Tired of Eggnog? 7 Reasons You Should Switch to Rompope

Different Origins and Culture

Eggnog hails from the chilly winters of medieval England and eventually made its way to North America. It was the drink of choice for colonists who had access to dairy, eggs, and plenty of booze. Today, it’s a holiday staple in the U.S. and Canada, served as a cozy treat that’s basically Christmas in a cup.

Rompope, on the other hand, is the Latin American cousin of eggnog. It originated in Puebla, Mexico, thanks to nuns in the Convent of Santa Clara (because apparently, nuns were the OG mixologists). Rompope has deep roots in Mexican culture and is often associated with Christmas, family gatherings, and celebrations like Las Posadas.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, but Make It Unique

Eggnog has a rich, custard-like taste with warm notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. It’s sweet but not too sweet, and the optional splash of rum, bourbon, or brandy gives it that festive kick. Rompope takes that sweetness up a notch. Made with milk, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla, it has a creamier, almost dessert-like quality. What sets it apart is the addition of almonds, which add a subtle nuttiness that eggnog just doesn’t have. Think of it as eggnog’s sassier, more indulgent sibling.

Alcohol: To Spike or Not to Spike?

In its most traditional form, eggnog is spiked with rum, brandy, or bourbon, but it’s also commonly served without alcohol—especially if kids are involved. Rompope, though? It’s almost always boozy. Traditionally made with rum or aguardiente (a sugarcane-based spirit), rompope leans heavily into its adult-beverage status. In some families, it’s the drink that gets passed around after dinner, and you’re probably not escaping without a refill.

Consistency: Thick or Thin?

Eggnog is famously thick and creamy, like liquid custard. It’s practically a dessert in a glass, and some versions are even rich enough to make you question whether you need a spoon. Rompope, while still creamy, is a bit lighter in texture. It’s more drinkable and less likely to leave you feeling like you just ate a whole pie. This makes it perfect for sipping throughout the evening (or, let’s be real, refilling your glass multiple times).

Spices: The Subtle Differences

Both drinks share a love for warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but rompope leans more heavily on vanilla and almonds for its signature flavor. Eggnog often goes heavier on the nutmeg and sometimes includes cloves or even allspice for an extra punch of holiday warmth.

Where to Find Them

Eggnog is a grocery store staple during the holidays in the U.S. You can find it in cartons, ready to drink, or whip up a homemade batch if you’re feeling fancy. Rompope is a little trickier to find outside of Latin America or Hispanic grocery stores, but brands like Santa Clara make it easy to snag a bottle. Pro tip: If you’re near a Mexican bakery or tienda, you might just find a homemade version—and trust us, it’s worth the hunt.

How They’re Served

Eggnog is typically served chilled in a glass, sometimes with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. It’s the kind of drink you curl up with by the fire. Rompope, meanwhile, feels more celebratory—it’s often poured into fancy little glasses or served with desserts like buñuelos or Mexican cookies. It’s less of a “casual evening drink” and more of a party guest of honor.