![Two mugs of Rompope next to each other, on a tray.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2048 1365"></svg>)
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Hi Bold Bakers!
Rompope is a delicious Latin American version of egg nog full of flavor, perfectly creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness. It also comes with a mystery — one I hope you can help me solve!
Rompope is so popular in Mexico, you can get it in stores year-round, but anyone who truly loves the Christmasy drink will tell you store-bought doesn’t hold a candle to homemade rompope.
[ Did you know you can make your own Coffee Creamer? Get my 3 flavored recipes! ]
This recipe is perfect for the holidays. Rompope is very simple to make, and another big benefit to making homemade? You can decide how much rum or brandy goes in (or none at all if it’s for the kiddies)!
What Is Rompope?
Rompope, which is iconically yellow because it uses only the egg yolk, is a popular drink made of milk, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, eggs, rum or brandy, vanilla extract, and baking soda. (I know, I know — baking soda? We’ll discuss later.)
It’s a traditional drink in Mexico, and it’s said it was invented by nuns at a convent in Puebla, Mexico. People outside of the convent soon started to hear about how delicious rompope was, and the nuns began to sell it!
The nun who is said to have created rompope added a secret ingredient that is still unknown! (Maybe the baking soda?)
![A glass of Mexican Rompope next to a few sticks of cinnamon.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1365 2048"></svg> "This Rompope recipe is creamy and perfectly sweet.")
Why Do You Put Baking Soda In Rompope (Mexican Egg Nog)?
The truth is — I’m not sure! That’s the mystery of this drink. If you know, please leave a comment to tell me! I’m beyond curious!!
I do have some theories (I did a deep dive in research and put out some feelers to friends.) Please keep in mind these are just theories as to why baking soda is a traditional ingredient in rompope.
The first theory is that baking soda can be used to thicken liquids. It’s not commonly used to do so because it does have a somewhat bitter taste, but it is possible. Maybe that’s what helps make rompope extra creamy?
The second theory goes back to the history of rompope. The nun in Puebla is said to have added a “secret ingredient.” I suspect that the ingredient may have been “tequesquite.”
Tequesquite is a natural mineral salt that has been around since pre-Hispanic times, and it is only mined in specific locations in Mexico. One of those locations just happens to be Totolcingo lagoon, in the state of Puebla! Typically, tequesquite is used to complement corn products, like tamales, but it is used in a number of other traditional Mexican dishes as well.
But do you know what people use when tequesquite isn’t available? Baking soda! One of the major components of tequesquite is sodium bicarbonate, AKA baking soda.
OR, it could be, according to some chefs, adding a little baking soda prevents the milk from curdling.
But that’s not as much fun as trying to figure out a secret ingredient from a nun who lived in the 17th century.
(And if you know the real reason why baking soda is included, please tell me in the comments!)
What You Need To Make Rompope
How To Make Rompope
Making rompope is a lot easier than trying to figure out that mystery ingredient. Here’s how you do it (and don’t forget to get the full recipe with measurements on the page below):
- Combine milk, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon stick, cloves, and nutmeg in a large saucepan and place over medium heat until it comes to a simmer.
- Turn off the heat and allow the spices to steep in the milk for about 15 minutes.
- While the milk steeps, place a large bowl with a strainer over it near your stove.
- After the milk has steeped for 15 minutes, whisk the egg yolks in a bowl and then stir them into the milk, whisking constantly.
- Turn the heat back on to medium-low and cook the milk and egg mixture. Be sure to stir constantly. It is ready when the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Once it’s reached that thickness, immediately strain the mixture to stop the cooking and remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and any curds that may have formed.
- Stir in the rum or brandy and add the vanilla extract.
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Rompope
- Feel free to make this drink non-alcoholic by replacing the rum/brandy with an equal amount of milk.
- Make rompope ice cream! Reduce the rum or brandy to 2 tablespoons (or leave it out) and cool it in the refrigerator overnight. Churn it according to your ice cream maker’s directions, or freeze it in popsicle molds.
- Once your yolks have been added, be sure to watch the rompope very carefully and stir constantly. This can go from thickened to curdled very quickly.
- Don’t forget to prep your bowl and strainer! You need to strain the rompope right away when it’s done cooking.
- You can serve rompope both chilled or warm!
How Do I Store Rompope?
Rompope tastes better as the flavors sit together! You can serve it right away or store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Make More Holiday Recipes!
And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!
Full (and printable) recipe below!