Caribbean and Mexican Holiday Drinks: Krémas, Coquito, and Rompope
Where to Find Them in Chicago
Each year leading up to the holiday season, Latin American and Caribbean households across the city look forward to traditional drinks. While most of these can be found at holiday parties and celebrations, a handful of restaurants in Chicago serve glasses of Puerto Rican coquito and Haitian krémas —alcoholic drinks made with a base of sweet and creamy coconut.
Coquito at Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar
Coquito is a traditional holiday beverage served through the Epiphany on January 6 made with coconut milk and cream of coconut, rum and various spices including cinnamon and nutmeg. At Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar in Uptown, 4554 N. Magnolia Ave., coquito is sold for $14 a glass and by the bottle for pre-order for $35.
Some coquito makers might add pistachio or strawberry flavors, but Marina’s recipe keeps it classic. It’s served in a rocks glass and garnished with ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, and whole star anise. They use white Bacardí rum for a classic taste and Bacardí Reserva Ocho (8-year-old dark rum) for a woody, spicy flavor.
Krémas at Lior’s Cafe
Haitian families in Chicago make krémas, also known as crémas or cremasse. It also has a coconut milk base and is served around the holidays, usually including rum. At Lior’s Cafe, 10500 S. Halsted St. in Washington Heights, it’s an exclusive menu item for the holiday season at $6 per serving. The restaurant is BYOB, so customers are encouraged to bring in a bottle of authentic Haitian rum to mix with the krémas, preferably Rhum Barbancourt.
Rompope at La Vinata
In Mexican households —the largest group of Latinos in Chicago— a similar but different holiday drink can be found at the holiday table. Rompope, an egg-based liqueur with a distinct cane sugar and vanilla flavor, is added to cocktails, drizzled on desserts like jello and flan, mixed with other beverages, or made stronger with tequila or vodka. People usually purchase the 1955 established San Luis Potosí brand Coronado Rompope found at Mexican grocery stores. It’s been on the menu at La Vinata liquor store, 3124 W. Cermak Rd., in Little Village each holiday season for over 30 years.
Conclusion
This holiday season, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try these unique and delicious drinks. From the creamy coquito to the spicy krémas and the sweet rompope, there’s a drink for every taste. Visit Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar, Lior’s Cafe, and La Vinata to experience the flavors of the Caribbean and Mexico.
FAQs
* What is coquito?
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink made with coconut milk and cream of coconut, rum, and various spices.
* What is krémas?
Krémas is a traditional Haitian holiday drink made with coconut milk and cream of coconut, rum, and various spices.
* What is rompope?
Rompope is a traditional Mexican holiday drink made with eggs, cane sugar, and vanilla, often served with rum or tequila.
* Where can I find these drinks in Chicago?
You can find coquito at Marina’s Bistro and Rum Bar, krémas at Lior’s Cafe, and rompope at La Vinata liquor store.
