Christmas in Chile is marked with several traditional foods that all seem to have long-held family recipes.
Chilean Eggnog
Instead of eggnog, you’ll find cola de mono or monkey’s tail enjoyed during Christmas in Chile.
Some call cola de mono the Chilean eggnog even though it isn’t eggnog at all. You’ll most likely hear this comparison because where a gringo drinks eggnog for Christmas, a Chilean would drink cola de mono.
The Drink
The cola de mono drink comes in many variations but all include some form of milk, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the optional liquor of some kind. After the drink is made, it is chilled and always served cold.
If you’re not a coffee or alcohol fan, then cola de mono probably isn’t for you.
Cola de mono is often paired with traditional Chilean pan de pascua (fruitcake).
Cola de Mono Recipes
Here are some cola de mono recipes to try for your Christmas celebrations:
Isa’s Cola de Mono
Cola De Mono (Tail of the Monkey)
Cola de Mono
Cola de Mono: Traditional Chilean Holiday Beverage
Pepe,my husband and I live in the North of Chile , Las Serena, since May, we are Americans.. We will be here for several years. Your blog has been a great help. We are really enjoying Chile. Wonderful people, terrific weather and a pleasant slow pace of life. Keep up the good work. Penny
@Penny – I’m glad to hear you are loving life in Chile. Have a Merry summer-time Christmas!
Dear Pepe,
I am doing a school project on Chile. Your website has been very helpful. I am really enjoying all the new things I am learning. I was born in Ireland and my dad is Cuban and been there many times. I now live in the U.S.A.
Keep up the good work!!!!