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Have you heard of rompope, thought that it sounds like something delicious, but not sure what it actually is, or how to go about making it? You’re not the only one.
When I first heard of this tasty Mexican drink, I thought, I really want to know exactly what that is, and how to make some for myself.
As someone who loves trying different types of drinks, any type of drink is definitely something I want to know more about.
Does this sound like you? If so, you’ve found the perfect place to find all of this out.
In this article, I’m going to be telling you everything there is to know about rompope. I’ll be writing a little bit about its history, what it is, and how to make it.
Read on for an all you need to know guide about this tasty Mexican drink.
What Is Rompope?
Rompope is very similar to eggnog. It is made using milk, eggs, along with a hint of vanilla flavoring. Because the drink is made using egg yolks, it has a yellowish coloring.
Rompope is a very popular drink all around the world. There are many different varieties and versions of it in different countries all around the world. It is particularly popular in South America.
Different varieties of rompope can be found in El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. However, it is most widely popular in Mexico.
The story of how rompope came into being is a very interesting story, going way back in history.
The traditional way of making Rompope in Mexico was first done in Mexican convents around the time of the Colonial period. It is believed to have come from Puebla de Los Angeles.
Legend has it, however, that the original rompope came from one specific convent in Puebla de Los Angeles.
That convent was Santa Clara. It is believed to have originated here during the 17th century.
Rompope is very similar to eggnog. In fact, the word “rompope” comes from the word “rompon”. “Rompon” is a word used to refer to the version of eggnog that is found in Spain.
Rompon slowly found its way to Mexico as well. This original version was alcoholic, containing rum.
Rompope typically consists of eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla flavoring. However, there are a lot of different versions of it all around the world.
Variants especially differ in different parts of South America. For example, in Chile, you can try a delicious version which contains coffee.
Due to the coffee content, this makes the drink a darker, more brown color, rather than yellow like the traditional Mexican drink.
However, this version still contains the same other ingredients as Mexican rompope, just with a little coffee thrown in.
What Does Rompope Taste Like?
Before you set about making rompope, you’ll probably want to know if it is something that you would be interested in drinking.
To help you make up your mind, let me tell you a little about what they taste like.
I’m sure after finding out, you’ll want to make this delicious traditional drink even more.
How Traditional Mexican Rompope Tastes
Rompope tastes very similar to English eggnog. Just like eggnog, it is made using eggs, which means it has a thick, eggy consistency, and rich flavor.
However, whilst eggnog is traditionally made using the whole egg, rompope is used only using the egg yolks. This means it is more yellow than eggnog, and a bit thicker.
How Other Variants Of Rompope Taste
The taste of rompope very much depends on the variant you are drinking. Recipes vary from country to country, and even from family to family.
For example, to make rompope in its traditional Mexican way, you would typically add a few almonds mixed in with the egg yolk.
This would give the drink a slightly nutty taste. Usually, vanilla flavor is also added. This means the whole drink has a delicious hint of vanilla.
As aforementioned, in Chile, rompope is made in a very similar way to the way in which it is made in Mexico.
However, in Chile, they add coffee. This gives the drink a slightly bitter taste, which contrasts deliciously with the vanilla flavoring.
The flavor of coffee also blends perfectly with the nutty taste if almonds have been used.
If you enjoy vanilla lattes, or a hint of hazelnut in your coffee, then you’ll already have an idea of what this tastes like.
If you enjoy the taste of hazelnut and vanilla in your lattes, then you’ll likely enjoy this version of rompope as well.
Sometimes, and especially if it is being made for a celebration or special occasion, an alcoholic spirit can be added to rompope.
This could be, for example, rum. The thickness of the drink along with its other flavors does a good job of masking what could be an overwhelming taste of alcohol.
The taste of rum comes through just enough, making it a delicious drink to celebrate with.
Rompope comes in all different varieties. There are many things different people add to tweak the flavor here and there.
There are many other ingredients which might be added to rompope to add extra flavor. These might be almonds, cinnamon, walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts. These wintering, festive tasting flavors go perfectly with the drink.
Sometimes, vanilla flavoring might be substituted for strawberry flavoring. This makes the drink taste sweeter and would be great if you’re trying rompope in the summer.
You could also experiment with using both vanilla and strawberry flavors. Different ratios of each will drink out different flavors of the drink.
How To Make Rompope
So, now you know all about rompope in terms of what it is, and where it comes from. There is only one obvious piece of information you need: how to make it.
To make rompope is easy. With the right ingredients and simple cooking equipment, anyone can do it. The whole process only takes about 20 minutes.
The version I’m going to tell you how to make contains alcohol, however if you prefer to keep it child friendly, just leave the alcohol out. It will still taste delicious.
Ingredients Needed
Making rompope is easy. To make rompope, all you’ll need is: milk, baking soda, cloves, sugar, cinnamon sticks, milk, rum, nutmeg, eggs, and vanilla extract.
The Cooking Process
Now that you have the ingredients ready, all that’s left to do is make the rompope. This is easy and should only take you about 20 minutes.
In a large saucepan, mix together sugar, milk cinnamon stick, nutmeg, cloves, and baking soda. Place on medium heat.
Once simmering, turn the heat off and allow the spices to mix in with the milk for 15 minutes.
Whisk the yolks of the eggs, then stir them into the spices and milk mixture.
Turn the heat back on, and stir the mixture constantly. Once it reaches a thickness which makes it stick to your spoon, it is ready. ‘
Strain the mixture to remove the cloves, cinnamon stick, and any other excess curds.
Add in the rum (optional), and add vanilla extract.
