Eggnog or rompope is probably the most popular Christmas drink in the world. Recipes vary from place to place, but the base is similar everywhere. In many countries, a commercially prepared mix can be found in supermarkets. Homemade versions are always preferred in Costa Rica. Rompope is the favorite at any time.
The history of Rompope dates back many centuries, and reading through it, you may discover some interesting ingredients for your enjoyment. The drink started in Europe and made its way across the Atlantic to North America, Mexico, and Central America, eventually settling on the shores of Costa Rica's Gold Coast.
The earliest mentions of Rompope date back to medieval times in England when it was called Posset. Hot milk was curdled by mixing it with wine or beer before drinking it. Note, they did not use sugar or eggs in the recipe, for good reasons. Sugar had not yet arrived in Europe; it came to England with the returning crusaders at the end of their campaign in the 11th century. Although sugar became available in England in 1099, it remained unaffordable for most people until the 13th century due to high taxes; only the very wealthy could afford it.
Likewise, eggs were also expensive and not easily obtainable; most people preferred to eat their eggs. The English monks are credited with making the first pots of Posset, using milk, wine or beer, figs, honey or beet juice, and most importantly, alcohol. The rich would enjoy this decadent drink. Using the same basic mix, they added more costly ingredients to the Posset mix. Their deep pockets allowed them to include eggs in the mix along with their choice of brandies or rich wines high in alcohol.
Much later, across the ocean, pilgrims landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts (1620). As settlers, they eventually established trade routes with England across the Atlantic. Returning ships from America provided the British with some sweet-tropical delights like non-cane sugars, maple sugar, corn sugar, and other non-cane sweeteners.
During the 19th century, sugar cane was finally cultivated in America; it came from the Caribbean along with rum distillation. Both rum and sugar were exported to Europe and eventually to the world through the 'Triangular Trade Routes.' The commercial route between Europe, West Africa, and the Caribbean (via America) burned a place in history, famous for shipments of rum, sugar, and slaves. So Posset had the addition of sugar and other tropical spices to its original formula. Cinnamon had already reached Europe in the 5th century, thanks to Arab traders via land routes.
Eggnog is available in almost every corner of the world. The sweetened milk drink is fortified with eggs, flavored with spices, and enhanced with alcohol. Commercial mixes are sold in stores and supermarkets worldwide. Some are formulated for people needing special diets or suffering from allergies. They come in non-dairy, sugar-free, egg-free, alcohol-free, pasteurized portions; but none can compare to genuine Costa Rican Rompope.
