It’s unlikely that anyone in Costa Rica has gone even one Christmas without enjoying some “rompope,” Costa Rican eggnog. Eggnog is a drink that is found, in many variations, in so many countries. It’s origins are not entirely known.
Eggnog was among the creations served by nuns in Puebla, Mexico. They offered it to their guests and it was so well enjoyed that they started to use it to generate profits. Other eggnog drinks have existed Spain, Germany, Ireland, Nicaragua, Belize, and many other locations. Some use corn starch, nutmeg, cloves, pepper, and/or vanilla. Some use brandy and others rum.
As for Costa Rica’s variety of eggnog, it is less spicy and less thick than others. It may have originated in Cartago, as the first written recipe for it is from there. It dates from the late nineteenth century and consists of milk, egg yolks, sugar, cinnamon and rum.
This Costa Rican Christmas tradition brings families together to prepare a delicacy everyone loves. Some also use the leftover egg whites to prepare a dessert to go along with it.
