In England, there was at one time a cocktail called a “rum cardinal.” Made of red wine, rum, and spices, the drink was named for the red color of Catholic high priests robes. A white version made with milk was called a “rum pope”, after the white color of the pope’s robe. Similar to the migration of the word clericó, “rum pope” eventually crossed into the Spanish language as rompope. Almonds are the distinguishing ingredient in rompope, setting it apart from the Peruvian milk punch called caspiroleta. As with eggnog, the alcohol can always be omitted for a more family friendly drink.
