Caspiroleta o Candil: Colombian Hot Milk and Egg Drink

Caspiroleta o Candil receta colombiana.

Caspiroleta (also known as Candil) is a rich, sweet, and highly comforting hot beverage typically consumed in cold climates, and it is immensely popular in the Colombian capital city of Bogotá. Known for its thick, frothy texture, it is widely considered a restorative drink, though it should never be confused with the entirely different Caspiroleta de Palmira.

The secret to this 15-minute recipe is vigorously and constantly whisking the milk, eggs, and sugar over the heat with a traditional molinillo until it boils. Thickened with crushed milk cookies and softly spiced with cinnamon, it is a foolproof, cozy treat!

Caspiroleta or Candil Colombian recipe (Caspiroleta o Candil)

Caspiroleta o Candil (Colombian Hot Milk and Egg Drink)

A rich and frothy restorative hot beverage from Bogotá! Milk vigorously whisked with eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and crushed milk cookies.

Pin Receta

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Drinks / Juices

Cuisine Colombian, Latin American

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

1500 ml Milk
2 Eggs
6 tablespoons Sugar
2 Milk cookies like Rondalla or similar sweet milk cookies
Ground cinnamon Optional

Instructions

Combine the base: The very first step is to pour the milk into a cooking pot. Add the sugar, the raw eggs, and the optional ground cinnamon directly into the cold milk.
Whisk and heat: Turn on the stove to a medium heat. Immediately begin to whisk the mixture constantly and vigorously using a traditional wooden molinillo (or a sturdy wire whisk). You must whisk continuously and aggressively without resting to ensure the eggs temper properly, do not scramble, and the drink becomes beautifully frothy.
Thicken and boil: After about 5 minutes of constant cooking and whisking, add the previously crushed milk cookies into the pot. Continue whisking energetically until the liquid finally comes to a rolling boil. Once it boils, immediately turn off the heat.
Serve: Serve piping hot in mugs! It is traditionally accompanied by savory soda crackers, sweet mojicones, or your favorite fresh bread.

Notes

Restorative Tradition: Due to its rich caloric and comforting profile, this warm beverage is very commonly and traditionally prepared as a home remedy for people who are feeling sick, or specifically for women who are recovering right after having a baby.
Regional Distinction: It is highly important to note that this Bogotá-style hot Candil is completely distinct from the Caspiroleta de Palmira, which is an entirely different regional recipe altogether.