Celebrate the Christmas season with this Mexican tradition, the creamy and smooth Rompope cocktail.
While we’re neck deep in the middle of summer, it is always wise to look ahead and start thinking about the upcoming Christmas season. Before you know it, those cold and blustery months will be upon us, and we’ll all be wondering what the heck our nephews are into now, and what to get them as gifts. Have all of those Minecraft toys been replaced with Fortnite stuff? I’m confused about it all.
One thing I know how to do when I celebrate that time of year is to make a drink or two, the boozy kind. While there are all manner of holiday-themed libations, one of the classic and reliable stalwarts that is always served and passed around is a strong Spiked Eggnog. But what if I told you there’s another creamy and potent festive potion that you can make and enjoy?
Tonight’s recipe is called the Rompope, which is a Christmas tradition that hails from Mexico. Legend says that it was invented by a nun at the Convent of Santa Clara in 17th-century Puebla. The story goes that Sister Eduviges came up with the concoction and despite the fact that it was filled with alcohol, managed to convince the bishop to allow her to serve it to her fellow nuns.
If the bishop said it’s okay, it must be delicious.
What is the best brandy to use in a Rompope?
While some versions of tonight’s drink feature rum as the base spirit, our Rompope is crafted with brandy. The fruit-distilled alcohol often features notes of oak, honey and other subtle flavors. You don’t want to overpower your libation, nor do you want the liquor to completely disappear. A brandy like E&J XO is often recommended for cocktails and other mixed drinks, as it is not overly sweet or expensive. That particular brandy also has notes of butterscotch, which will meld beautifully in your Rompope.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 6 ounces brandy
- Ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon stick, salt, and baking soda. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent the milk from sticking, until it comes close to boiling.
- Once the milk is near boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool for about 40 minutes.
- Separate 6 egg yolks into a large bowl. Slowly whisk about 1 cup of the cooled milk mixture into the yolks to temper them. Then, gradually stir the egg mixture into the remaining milk.
- Return the combined mixture to the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to avoid letting the liquid boil to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and brandy. Mix well.
- Allow the rompope to cool. Serve it chilled or over ice in small glasses. You can sprinkle a small pinch of ground cinnamon on top for garnish.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
Fill a rocks glass with ice, then pour your Rompope in. Garnish with a little sprinkle of fresh cinnamon on top, then pop a cinnamon stick in for garnish.
Can other spirits be used in this recipe?
I mentioned earlier that rum has also been known to be used as the base liquor for this drink, and it mixes nicely with it. If your choice is this alcohol over brandy, go with a dark or spiced variety. These flavors will sit nicely amongst the creamy notes and other spices that are present. Bourbon will work, too.
Similar drinks to the Rompope
Looking for more creamy and Christmassy cocktails to serve when the holiday season comes back around? Look no further than right here at Twist & Toast. We have a wide array of easy-to-make recipes that will satisfy any guests that come to your holiday party, or even yourself if you’re celebrating on your own. Try out some of these recipes to begin with.
- Christmas Martini – A smooth and chocolate-tinged tipple, suitable for Santa.
- Eggnog Martini – Take the holiday classic for an elegant spin in this tasty treat.
- Eggnog White Russian – Two classics coming together for an unforgettable Christmas cocktail.
- Coquito – This Puerto Rican tradition is one of my very favorite seasonal drinks.
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