A recipe for Kinderpunsch (German Mulled Fruit Punch)! Fruit tea is heated with fresh fruit juice and warming spices for a comforting winter drink.
Literally translating to Children’s Punch, Kinderpunsch is a non-alcoholic alternative to Glühwein and a perfect option for all ages during the holiday season.
I especially enjoyed it during my recent visit to the Christmas markets in Munich and Frankfurt, particularly when the stalls first opened in the morning and I wasn’t quite ready for a stronger drink.
There are so many variations of this festive punch with differing levels (and types) of fruit juice, tea, and spices. Today, I am sharing a recipe for our personal favorite using a blend of a fruit tea mix, apple juice, and orange juice to create a beautiful red color along with a comforting blend of spices.
Simply steep the tea for a few minutes, then add the juices and spices. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend before finishing with a little (optional) sugar and a splash of lemon juice.
Serve the Kinderpunsch while warm in heat-safe mugs with orange slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish.
Notable Ingredients
For the fruit tea, I used four Früchte-Mischung packets, a Früchtetee with a blend of hibiscus, apple, rose hip, orange, and elderberries. For those in the DC area, I was able to find it at German Gourmet in Falls Church, Virginia.
You can also use another favorite hibiscus or red berry-based fruit tea. Sometimes, I like to swap it for a seasonal winter-spiced tea.
I also used a vanilla bean to add a light vanilla flavor to the Kinderpunsch. If unavailable, you can mix in a couple of teaspoons vanilla extract along with the lemon juice after removing the mixture from heat, vanilla bean paste, or vanilla sugar (in place of the honey/granulated sugar).
A Few Kinderpunsch Tips
This recipe is mostly just a guideline and there is plenty of room for adjustments based on personal taste.
We generally use an equal combination of apple juice and orange juice. Other options include red grape juice and/or cherry juice. For a more clear drink, swap the orange juice for another red juice and use a clear apple juice.
If possible, use 100% juice with no added sweeteners. You can then adjust the sweetness as desired. We usually add about 2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or even vanilla sugar for a hint of sweetness throughout the punch.
After cooling to room temperature, store leftover Kinderpunsch in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days and reheat on the stove before serving.
Looking for more warming winter drinks?
Try my:
- Peppermint Eggnog Hot Chocolate
- Rüdesheimer Kaffee (Rüdesheim-Style Coffee)
- Hvid Gløgg (Danish White Mulled Wine)
Kinderpunsch (German Mulled Fruit Punch) Recipe
Adapted from Backen macht glücklich
Kinderpunsch (German Mulled Fruit Punch)
Ingredients
- 4 cups (1 liter) water
- 4 fruit tea bags
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple juice
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) orange juice
- 6 whole cloves
- 2 star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks about 2 1/2 inches (6 centimeters) each, plus more for garnish if desired
- 1 vanilla bean
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters) honey or granulated sugar
- Orange slices
Instructions
- Bring the water to a boil in a medium pot.
- Remove from heat, add the fruit tea bags, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
- Discard the tea bags.
- Place the pot back over medium heat and add the apple juice, orange juice, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon sticks.
- Slice the vanilla bean in half and scrape the seeds into the punch. Add the leftover pods.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, then stir in the lemon juice and add honey or sugar if desired.
- Serve warm with orange slices and cinnamon sticks in individual mugs.
Leave a Reply