Ingredients
- 2 oz Brandy
- 3 oz whole milk or Half-and-Half
- ¾ oz vanilla syrup
- Ice cubes
- Freshly grated nutmeg - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
- Add Vanilla Syrup: Pour ¾ oz vanilla syrup into the shaker.
- Add Milk: Add 3 oz whole milk or Half-and-Half.
- Add Brandy: Finally, add 2 oz Brandy of your choice to the mix.
- Add Ice and Shake: Fill the shaker with ice, close it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
- Strain: Strain the mixture into your Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg on top for garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Brandy: If you don't have brandy, bourbon is a great substitute that adds a rich, smoky flavor to the punch. Rum can also work if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- Whole Milk: You can use any milk for this recipe, but remember that lower-fat milk will have a less creamy texture. Almond or soy milk can be used as a dairy-free option.
- Vanilla Syrup: You can use simple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Making a Pitcher of Brandy Milk Punch:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of brandy, 24 cups of whole milk, and 6 oz of vanilla syrup.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the brandy, milk, and vanilla syrup. Stir well.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into individual ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, and serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Brandy Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic brandy substitute available in most supermarkets or online. Alternatively, you can use apple or grape juice for a fruity twist.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular brandy, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Milk Substitute: Use plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk to make this punch vegan-friendly. Just keep in mind that these milks have different flavors and may alter the taste of the punch slightly.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this vegan substitute instead of the regular milk, follow the original steps, and enjoy a vegan version.
What is a Brandy Milk Punch?
A Brandy Milk Punch is a brandy-based creamy cocktail made of brandy, whole milk, or half-and-half sugar and vanilla extract. It’s not difficult to make as it only requires the ingredients to be shaken together in a cocktail shaker with ice and then strained into a glass.
This drink isn’t directly derived from any other well-known cocktails. Still, it has its unique place in New Orleans’ rich culinary history where it’s often served at brunches or during Mardi Gras celebrations. An exciting aspect of this beverage is that despite being quite simple, when prepared correctly with high-quality ingredients, it offers an elegant balance between sweetness and strength, making it an indulgent treat.
What is a Brandy Milk Punch made of – The ingredients
Begin your Brandy Milk Punch creation by preparing these ingredients:
- Brandy: This is the leading alcoholic component of the drink, providing a rich, warming flavor.
- Whole Milk: It gives the cocktail a creamy texture and balances out the strong taste of brandy.
- Vanilla syrup: This sweetens the drink, counteracting the potential bitterness of the brandy.
- Nutmeg: Sprinkled on top for garnish, it adds a touch of spice and enhances the drink’s visual appeal.
