Cola de Mono is a traditional Chilean alcoholic beverage often enjoyed during Christmas and other special occasions. In English, its name translates to “Monkey’s Tail,” although the origin of this name is unclear.
Cola de Mono has a creamy and sweet taste with a kick of alcohol, making it a favorite among Chileans for celebrating the holidays.
The main ingredients are:
- Aguardiente: This is a strong alcoholic spirit similar to brandy, grappa, or Pisco, serving as the drink’s base. It’s typically made from grapes.
- Coffee: Freshly brewed coffee or Nescafé.
- Milk: Whole milk or condensed milk gives the drink a creamy texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sugar makes the mixture sweet.
- Spices: Common spices and flavorings include cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla extract. Some recipes may also have orange or lemon zest for added flavor.
Cola de mono is best served chilled in small glasses. It’s a social drink, often enjoyed with family and friends. This version has very little liquor, as I like. You can always add more to the taste. It’s similar to Eggnog but with coffee.
It’s important to note that the recipe for Cola de Mono can vary from one family to another, and there are many regional and personal variations. Some people like experimenting with the ingredients and the proportions to suit their preferences. The key is to strike a balance between the sweetness of the milk and sugar and the strong, somewhat fiery kick of the Aguardiente.
Since Aguardiente is challenging to find in the US, I tested making Cola de Mono with bourbon, rum, tequila, and vodka for those needing help getting Pisco. The closest thing is vodka. Another good alternative is grappa.
¿Where to buy Pisco in EEUU?
Total Wines and most liquor stores in EEUU now carry Pisco, which can be Peruvian. In Houston, Spec and most liquor stores have Pisco. If you want to buy premium pisco, visit Catan (a women-owned brand produced in Chile).
¿How do you enjoy Cola de mono?
Cola de Mono is offered at home to visitors and family reunions with Pan de Pascua (Chilean fruitcake) in Chile. It’s also very popular at office parties.
While this beverage is a beloved part of Chilean holiday traditions, it’s crucial to consume it responsibly, as it contains a significant amount of alcohol. Drink it in moderation and be mindful of your alcohol tolerance.
You may also like another coffee cocktail: Despacito.
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Chilean Coffee Eggnog (Cola de Mono)
The classic Chilean drink for the holidays.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
- 1 liter of milk
- 300 ml of pisco or another brandy, in the USA (vodka)
- 2 yolks
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick about 6cm long
- 3 tablespoons instant coffee (Nescafé Colombian)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, place the milk, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Heat on medium-high. Keep an eye on, because milk can boil and overflow easily.
- When milk is warm, take 1/2 cup, dissolve the coffee in it, return everything to the pot, and continue heating and stirring occasionally.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar until combined well, a minute with a fork.
- Once the milk starts boiling, lower the heat to a minimum and get 1/2 cup of boiling milk and keep adding to the yolk mixture, always whisking, repeat with 2-3 1/2 cups of milk.
- Return everything to the pot and continue heating and stirring until thickened. Increase heat to medium—about 5 minutes.
- Cool and add vanilla and liqueur.
- Taste and adjust the sugar and liqueur to taste. Strain.
- Bottle and kept refrigerated for up to 10-12 days. Serve cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: drink
- Method: Stove cooked
- Cuisine: Chilean
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14.9 g
- Sodium: 60.6 mg
- Fat: 5.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.3 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 4.9 g
I lived in Chile from 1968 to 1970. Seeing your recipes takes me back to one of the best experiences of my life. Besitos
I’m glad Maggi. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent! Delicioso el sabor, solo que yo le agregue huevos porque me gusta el cuerpo que dan los huevos al cola de Mono.
Que rico. Gracias por comentar.
¿Es nuestra Cola de Mono?..