then I see the German ones then the African then even the ropa vieja we had last night. I hope to find a real deal sauerbraten recipe one day, but until then I have plenty to try starting with this punch tomorrow. Thank you for all you put into this site.

    Reply
    • Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

      December 12, 2016 at 10:27 pm

      I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. You’ve made my day – thank you :) Sauerbraten is actually what we’re having for Christmas, we all voted on it :) So as long as I can stave off everyone long enough to snap some pictures of it I hope to have that real deal Sauerbraten recipe posted before too long!

      Reply
  8. Jennifer Farley says

    December 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm

    These flavors sounds so soothing and wonderful together!

    Reply
  9. Michelle | A Latte Food says

    December 12, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    I have always wanted to see a German Christmas market! It’s on the bucket list. :-)

    Reply
  10. Erin @ The Speckled Palate says

    December 12, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    Several of my friends have had the chance to visit the German Christmas markets, and I long to visit them someday. This drink looks good for both kids and adults and oh-so-festive, too!

    Reply
  11. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says

    December 12, 2016 at 6:39 pm

    Those photos of Germany are beautiful! I can’t wait to try this! Love that pic of the fireplace, too.

    Reply
  12. Maris (In Good Taste) says

    December 12, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    There’s a German Christmas market in Chicago and I love to go each year for Gluhwein. So fun and festive!

    Reply
    • Li says

      December 12, 2016 at 7:55 pm

      Hi, Maris, could you tell me where is this German market, the info. Thank you.

      Li

      Reply
      • Maris (In Good Taste) says

        December 12, 2016 at 9:19 pm

        Daley Plaza :)

        Reply
  13. The Food Hunter says

    December 12, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    I would love to go to Germany at Christmas time

    Reply
  14. Colleen (SB) says

    December 12, 2016 at 7:30 am

    I would LOVE to shop a German Christmas Market!! My son (who is a freshman in HS) is in his 3rd year of German and plans to go there in 2018. I need to find a way to tag along! This drink sounds wonderful and I’d like a cookie and a glass by that cozy fire!

    Reply
  15. Stephanie says

    December 12, 2016 at 7:18 am

    This sounds wonderful and I am loving these gorgeous Christmas-y photos!

    Reply
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kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Welcome!Ā  I’m Kimberly and I share delicious originals, revitalized classics and authentic dishes from around the world.Ā  Come travel the world through your taste buds!

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