Isa’s Cola de Mono
Isa’s Cola de Mono is a creamy and aromatic Chilean Christmas drink.Milk is gently infused with cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla.Strong coffee provides a rich and pleasantly bitter contrast to the sweetness.Sugar gives the drink its smooth festive character.Optional pisco or aguardiente adds the traditional spirited finish.Serve it chilled alongside Pan de Pascua during the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5–6 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 small pinch of salt
- 1 cup evaporated milk, optional, for extra creaminess
Instructions
Prepare the Coffee
- Brew one cup of strong coffee.Allow it to cool while preparing the milk mixture.For a deeper coffee flavor, use espresso or strongly brewed dark-roast coffee.
Heat the Milk
- Pour the whole milk into a large saucepan.Add the sugar, cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.Place over medium-low heat.
Infuse the Spices
- Heat gently for approximately 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.Do not allow the milk to reach a vigorous boil.The goal is to infuse the milk with the warm flavors of cinnamon and cloves.
Add Vanilla
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the Coffee
- Pour the cooled strong coffee into the milk mixture.Stir thoroughly until completely combined.
Cool Completely
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.This is especially important if you plan to add alcohol.
Chill
- Cover the pitcher or container.Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, preferably overnight.Chilling allows the coffee and spices to blend beautifully.
Serve
- Pour into small glasses.Serve cold, optionally sprinkled with a little ground cinnamon.Cola de Mono is traditionally enjoyed alongside Pan de Pascua or other Christmas sweets
Notes
- Milk: Whole milk produces the richest texture.
- Coffee: Strong coffee creates a more pronounced traditional flavor.
- Spices: Cinnamon and cloves are key to its characteristic aroma.
- Vanilla: Add vanilla after heating to preserve its fragrance.
- Alcohol: Add pisco or aguardiente only after the mixture has cooled.
- Chilling: Several hours of refrigeration improve the flavor.
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar according to the strength of your coffee.
- Serving: Cola de Mono is traditionally served cold.