Traditional Mexican Rompope Recipe for the Holidays

If you’ve never made Rompope before, you're in for a delicious experience! This traditional Mexican holiday drink is rich, creamy, and filled with warm flavors like vanilla, orange zest, and a hint of alcohol. Often enjoyed at Christmas gatherings and festive celebrations, Rompope is similar to eggnog, but with its own unique twist, thanks to ingredients like condensed milk and aguardiente (or rum).

If you're searching for a new holiday drink to impress guests or simply want to enjoy a festive glass of something special, this homemade Rompope recipe is easier to make than you might think. Bring a taste of Mexico to your holiday table with this smooth and flavorful drink!

What is Rompope?

Rompope is a traditional Mexican drink similar to eggnog, made with milk, sugar, egg yolks, and a touch of alcohol—usually rum or cane alcohol. This sweet and creamy beverage is commonly enjoyed during holidays like Christmas and at special occasions such as baptisms or weddings.

Originating from Puebla, Mexico, Rompope was first made by nuns in the 17th century, who crafted this drink as a festive treat for celebrations. Over time, it became popular across Mexico and Latin America. While it’s often compared to eggnog, Rompope has a distinct flavor, typically spiced with vanilla and cinnamon, and has a thinner, smoother consistency.

In Mexican culture, Rompope is more than just a holiday drink—it’s a symbol of hospitality and celebration, often passed down through generations.

Traditional Rompope Ingredients

Milk — The main liquid base, milk provides the rich and creamy texture that defines Rompope.

Sugar — Adds sweetness, balancing the flavors and giving the drink its dessert-like quality.

Vanilla extract — Enhances the aroma and brings warmth to the flavor profile of the Rompope.

Orange zest — Adds a subtle citrus note, brightening the overall taste of the drink.

Egg yolks — These give the Rompope its creamy consistency and luxurious texture.

Cream (or half and half) — Makes the drink even richer, adding smoothness and depth to every sip.

Condensed milk — Adds extra sweetness and a thicker consistency for a more indulgent drink.

Aguardiente (or rum/brandy) — Provides the alcohol content, giving the Rompope its traditional festive kick.

How to Make Rompope

1. Simmer the milk: In a large pot, combine 5 cups of milk, ½ cup of sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, but don’t let it boil.
2. Prepare the egg mixture: While the milk is simmering, whisk together 5 egg yolks and ½ cup of condensed milk in a separate bowl. Once combined, add 1 cup of cream (or half and half) and mix until smooth.
3. Temper the egg yolks: Slowly add a few tablespoons of the hot milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly. Repeat this process two more times, adding a bit more milk each time.
4. Incorporate the egg mixture: Slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the pot with the milk. Stir continuously over low to medium heat, allowing the mixture to thicken. Keep stirring for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches a smooth, slightly thicker consistency. Be careful not to let it boil.
5. Cool and add alcohol: Remove the pot from heat and let the mixture cool completely. Once cooled, add 1 to 2 cups of aguardiente (or rum or brandy) according to your taste preference. Stir well to combine.
6. Chill and serve: Transfer the Rompope to a bottle or container, cover, and refrigerate. Serve chilled, and for extra indulgence, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

This recipe yields 6 servings, and your Rompope will taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

You might like these recipes:

• Coquito Recipe With No Eggs
• Mexican Buñuelos
• Champurrado Mexicano

Tips for Success

To make your homemade Rompope as smooth and delicious as possible, here are a few helpful tips:

• Stir constantly: When thickening the Rompope, make sure to stir continuously to avoid the eggs curdling.
• Simmer, don’t boil: Keep the heat low and let the milk gently simmer. Boiling can cause the mixture to separate.
• Adjust the thickness: If your Rompope turns out too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your preferred consistency.

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to tweak this traditional Rompope recipe, there are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Alcohol-free option: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the aguardiente or substitute it with rum extract for flavor without the alcohol.
• Alternative alcohols: While aguardiente is traditional, you can use rum, brandy, or even tequila for a unique twist.
• Extra flavor: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the simmering milk for an extra layer of warmth and spice.

Storage Instructions

Rompope can be stored in the refrigerator, and it actually tastes better after sitting for a day or two. Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Pour the Rompope into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Shake before serving: The ingredients may settle over time, so make sure to shake or stir well before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Rompope is a delicious treat on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your Mexican holiday drink:

• Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra festive touch.
• Pair Rompope with traditional Mexican desserts like buñuelos or pan dulce for a delightful holiday spread.

Recipe FAQs

For anyone making Rompope for the first time, here are a few common questions:

• Can I make this ahead of time? – Yes! Rompope actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day, allowing the flavors to blend.
• Why is tempering the eggs important? – Tempering ensures the eggs don’t scramble when mixed with the hot milk, giving you a smooth and creamy drink.
• Can I use different flavors? – Absolutely! Try adding vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, or even a bit of nutmeg to the milk for extra warmth and depth.

Now that you’re ready to make your own Rompope, enjoy this traditional Mexican drink with family and friends during the holidays or any festive occasion. We’d love to hear how your Rompope turned out, so be sure to leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and let us know any fun variations you tried. Don’t forget to print the recipe and save it for your next holiday gathering!