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.
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:Â 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.