Gather ingredients: fruit, water, sugar or piloncillo, cinnamon, cloves, and optional hibiscus, tamarind, or rum
Wash and chop the fruit
Add water to a large pot
Add cinnamon, cloves, and sugar or piloncillo
Bring to a boil
Add the fruit and any optional ingredients
Reduce heat and simmer until the fruit is soft and the flavors blend
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed
Strain if desired
Serve hot in cups
Add rum if making an alcoholic version