Transport your taste buds to Chile with *Cola de Mono*—a festive and velvety holiday drink known as "Tail of the Monkey." This traditional South American cocktail combines whole milk infused with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, blended seamlessly with a rich kick of instant coffee and a touch of sweetness. The magic comes together with a generous splash of aguardiente (or vodka as a substitute), creating a silky and aromatic beverage perfect for cozy gatherings. With a simple stovetop preparation and a cooling time that allows the bold flavors to meld beautifully, this chilled cocktail is best served over ice with a dash of cinnamon for an elegant holiday treat. Whether you're exploring Latin American traditions or looking for a creamy alternative to eggnog, *Cola de Mono* is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavor and festive flair.
In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam but does not boil.
Reduce the heat to low and add the sugar, stirring until fully dissolved.
Stir in the instant coffee, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and whole cloves. Let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to infuse the flavors.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Remove the cloves from the mixture and discard.
Once cooled, stir in the aguardiente (or vodka) and mix thoroughly.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids, then transfer it to a clean glass bottle or container.
Chill the Cola de Mono in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve cold over ice in small glasses. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
Calories |
2065 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.8 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 124 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 417 mg | 18% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 257.5 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 249.9 g | ||
| Protein | 35.0 g | 70% | |
| Vitamin D | 11.3 mcg | 57% | |
| Calcium | 1375 mg | 106% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 1857 mg | 40% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.