Getting festive with this delicious Rompope recipe is easy! This is the Mexican eggnog version and super popular during the holidays but in Mexico, it’s also enjoyed throughout the year.
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Rompope
This Rompope Mexicano is a light and fluffy eggnog beverage and the flavors are much better than anything you get from the store.
The flavors remind me of my beloved horchata and arroz con leche but with a deeper taste which comes from the eggs, cloves and the liquor. Drink it plain or enjoy over ice and will always be a crowd pleaser!
The original version came from Spain and it was called Rompon, also known as Ponche De Huevo (egg punch). From there, the story gets a lot more interesting.
Rompope as we know it today traces back to the 1600s and the Santa Clara convent in Puebla, Mexico. The nuns there took the Spanish Rompon and made it their own with cinnamon, vanilla and local ingredients, serving it to visiting priests and church officials. Word spread fast, and the convent started bottling it to raise money.
There’s a fun bit of legend attached too. One of the nuns, Sister Eduviges, is said to have added a secret ingredient to her batch that she never told a soul about. Nobody knows what it was to this day, and I love that a little mystery got baked into this recipe hundreds of years ago.
It’s very similar to other Latin eggnogs like this Dominican Ponche Crema De Ron. The Puerto Rican version, Coquito, uses coconut cream as its base instead.
The Mexican version of course is the combination of milks and cinnamon. Not that I’m biased but this is the best version of all!
♥️ xo, Ana
Why This Recipe Works
Most rompope recipes stick to just egg yolks, sugar and milk, and that combination curdles fast once it hits heat.
My version adds a small amount of cornstarch and a pinch of baking soda to the milk before the eggs go in. The cornstarch gives the milk enough body to protect the yolks once they’re added, and the baking soda keeps the milk from turning acidic on you. That’s the trick behind the smooth, silky texture people ask me about in the comments.
Ingredients
- Milk: For this you can use your preferred milk. Whole milk or 2% work best. The thinner the milk, the less creamy your drink will be.
- Vanilla extract: Don’t use the imitation stuff. It does make a difference on the final product.
- Cinnamon stick: Alternative, you can use a little cinnamon powder if you don’t have a stick available.
- Cloves: for extra depth in flavor.
- Condensed milk or 3/4 cup sugar (I prefer sweetened condensed milk). It provides extra creaminess.
- Baking soda
- Cornstarch
- Egg yolks
- Rum, brandy or your favorite alcohol.
Optional garnishes:
- Whipped cream, ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick and anise star.
How to make Rompope
It’s one of those recipes that you have to keep stirring like risotto but all the whisking and stirring it’s so worth it!
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon stick and cloves. Heat over medium-high heat while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. This is to prevent the milk to sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the milk is about to start boiling, add the baking soda, cornstarch, and condensed milk or sugar. Keep stirring all ingredients are integrated well. About 3 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue to cook and stir often for about 15 minutes. At this point the milk will reduce about 1/3 and that’s okay.
- Remove from heat and set to cool for 40 minutes before we add the yolks.
- Reserve one cup of the liquid/milk and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl or cup, whip the egg yolks until fluffy and it does not stick to the whisk.
- Once the 1 cup milk has cooled, slowly add it to the eggs while whisking at the same time. Make sure the milk is not hot otherwise the eggs will cook and not integrate well into the milk.
- Continue whisking until fluffy.
- Now add the egg yolk mixture into the rest of the milk and continue to whisk to integrate all ingredients.
- Return saucepan to the stove and heat over medium high eat. Whisking constantly. When it starts to boil, reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat, remove the cinnamon and cloves and cool for about 10 minutes.
- Add the 1/2 cup of rum, brandy or whatever alcohol you prefer to use and transfer to a pitcher or jars. This recipe makes 5 cups (40 ounces) and can easily be doubled or tripled for large gatherings.
Variations to Try
Rompope is easy to customize once you’ve got the base method down.
- Almond Rompope: Add ½ cup blanched slivered almonds to the milk as it simmers, then blend everything smooth with an immersion blender before straining. Adds a soft, nutty edge.
- Chocolate Rompope: Stir in 2–3 ounces of grated Mexican chocolate right after taking the pot off the heat, along with the vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
- Orange Rompope: Add a strip of orange peel to the milk with the cinnamon and cloves for a bright citrus note against all that richness.
- Pine Nut or Pistachio Rompope: Swap the almonds for ½ cup toasted pine nuts or pistachios for a different kind of nuttiness.
- Nutmeg: Not traditional in the Mexican version, but a small pinch added with the cinnamon and cloves gets you closer to American eggnog flavor.
Ana’s Recipe Tips
- It’s very important to keep stirring or whisking often to prevent the milk to sticking to the bottom of the pot. If it sticks then it’ll burn fast and it will give a strange flavor to your Rompope.
- Also, keep adjusting the temperature if it starts to boil fast or if you see that it’s not getting hot enough. The key is to cook it at an almost boiling temperature. It goes from medium to medium-low temperature.
- If you happen to have leftovers (but you probably won’t! hehe) they may be frozen in a sealed container for up to 6 months. Tip: Leave a little extra room in the container (about 1/2-inch of space from the top) to allow for expansion during freezing.
- When to Add the Alcohol: You can add the alcohol to either the full batch once it’s finished cooking, or to your individual glass. If you prefer to skip the alcohol that’s totally fine too! Rompope is delicious whether spiked or un-spiked.
- Watch your temp: Egg yolks start to scramble around 170°F (77°C). If you have an instant-read thermometer, use it to keep an eye on the milk once the yolks go in, especially if you’re doubling the recipe.
- If it curdles: Small curdled bits usually mean the milk was too hot when the eggs went in. Don’t toss it. Pour the batch into a blender, blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve. You’d never know it happened.
- Don’t toss the egg whites. Save them for a batch of Migas Con Huevos the next morning, or freeze them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Make ahead
Make this recipe up to 3 days before you plan to serve it. In fact, is one of those recipes that taste better the next day once it had a chance to develop all flavors slowly.
How Long Does Rompope Last
Storage time comes down to one thing: alcohol or no alcohol.
- Without alcohol: Plan on 3 to 4 days in the fridge.
- With alcohol: It acts as a natural preservative, so your Rompope keeps in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 weeks in a sealed container.
Either way, the flavor gets better after the first day once the spices settle into the milk. Give it a good stir before serving – some separation is normal.
How to serve: hot or cold?
Rompope is traditionally served chilled over ice or at room temperature on posadas and gatherings. However, warm Rompope is also a delightful treat. You can keep it warm in a crockpot if you choose to go this route.
So I would say that you can enjoy your Rompope however you like it!
If you serve it cold over ice, I highly recommend adding some whipped cream and sprinkle some cinnamon. It’s amazingly good and turns into an instant dessert!
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Print Recipe:
Rompope (Mexican Eggnog) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups milk (1 liter) - 2% milk or your preferred kind.
- 1 large cinnamon stick (or 2 smaller ones)
- 4 cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 12 oz can condensed milk or ¾ cup sugar
- 6 egg yolks
- ½ cup brandy or your favorite alcohol.
Optional garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon stick
- Anise star - for extra cuteness!
Instructions
- In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the milk, vanilla, cinnamon stick and cloves. Heat over medium-high heat while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. This is to prevent the milk to sticking to the bottom of the pot.4 cups milk (1 liter) , 1 large cinnamon stick (or 2 smaller ones), 4 cloves, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Once the milk is about to start boiling, add the baking soda, cornstarch, and condensed milk or sugar. Keep stirring all ingredients are integrated well. About 3 minutes.½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 12 oz can condensed milk or ¾ cup sugar
- Turn the heat down to medium-low and continue to cook and stir often for about 15 minutes. At this point the milk will reduce about ⅓ and that's okay.
- Remove from heat and set to cool for 40 minutes before we add the yolks.
- Important Note: Keep stirring or whisking often to prevent the milk to sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Reserve one cup of the liquid/milk and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl or cup, whip the egg yolks until fluffy and it does not stick to the whisk. Once the 1 cup milk has cooled, slowly add it to the eggs while whisking at the same time. Make sure the milk is not hot otherwise the eggs will cook and not integrate well into the milk.6 egg yolks
- Continue whisking until fluffy.
- Now add the egg/milk mixture into the rest of the milk and continue to whisk to integrate all ingredients.
- Return pot to the stove and heat over medium high eat. Whisking constantly. When it starts to boil, reduce heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat, remove the cinnamon and cloves and cool for about 10 minutes.
- Add the ½ cup of rum, brandy or whatever alcohol you prefer to use and transfer to a pitcher or jars.½ cup brandy or your favorite alcohol.
- Serve hot or cold and garnish if desired.Whipped cream, Ground cinnamon, Cinnamon stick
Video
Notes
- It will keep for up to 3 to 4 days in the fridge, especially if you’ve already added liquor (which acts as a preservative). Rompope also tends to get better with time – chill overnight so all the spices can really steep together.
- Any leftovers may be frozen in a sealed container. Leave a little extra room in the container (about 1/2-inch of space from the top) to allow for expansion during freezing. Freeze for no more than 6 months.
- If the mixture becomes very dense after the first day, add a little milk until you reach the desired consistency.
Your Private Notes
Nutrition
The Best Alcohol for Rompope
You can use your preferred alcohol found at any local liquor stores. It’s really a matter of preference:
- Rum (white rum or dark rum will work)
- Brandy
- Tequila or Bacanora are also excellent choices.
It does not need to be an expensive liquor as it will be mixed with other ingredients. However, do avoid cheap liquors since you may end up getting a headache instead of enjoying your drink! Go for a mid range price alcohol instead. Can’t go wrong with those.
FAQs
What’s the difference between Rompope & Eggnog? While both recipes are made with egg yolk, sugar & milk, the Mexican version does not normally use nutmeg and we use a cinnamon stick instead of ground.
Also, the liquor of choice for eggnog is bourbon which is not normally used in the Mexican version
Yes you can! If you’re trying to avoid dairy, I would choose almond milk vs. soy milk instead for the flavor. Just note that it will result in a much lighter drink, so it may not have the creamy consistency of traditional Rompope.
Small glasses are key, this stuff is rich and potent!
* Small punch glasses or old-fashioned cocktail glasses work well
* Pretty glass mugs are a nice casual choice if served warm.
* Wine glasses
* Delicate etched vintage glasses
I made this Rompope for a party (even though is not Christmas time) and it was a hit! I served it over ice and it was delicious and so easy to make. Thanks for the recipe!
I prefer Mexican vanilla which is much more authentic and makes things taste wonderful, especially fresh goat milk ice cream.
This rompope looks rich, creamy, and totally festive. Sweet, cozy, and perfect for sipping during the holidays.
Thanks so much for the kind review Raven! It’s one of my favorite drinks during this time of year too. Provecho! ana
This was amazing! I’m going to make a double-batch next time!
I absolutely love Rompope! It’s such a delicious, creamy tradition, and the hints of vanilla and cinnamon make it so much more special than standard eggnog. This looks like the perfect festive sip!
I love this version of the eggnog. So yummy! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Glad you like it Chris! Thanks so much for the review 🙂
I need to make this delicious Rompope!!!
Thank you Ana 🙂
We make something similar in Germany called Eierliqueur (egg liquor) made with raw or cooked egg yolks depending on the recipe. Use rum and has enough alcohol to make it shelf stable. Made at home around Easter but also available as import from Holland year round under the name Advocaat. It is much thicker than rompope and some people use it in pound cake.
We’re making it right now. Using Austrian spiced rum for the liquor can’t wait
How much corn starch and baking soda?
Hi Ashley, the exact amounts are in the recipe card just above. But here it is:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking soda
Buen provecho!
This is the best eggnog I’ve ever tried! It was so smooth and perfectly sweet!
Thank you, Tayler!!!
I’m a big fan of horchata, so I’ll definitely have to give this a try! I’m always looking for recipes around this time that will bring some extra festivity to the season. Thanks for sharing!
Wow this Mexican eggnog is incredible. I would make this drink all year round!
Oh my gosh I cannot wait to make this on Christmas Eve. It is absolutely perfect and I know my guest will love it.
This eggnog recipe is delicious! I love the clove and all the flavors. I definitely prefer this eggnog over all the others!
Thank you, Holley!!! so happy you liked it.
You need this in your life! I first saw Ana’s recipe in 2021 right before Christmas, but I had already made an “aged” eggnog so I held on to Ana’s recipe until 2022. I made this a few days before Christmas to gift, and to share with family at Christmas dinner. It was fantastic! Everyone who has tried it so far has raved about it. It is very much like eggnog, but with a different/better flavor, even if you are not a cinnamon fan (the cinnamon flavor is very subtle). On the morning after I made it, it was very, VERY thick, which worked out perfectly – I just added more milk and/or alcohol to get to the desired consistency/flavor. For the alcohol, I used a combination of whiskey, rum and cognac and I really think this was a fantastic blend. Not too much of any one flavor. I needed a lot of Rompope, so I made this recipe x4 (using a gallon of milk)!! While I don’t recommend making this amount at one time, I kind of don’t regret it. It was more of a volume issue for me than anything else … I had to separate, and cook 2 large pans at the same time. I used an instant read thermometer to 210 degrees, which is just before boiling where I live, because it took a long time to boil with all the volume. Be sure to use a heavy bottom pan and stir constantly as the bottom will burn. The written vs. video instructions are a little different from each other but I don’t think it is a big deal. I strained out the cloves/cinnamon sticks before adding the egg mixture (straining also removed a few clumps of cornstarch). I froze a tiny bit to see how it tastes in a few months.
Hi S! Thank you so much for the wonderful comment. You made my day! Thanks for the great tips on how to make a large batch of rompope for parties. I’m so happy you liked it!
Many hugs to you.
xo,
Ana
Excellent Rompope ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much Martha! So glad you liked it!
Another wonderful recipe! Thank you so much for putting this up we needed a fun Mexican holiday drink!
I never had rompope and not a real fan of eggnog BUT this drink is AMAZING! So delicious. Brandy was my choice of spirit to add. Initially I tried it hot but preferred it cold after sitting overnight in the fridge. Plus with the whipped cream and cinnamon like you suggested – AWESOME!! I could drink an entire pitcher. LOL THX!
This is so great to hear Pablo! I’m so glad you liked Rompope and I think Brandy was a great choice. Thanks for your comment and review!
This rompope is delicious and so easy to make! Can’t wait to share with my family
I’m so glad you like this rompopo Laura! My family loved it and will make some more tonight since we already ran out lol! Enjoy your navidad!
XO, Ana