Rompope or eggnog is probably the most popular Christmas drink in the world. The recipes vary from place to place, but the base is similar everywhere. In many countries, you can find a commercially prepared mix at the supermarkets. Homemade versions are always preferred in Costa Rica. Rompope is a favorite any time of the year.
The history of Rompope dates back many centuries, and exploring it can reveal some interesting ingredients for your enjoyment. The drink began in Europe and made its way across the Atlantic to North America, Mexico, and Central America. It ultimately settled on the coasts of the Gold Coast of Costa Rica.
The first mentions of Rompope date back to the medieval period in England, where it was called Posset. Warm milk was curdled by mixing it with wine or beer before drinking. Note that sugar or eggs were not used in the original recipe, for good reasons. Sugar had not yet reached Europe; it came to England with the returning Crusaders at the end of their campaigns in the 11th century. Although sugar became available in England by 1099, it remained inaccessible to most people until the 13th century due to high taxes; only the very wealthy could afford it.
Similarly, eggs were also expensive and difficult to obtain; most people preferred to eat their eggs. The English monks are credited with the creation of the first Posset pots, using milk, wine or beer, figs, honey or beet juice, and most importantly, alcohol. Wealthy people would enjoy this rich beverage. Using the same basic mixture, they added more expensive ingredients to the Posset. Their deep pockets allowed them to include eggs in the mixture and choose rich brandies or wines with high alcohol content.
During the 19th century, sugarcane was finally cultivated in the Americas; it came from the Caribbean along with the distillation of rum. Both rum and sugar were exported to Europe and eventually around the world via the "Triangle Trade Routes." The trade route between Europe, West Africa, and the Caribbean (via America) made history, famous for shipments of rum, sugar, and slaves. Thus, Posset incorporated sugar and other tropical spices into its original formula. Cinnamon had already reached Europe in the 5th century thanks to Arab merchants traveling along land routes.
Eggnog is available in nearly every corner of the world. The sweetened milk beverage is fortified with eggs, flavored with spices, and enhanced with alcohol. Commercial preparations are sold in stores and supermarkets worldwide. Some are formulated for people with special diets or allergies. They are supplied in non-dairy, sugar-free, egg-free, alcohol-free, pasteurized portions; but none can compare to genuine Costa Rican Rompope.
