Bourbon Milk Punch Cocktail Drink

Bourbon Milk Punch

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Want a standout cocktail? Try making this Bourbon Milk Punch recipe! It’s straightforward, loaded with yummy ingredients, and sure to impress.

Bourbon Milk Punch Recipe

Warm up your winter with our simple Bourbon Milk Punch recipe! The bourbon, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and nutmeg mix makes for a cozy cocktail.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

245 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 3 oz whole milk or Half-and-Half
  • ¾ oz maple syrup
  • 2 drops of vanilla extract
  • Ice cubes
  • Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass

Instructions

  • Make sure to chill your old fashioned glass.
  • Start by pouring 2 drops of vanilla extract into the shaker.
  • Add ¾ oz maple syrup.
  • Add 3 oz whole milk or Half-and-Half.
  • Finally, add 2 oz Bourbon to the mix.
  • Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Using a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
  • Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top for garnish and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, you can use a different type of whiskey. I've also used brandy as a substitute, giving the drink a slightly different but delicious flavor.
  • Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: You can use any milk here, including non-dairy milk like almond or soy. Remember that the creamier the milk, the richer the drink will be.
  • Maple syrup: Powdered Sugar: Feel free to use another sweetener even regular granulated sugar can be used in a pinch but may not dissolve.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 24 oz of milk or half-and-half, 6 oz of maple syrup, and 16 drops of vanilla extract.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Milk Substitute: Use non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. I've found that oat milk gives the creamiest result.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this vegan milk substitute instead of the regular milk or half-and-half, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
245
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
3
g
5
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Sodium
 
35
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
19
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
17
g
19
%
Potassium
 
180
mg
5
%
Cholesterol
 
10
mg
3
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Vitamin A
 
139
IU
3
%
Vitamin C
 
0.03
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
130
mg
13
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Bourbon Milk Punch Cocktail Drink

Bourbon Milk Punch Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Warm up your winter with our simple Bourbon Milk Punch recipe! The bourbon, milk, maple syrup, vanilla and nutmeg mix makes for a cozy cocktail.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 245

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Bourbon
  • 3 oz whole milk or Half-and-Half
  • ¾ oz maple syrup
  • 2 drops of vanilla extract
  • Ice cubes
  • Freshly grated nutmeg - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Old Fashioned Glass

Instructions

  • Make sure to chill your old fashioned glass.
  • Start by pouring 2 drops of vanilla extract into the shaker.
  • Add ¾ oz maple syrup.
  • Add 3 oz whole milk or Half-and-Half.
  • Finally, add 2 oz Bourbon to the mix.
  • Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Using a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
  • Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top for garnish and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Bourbon: If you don't have bourbon, you can use a different type of whiskey. I've also used brandy as a substitute, giving the drink a slightly different but delicious flavor.
  • Whole Milk or Half-and-Half: You can use any milk here, including non-dairy milk like almond or soy. Remember that the creamier the milk, the richer the drink will be.
  • Maple syrup: Powdered Sugar: Feel free to use another sweetener even regular granulated sugar can be used in a pinch but may not dissolve.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of bourbon, 24 oz of milk or half-and-half, 6 oz of maple syrup, and 16 drops of vanilla extract.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients and stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Bourbon Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic bourbon substitute; several brands are available that mimic the flavor of bourbon without the alcohol.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular bourbon, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Milk Substitute: Use non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. I've found that oat milk gives the creamiest result.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this vegan milk substitute instead of the regular milk or half-and-half, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.

What is a Bourbon Milk Punch?

A Bourbon Milk Punch is a bourbon-based creamy cocktail made of milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. This drink is easy to make as it only requires the ingredients to be mixed in a shaker with ice and then strained into a glass.

Bourbon Milk Punch is an exciting variant of the classic Brandy Milk Punch, which traditionally uses brandy instead of bourbon. The substitution gives this version its unique flavor profile, highlighting American whiskey’s rich warmth.

An intriguing aspect of the drink is its popularity during holiday seasons, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve, due to its comforting creaminess paired with festive spices when garnished with nutmeg or cinnamon on top.

A side shot of a Bourbon Milk Punch cocktail in an old fashioned glass on a yellow tray placed on a wooden table surrounded by 7 nutmegs, a grater and a white cloth, in front of a plant and a red background

What is a Bourbon Milk Punch made of – The ingredients

Get these ingredients ready if you’re making a Bourbon Milk Punch:

  • Bourbon: The base spirit of the cocktail, bourbon gives the drink its characteristic strong, smoky flavor.
  • Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and body to the cocktail, balancing out the strength of the bourbon.
  • Maple syrup: Sweetens the drink and helps to mellow out the bourbon’s intensity.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cocktail, adding a hint of sweetness and aroma.
  • Nutmeg: Used as a garnish, nutmeg adds a touch of warmth and spice to the drink.

Bourbon, whole milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Bourbon Milk Punch?

Get to know how to prepare a Bourbon Milk Punch using our simple steps:

1
<p>Start by chilling an old fashioned glass.</p>

Start by chilling an old fashioned glass.

2
<p>Drop two dashes of vanilla extract into the shaker, the vanilla’s aroma works perfectly in a milk punch.</p>

Drop two dashes of vanilla extract into the shaker, the vanilla’s aroma works perfectly in a milk punch.

3
<p>Follow with three quarters of an ounce of maple syrup. This will sweeten the punch without making it overly sugary.</p>

Follow with three quarters of an ounce of maple syrup. This will sweeten the punch without making it overly sugary.

4
<p>Measure and pour three ounces of milk giving the mixture its creamy texture.</p>

Measure and pour three ounces of milk giving the mixture its creamy texture.

5
<p>Finish with two ounces of Bourbon whiskey. The bourbon's rich, smoky flavor will infuse the milk, creating a unique and delicious base for your punch.</p>

Finish with two ounces of Bourbon whiskey. The bourbon's rich, smoky flavor will infuse the milk, creating a unique and delicious base for your punch.

6
<p>Fill your shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill your shaker with ice cubes.

7
<p> Shake vigorously for about 15 times.</p>

Shake vigorously for about 15 times.

8
<p>Strain your cocktail in your chilled old fashioned glass over fresh ice.</p>

Strain your cocktail in your chilled old fashioned glass over fresh ice.

9
<p>Garnish with grated nutmeg to add a final touch of flavor and make the punch look extra appealing. </p>

Garnish with grated nutmeg to add a final touch of flavor and make the punch look extra appealing.

Variations

Are you keen on checking out more options? Here’s a list of our favorite picks:

  • Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch: A refreshing blend of whole milk, heavy cream, bourbon, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg with ice. I love the creamy, frosty texture of this one; it’s a perfect summer treat that feels indulgent and cool.
  • New Orleans Milk Punch: This traditional recipe uses bourbon or brandy, milk, sugar, and vanilla. It’s a staple in New Orleans, often enjoyed during brunch. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the rich, creamy texture and the warmth of the bourbon to take center stage.

A Bourbon Milk Punch cocktail, shot from above, in an old fashioned glass on a beige surface surrounded by Bourbon, whole milk, maple syrup and vanilla extract

History and Origin of the Bourbon Milk Punch

The Bourbon Milk Punch cocktail has a story as attractive as its taste. This creamy drink first popped up in the Southern United States, especially Louisiana, in the 19th century.

Bourbon is the star of this cocktail. It’s a kind of American whiskey made chiefly from corn. The name ‘bourbon’ comes from Bourbon County in Kentucky. That’s where people first made it in the late 18th century. But in the 19th century, bourbon started showing up in cocktails like the Milk Punch.

Milk is the other central part of this cocktail. It gives the drink its creamy feel. Back then, people often mixed spirits with milk or cream. They also added spices and sweeteners to punch recipes.

People usually enjoy Bourbon Milk Punch during brunch or as a dessert drink. Its smooth, creamy texture and strong bourbon kick make it a hit with many cocktail lovers.

Over time, bartenders have developed different versions of the Milk Punch. Some add vanilla extract or nutmeg for extra flavor. Others stick to the classic recipe of bourbon, milk, and sugar.

 

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FAQ

How many calories does a Bourbon Milk Punch contain?
A standard serving typically contains around 200-250 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and their quantities.
How strong is a Bourbon Milk Punch cocktail?
The strength largely depends on the bourbon used. On average, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of about 20%, translating to 40 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Bourbon Milk Punch?
As the name suggests, the primary alcohol is bourbon. This American whiskey lends its unique flavor to the drink, making it distinct and enjoyable.
In what kind of glass is a Bourbon Milk Punch served?
Traditionally it's served in an old-fashioned glass or rocks glass. These glasses are perfect for showcasing the drink's creamy texture and rich color.
What does a Bourbon Milk Punch taste like?
The drink offers a delightful blend of flavors. The bourbon provides warmth and depth, while the milk gives it a creamy texture. Vanilla extract and nutmeg add sweetness and spice, resulting in a balanced, smooth, and slightly sweet cocktail with hints of spice.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Bourbon Milk Punch?
The typical ratio is 2 oz Bourbon, 3 oz Whole Milk or Half-and-Half, ¾ oz Maple Syrup. A dash of vanilla extract and grated nutmeg are added for extra flavor.
How is a Bourbon Milk Punch served with ice?
The cocktail is usually served over ice, often called "on the rocks." This helps to chill the drink while slightly diluting it, enhancing its flavors and making it more enjoyable to sip.
Is it easy to make a Bourbon Milk Punch at home?
Absolutely! It's simple and requires only a few ingredients: bourbon, milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Just mix the ingredients, serve over ice, and enjoy!
Is Bourbon Milk Punch a seasonal drink?
While some people associate Bourbon Milk Punch with the holiday season due to its creamy texture and warming bourbon, it's a versatile cocktail that can be enjoyed year-round.
What is the origin of the Bourbon Milk Punch?
The drink has roots in the Southern United States, particularly in New Orleans. It's a traditional drink often served at brunch or during Mardi Gras celebrations.

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