Rompope: an eggnog drink of Mexico

There is city called Tlaquepaque, in Mexican state Jalisco. One of the happening city in Mexico I had been visited so far. I went there so many times, specially in weekends. Near the downtown of the city you will get some alcohol & beverage shops where mainly the Mexican drinks are available.  

The famous tequila of different colours,  tequila con vibora, mezcal, scorpion tequila, mezcal with worms, some local brand of whisky and many more.

Nuestros dulces is that kind of shop in Tlaquepaque, where several varieties of Mexican alcohol used to sale. The bottles of those alcoholic drinks mainly tequila are too decorative and innovative. 

One day, suddenly I noticed a long queue in front of a particular counter inside the shop. I got curiosity so,  step in the queue and when I reached to the counter I got a small quantity of off-white coloured drink to have taste. 

Its was really an awesome drink, called Rompope. Then I bought a bottle of that drink and started to explore Rompope through out the restaurants and bars.

Rompope is a traditional eggnog drink and popular in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica. The word Rompope derives from the word 'Rompon', which is the Spanish version of eggnog. In Rompon the rum is used as its main ingredient, hence the root of both rom-pon and rom-pope is 'rum'. In Mexico it is known as Rompope and in others Latin American countries such as: Guatemala, El Salvador and Hondurus this drink is known as 'Rompopo'. 

In Chile a drink called cola de mono or monkey’s tail is also as famous as most popular drink rompon, but that drink contains coffee and due to that it’s colour is dark instead of yellow. All other ingredients are common in both the drinks. Listed out the name of some similar drinks alike Rompope:

Advocaat or Advocatenborrel  - a traditional Dutch alcoholic beverage made from eggs, sugar, and brandy.

Coquito meaning (Little Coconut) -  it is coconut-based traditional Christmas drink in Spain alike the eggnog which was originated in Puerto Rico. It is a composition of  rum, coconut milk-cream, and condensed milk with added flavors such as vanilla, cinnamon and cloves.

Eierpunsch - a warm, sweetened alcoholic, egg-based drink similar to egg nog found in Germany and Austria . 

Kogel mogel - an egg-based homemade dessert popular in Central and Easterm Europe. It is made from egg yolks, sugar and flavourings such as honey, vanilla and rum. In its classic form it is served slightly chilled or at room temperature. Served warm or hot, it is considered a home remedy for sore throats.

Ponche crema - a Venezuelan eggnog drink.  A variant type is prepared with concentrated liquid coffee or instant coffee powder. 

Zabaione - an Italian dessert or sometimes a beverage, made with egg yolks, sugar and sweet wines.

There is an interesting history behind the innovation of this drink: The first Rompope  was brewed by 17th century nuns in the Santa Clara convent in Puebla de Los Angeles, Mexico  during the Colonial period. According to legend, Sister Eduviges requested that the nuns be allowed to drink the rompope they were only permitted to make. Legend also has it that there was one secret ingredient in the recipe that Eduviges took with her to the grave.

Recipe:

  Serving Size -10

Ingredients:

1. Egg yolks - 10
2. Whole milk - 6 cups
3. Granular sugar - 1 to 1 1/2 cup 
4. Blanched almonds (ground to a fine powder) - 1 cup
5. Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon 
6. Gold or dark rum - 1/2 teaspoon 
7. Cinnamon sticks for garnish - 2
8. Pure Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon (optional)

Directions:

1. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks until creamy.
2. Heat the milk over medium-low heat, adding the sugar and cinnamon until dissolved. Add the flavored milk to the almonds while warm, then add this mixture to the eggs – slowly, to avoid cooking them.
3. Pour in the rum, mixing well, and refrigerate overnight.
4. To serve, pour about 6 ounces into your favorite stemware, and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

How to serve: Rompope can be served as both chilled and warm depending upon the weather condition  If during any time of winter serve and drink it little bit as warm so that you can have the velvety thick layer with your favourite vanilla or cinnamon flavour. And during hot to too hot time served it as a chilled drink, often over ice. 

Any time a cheers' can be done with this alcoholic beverage and to serve this drink you can use any kind of glass containers as I has in many pub and bar.. (photos are provided).