Liquor Laboratory

Rompope vs Eggnog: Exploring the Holiday Spirits’ Flavors

Rompope vs Eggnog

Last Updated on June 9, 2024 by Lydia Martin

Love Eggnog recipes during the holidays? You’re not alone – it’s a favorite for many around the globe. But there’s another holiday drink you might not know much about – Rompope.

It’s been around for ages and has an exceptional taste that some people think is even better than Eggnog. So, I did my own Rompope vs Eggnog comparison to determine the best choice.

If you’re curious about these interesting drinks, stick with me as I discuss how Rompope compares to traditional Eggnog. Let’s get into it!

Comparing Eggnog & Rompope

Glassses of Rompope with Cinnamon

While Eggnog and Rompope are very similar drinks, sharing some key ingredients like eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, there are notable differences.

With its creamy consistency and spiced goodness, Eggnog is a staple in many North American households during the holiday season.

It has optional garnishes like ground nutmeg and A cinnamon stick.

“From Mexico’s Rompope to North America’s eggnog, each sip brings a world of flavor and festive spirit.” – Liquor Laboratory

Rompope, on the other hand, is a lesser-known but equally delightful yet traditional Mexican treat with its unique twist.

Mexican Rompope is distinct as it uses only egg yolks (excluding any egg white) and includes almonds for a delightful nutty flavor.

Rompope is like a smooth, velvety blend of rich, creamy flavors with a hint of vanilla dancing on your palate.

Rompope vs Eggnog Comparison Table

AspectRompopeEggnog
OriginMexicanEuropean (but popular in North America)
Base IngredientsMilk, cinnamon, vanilla, eggsMilk, cream, sugar, whipped eggs
Alcohol ContentTraditionally rum or aguardienteVariable, often rum or brandy
Flavor ProfileCreamy, cinnamon, vanilla notesCreamy, spiced, sweet
Cultural UseChristmas, special occasionsChristmas, New Year’s
ServingChilled, with ice Chilled or warm
Star Rating★★★★★★★★★☆

How They Differ

History

Traditional Eggnog is traced back to medieval Europe, evolving from a hot, milky, ale-like drink. It crossed the Atlantic to the American colonies, where it became a Christmas tradition.

Rompope, however, originated in Puebla, Mexico [1], at the convents during the colonial era. This Mexican beverage became a delightful part of Mexico’s heritage, enjoyed on special occasions.

Preparation

Close Up Image of Rompope With Cinnamon Stick on a Glass

Both Eggnog and Rompope involve a cooking process, and here’s how their preparation differs:

Making Eggnog 

  1. Whisk the egg yolks until they’re completely smooth. This helps the sugar mix in well. Combining egg yolks and sugar creates a perfect natural thickener for the drink.
  2. Once the egg yolk mixture is nice and thick, slowly pour the milk and heavy cream over low heat. This is also when you add cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, giving the Eggnog its classic taste.
  3. In your separate bowl, beat the egg whites until fluffy and add them to your mixture. Now, add rum or any spirit to enhance the Eggnog’s flavor with booze.

Making Rompope

  1. Over medium heat, simmer milk, sugar, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and some nutmeg while constantly stirring to prevent the milk from burning. In another bowl, mix two cups of milk with slivered almonds.
  2. Once the spiced milk has cooled down, remove the cinnamon stick. Then, blend this milk with the almond mixture in a blender until smooth. Pour this back into the pot, adding a dash of vanilla.
  3. Gently whisk the egg yolks in, ensuring they’re well incorporated. Cook this over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.
  4. If you prefer, add either rum or brandy to the glass before serving for an alcoholic twist. Sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Recipe Twists

While each drink is open to customization, I’ve seen and tasted more eggnog variations. You’ll find Eggnog flavored with everything from pumpkin spice to chocolate.

In comparison to Eggnog, Rompope [2], though less commonly experimented with, can include almonds or other nuts for a nutty flavor, which you can’t find in an eggnog drink.

Also Read:

Egg Yolks vs Whole Egg

Eggnog uses whole eggs, giving recipes a lighter texture, while Rompope excludes egg whites and traditionally uses only the egg yolk, creating a richer and creamier consistency.

Spices

Eggnog [3] is all about the nutmeg (and sometimes cinnamon), delivering a warm, spicy note. While also incorporating more sugar and cinnamon, Rompope leans more towards a sweet, vanilla flavor profile.

Base Alcohol

Putting Cinnamon Stick on a Glass of Homemade Eggnog

Eggnog is versatile with its alcohol pairings, which allows the use of rum, bourbon, and other spirits. On the other hand, a Rompope drink typically features rum or aguardiente, a Latin American spirit.

Also, Rompope and Eggnog have distinct differences in their alcohol levels. Typically, Rompope boasts an alcohol content ranging from 15-20% ABV, a bit higher than Eggnog’s 5-10% ABV.

This variation stems from their respective components. Rompope, a blend of milk, eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamons, and rum or other spirits, naturally produces a higher alcohol percentage.

On the other hand, Eggnog combines milk or cream, eggs, sugar, and nutmeg and is occasionally spiked with brandy or bourbon.

Temperature

Both are usually served cold, but an eggnog drink can also be enjoyed warm, especially in colder climates, whereas Rompope is traditionally served chilled.

Almonds

Almonds are not a traditional ingredient in Eggnog, but you can find some recipes with slivered almonds alongside cinnamon and nutmeg.

Conversely, most Rompope drinks incorporate almonds (or almond paste) to enhance their taste and texture, which makes this drink unique from Eggnog.

Availability

I’ve observed that Eggnog is widely available around the holidays in North America and Europe, while Rompope is more common in Mexico.

If you want to enjoy an authentic Rompope drink, you might have a special trip to the liquor store or a homemade recipe elsewhere.

But of course, you can craft each drink at home.

Traditional Occasions

While Eggnog reigns supreme at Christmas and New Year’s parties, Rompope is a year-round treat in Mexico, often enjoyed during various celebrations.

“Fresh eggnog is easier to make than you’d think, far more delicious than seems possible, and incredibly impressive when served to a crowd.” – Aaron Goldfarb, Drinks Expert

  • Rompope, a Mexican favorite, is usually drunk at Christmas and Easter.
  • Eggnog, a British-American drink, is mainly served during any holiday season.

How Are They Similar?

Glasses of Eggnog

Despite their differences, Eggnog and Rompope share some common ground.

  • These holiday drinks are rich and creamy, making them favorites for festive celebrations.
  • They share ingredients like milk, cream, sugar, and eggs, and they’re both seasoned with spices (Eggnog with nutmeg and cinnamon and Rompope with vanilla and sometimes almonds).
  • Their preparation involves gently heating and whisking some ingredients until they become thick.
  • Both often get a kick from rum or other spirits.
  • Both Rompope and Eggnog embody the spirit of special occasions and holiday festivities.
  • They have a luscious texture and warming spices, providing a cozy and delightful taste experience.

FAQs Related to Rompope vs Eggnog

What distinguishes rompope from eggnog?

Rompope and eggnog are both creamy, spiced beverages enjoyed during the holiday season, but they have distinct differences. Rompope is a traditional Mexican drink made with milk, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and rum, while eggnog is a Western beverage made with milk, eggs, sugar, and often spiked with spirits like brandy, rum, or whiskey.

How do the flavor profiles of rompope and eggnog differ?

Rompope has a rich, custard-like flavor with notes of vanilla and cinnamon, similar to a creamy liqueur, while eggnog has a creamy, eggy flavor with warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, along with the added richness of alcohol.

Which one is creamier, rompope or eggnog?

Rompope tends to be creamier due to its custard-like consistency, which comes from the eggs and milk used in its preparation. Eggnog is also creamy but may have a slightly lighter texture, depending on the recipe.

Are there cultural or regional differences in the consumption of rompope and eggnog?

Yes, rompope is deeply rooted in Mexican culture and is traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season and other special occasions, while eggnog is more commonly associated with Western holiday traditions.

Can rompope and eggnog be made non-alcoholic?

Yes, both rompope and eggnog can be made without alcohol by simply omitting the spirits from the recipes. Non-alcoholic versions can be enjoyed by individuals who prefer not to consume alcohol or by those who want to share the beverages with children.

In Summary

After comparing these delightful drinks, I can say that they’re both winners in their own right. The key ingredients, like milk, sugar, and eggs, are present in each drink, mainly their point of similarity.

With its rich texture and warm spices, Eggnog is perfect for those cold winter nights. Rompope, with its rich vanilla-cinnamon flavor, offers a taste of Mexican tradition.

Both drinks are enjoyable in their own right, but Rompope takes the edge with its unique flavor profile, creaminess, and versatility, capturing my taste buds.

But whichever you choose, both drinks are sure treats to embody the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Cheers!

References:

  1. Say adios to eggnog, and embrace Mexican drinks for a feliz navidad
  2. Why Rompope Is Guadalajara’s Treasured Liquor
  3. A Few Words in Praise of Eggnog
  4. How To Spike Store-Bought Eggnog
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