Isa's Cola de Mono

This is a traditional Chilean Christmastime drink of milk flavored with coffee and spices, passed down to me by our Chilean nanny Isa. It is delicious, and a must-try if you don't care for egg-nog. The recipe can be varied to suit your tastes - be creative with the proportions of coffee, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, as well as with your choice of liqueurs.

• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup water
• 20 whole cloves
• 5 cinnamon sticks
• 1 gallon cold milk
• 1 cup pisco, white rum, brandy, or other lightly-flavored liquor
• 0.25 cup instant coffee granules

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Gently simmer the cloves and cinnamon sticks in water until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Add 1 cup of milk, and heat to a simmer, then stir in and dissolve the coffee and sugar.

Step 2

Strain the coffee mixture into the remaining cold milk, and discard the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Stir in the vanilla extract and pisco. Store in the refrigerator.