Kinderpunsch (German Non-Alcoholic Punch)

Try German Kinderpunsch For a Delicious Non-Alcoholic Punch!

Searching for a great recipe for non-alcoholic punch? You should maker Kinderpunsch!

This classic holiday drink – literally known as “kid’s punch” in English – is a German non-alcoholic punch.

With a signature red color and a bit of sweetness, Kinderpunsch always lets off the holiday spices that it boils in.

You can smell the cinnamon, cloves, and added citrus from a mile away!

two glasses of red kinderpunsch on wooden board with cinnamon sticks
Kinderpunsch served up with cinnamon and citrus!

Despite the name, Kinderpunsch isn’t just for kids. It’s often found at quintessential German Christmas markets and usually sold at the same stand where you buy a glass/mug of Glühwein (German mulled wine).

It’s kind of like non-alcoholic Glühwein in that regard… which can also be thought of as more like a kinder Glühwein!

Kinderpunsch is one of those German Christmas market treats that lets the kids get in on the action when the adults are sipping back their hot beverages.

It’s also a great addition to the holiday gathering for those who don’t want an alcoholic drink.

Sometimes, you might just want a warm drink without booze – and non-alcoholic German punch is the answer!

Looking for more German holiday recipes? Try our Eierpunsch, Marzipan Potatoes, Candied Almonds, and Pfeffernüsse!

two glasses of red non-alcoholic kinderpunsch on wooden tray
Look at all those spices that go into Kinderpunsch!

We really like Kinderpunsch because it’s a warm drink that is objectively tasty.

The spices used are one thing but the citrus – both the lemon and orange – are what really make Kinderpunsch stand out.

red fruity tea steeping in metal pot on stove
Here’s our tea after steeping – the first step of Kinderpunsch is ready!

A thing to consider when making this recipe is the tea you use. We like a deep red color but any fruity tea will technically work.

We enjoy our Kinderpunsch with little added sugar but you can always add more sugar if you want it slightly sweeter.

The type of apple juice you use will also dictate the sweetness of the punch so keep that in mind, too.

citrus slices boiling in kinderpunsch on stove
Letting the citrus and spice do its thing on the stovetop…

When you’re heating the punch, be sure that the mixture doesn’t start boiling.

The mixture should only stay hot and allow for the spices and citrus flavors to mingle with the juice and tea.

two glasses of german kinderpunsch on wooden cutting board
Two glasses of Kinderpunsch – coming right up!

When serving the Kinderpunsch you can include an orange slice and a cinnamon stick in the glass if you want the drink to look slightly fancier.

Enjoy our Kinderpunsch recipe!

two glasses of red non-alcoholic kinderpunsch

Kinderpunsch (German Non-Alcoholic Punch)

This classic non-alcoholic punch – or Kinderpunsch, in German – is the perfect holiday drink without alcohol. Made from fruity tea, apple juice, and fragrant spices like cinnamon and cloves, this "kid's punch" smells of citrus, isn't too sweet, and is always a hit during the holidays!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 3 bags of red fruit tea
  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 5 cloves
  • 1 lemon, organic
  • 1 orange, organic
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, more to taste

Instructions

  • Start by bringing the water to a boil – either in a medium-sized pot on the stove or in an electric kettle. Add three tea bags to the hot water. Let the tea steep from the recommended time (usually 5-8 minutes).
  • In the meantime, wash your organic orange and lemon and cut them into slices. In case you can’t find organic lemons or oranges, you can also remove the peel first.
  • Once the tea is done steeping, remove the tea bags (and add the tea to the pot if you haven't yet). Then add the apple juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, lemon slices, orange slices, and sugar into the pot as well and give everything a stir.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and heat the mixture on low heat for around 15 minutes. The mixture should not start boiling – it’s only supposed to stay hot as the flavors mingle in the pot.
  • Taste the Kinderpunsch, add more sugar to taste, and then strain the drink to capture all the cloves and fruit slices. Serve the drink hot! You can garnish the Kinderpunsch with orange/lemon slices and/or cinnamon sticks before serving.

Notes

You can use any type of red fruit tea that you like…. it just should be red to give the Kinderpunsch its classic color.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 20mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g

This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.

Course Drinks
Cuisine German
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