PicoBlog

I love milk punch! This relatively old recipe is one that never seems to lose its intrigue and in my mind is a too often overlooked staple of the holiday season. I'd had it many times, but had forgotten about it over the course of many years as delicious organic eggnog became so readily available in the stores. However my good friend Justin taunted me one day with the promise of a homemade milk punch that would swear me off of eggnog forever. I waited and waited and then one day he waltzed into my Winter Solstice party with two bottles of a wonderfully thick looking wintry white drink! 

That’s when I fell in love with Bourbon Milk Punch! This relatively old recipe is one that never seems to lose its intrigue and in my mind is a too often overlooked staple of the holiday season. I'd had it many times, but had forgotten about it over the course of many years as delicious organic eggnog became so readily available in the stores. However my good friend Justin taunted me one day with the promise of a homemade milk punch that would swear me off of eggnog forever. I waited and waited and then one day he waltzed into my Solstice party with two bottles of a wonderfully thick looking wintry white drink! 

He intrigued me with tales of its creation, how it had been carefully mixed, re-poured and allowed to mellow for three days in a deep chilly snow bank. I opened the bottle and poured a small glass. It was incomparable, a divine taste of nostalgia and yet so completely modern as to be deemed one of the sexiest flavors that I'd ever put to these lips! At first taste there was ice cold cream and vanilla but seconds later I was captivated by the flavor of a really great Bourbon laced with a liberal sprinkling of sugar and nutmeg and it was absolutely irresistible!

I was blown away, how could anyone thing taste so good?

I have begged him over and over again for the recipe which he will not divulge. So, I have played with the recipe myself and I must admit that I think that I've done the memory of that first sip justice. Milk Punch is an ancient sip that has changed many times over the centuries. Some recipes call for lemon juice but I don't like those. I prefer the experience of pure cream on snow with a bit of lemon zest for sunshine, bourbon for frolicking and lots of fresh spice for warmth. 

This recipe makes a wonderful gift to bring with you to winter gatherings. My pal delivers his in old  fashioned glass milk bottles with a request to save them for next years promising refills! He walked into my Winter Solstice gathering the other night with two of those bottles and at first sip I was smitten once again! Treat yourself and use organic milk , half and half and cream. It will impart a much richer flavor. Be warned though , once you make this and your family and friends have tasted it, you'll never be allowed to stop, it's that good!

4 quarts of organic whole milk

3 cups of organic half and half

2 pints of organic whipping cream

4 cups of really good Bourbon ( I splurge and use Woodford Reserve on this one)

2 heaping cups of confectioners sugar

3 tablespoons of organic vanilla extract

3 heaping tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest

1 teaspoon of black pepper

Lots (and I really do mean lots!) of freshly grated nutmeg to taste

Simply pour the milk, half and half and cream into a bowl and blend for a few seconds. Add the Bourbon , sugar and vanilla, blend for a minute until frothy. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir. If you were bottling this and you have lovely winters snow on your hands I'd tell you to place the full bottles outside in the drifts as this will make the finished product thick and slushy! (You'll need one extra bottle to accommodate the overflow!) Sans snow, simply place the bottles in the refrigerator and allow to chill! You can even put a bottle in the freezer for about an hour before serving and it makes the finished product wonderfully creamy! 

Allow enough time for the finished punch to mellow for about two days before serving or the Bourbon will taste too raw. To serve, just pour the milk punch into a julep cup or a punch glass and enjoy! If it's cold enough, no ice will be needed! If you're making it for a party, put it into a punch bowl that is sitting on top of an ice ring or in a larger bowl of ice to keep it cold but not diluted. Place some lovely wintry greens around the base of the bowl and you'll have a wonderful cocktail for a buffet that's delightfully reminiscent of a really old fashioned holiday!

In the midst of the holiday season, as we gather with loved ones and celebrate traditions old and new, let the indulgence of Bourbon Milk Punch be a delightful addition to your festivities. This timeless recipe, a fusion of creamy richness and the warmth of bourbon, holds a special place in my heart. It's a sip that has the power to transport us to moments of joy and connection, a true embodiment of holiday cheer.

As I've shared this recipe with friends and family, I've witnessed the magic it brings to winter gatherings. The clinking of glasses and the shared laughter become a symphony of togetherness, a testament to the joys of the season. So, whether you're sipping this decadent elixir by the fire or sharing it with friends at a holiday party, let the spirit of the season fill your heart with warmth and your soul with gratitude.

As you embark on this journey of flavors, remember to savor the nostalgia and the modern allure that this drink offers. It's a reminder that some traditions never fade, and some flavors are meant to be cherished forever. So, raise your glass to the holiday season, to old friends and new memories, and to the simple pleasure of a well-made cocktail. Cheers!

In the spirit of embracing life's simple pleasures and the cozy ambiance of the season, consider making this cherished Bourbon Milk Punch your own. Allow it to become a part of your holiday traditions, an elixir that brings comfort and joy to your gatherings. Start by gathering your loved ones around a crackling fire or twinkling lights, and share stories and laughter as you sip this creamy concoction.

But don't stop there—get creative! Experiment with variations of the recipe, adding your unique touch to the mix. Perhaps a hint of cinnamon for extra warmth or a subtle citrus twist to brighten the flavor. Make it a family affair, letting everyone contribute their ideas to craft a signature milk punch that reflects your shared memories and tastes.

And as you raise your glass, whether in solitude or with companions, let the moment envelop you in the coziness of the season. Revel in the timeless charm of this classic drink, and toast to the joy it brings. Cheers to the holidays, to crafting traditions, and to the art of savoring life's simple pleasures. Sláinte! 🥂

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