What are the different variations of milk punch?
Milk punch is a cocktail of spirit, milk, sugar and spice with two main styles: un-clarified (creamy, common in the American South, often made with bourbon or brandy) and clarified (milk-washed, clear, English-style). Eggnog is historically a type of milk punch. Benjamin Franklin published a lemon-heavy version in 1763.
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In this article
What is milk punch?
Milk punch is a milk-based cocktail with roots going back to the 1700s. It is usually made with brandy or bourbon, milk, sugar and spice. Eggnog is historically considered a type of milk punch.
Main variations
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Un-clarified | Creamy and opaque, with no straining; common in the American South, often with bourbon or brandy |
| Clarified (English style) | Milk is curdled with an acid and strained, leaving a clear drink that keeps the smooth body of milk |
| Franklin style | A lemon-heavy recipe Benjamin Franklin published in 1763 |
| Brandy, bourbon, rum or whiskey | Same method, different base spirit |
| Holiday versions | Spiced and close to eggnog |
How clarification works
- Stir the spirit, sugar and spices together.
- Pour that mixture into warm milk; the order matters, so add the spirit to the milk, not the other way round.
- Add an acid such as lemon juice so the milk curdles.
- Let it rest overnight, then strain it through cheesecloth.
The result is a clear drink with a smooth, milky body. Milk washing is nothing more than clarifying a drink.
Tips
- Keep strained punch refrigerated and follow safe food handling, as it contains dairy.
- Start with a small batch and taste before scaling up.
- Serve over ice with grated nutmeg if you like.
Drink responsibly
Milk punch contains alcohol. This is general information for adults of legal drinking age.
Choosing a style
If you want a quick, rich drink, make the un-clarified version. If you want something clear and silky that suits a party batch, try clarifying, and allow time for the overnight rest before straining.
People also ask
What is the difference between clarified and regular milk punch?
Regular (un-clarified) punch stays creamy and opaque. Clarified punch is curdled with an acid and strained until clear.
Is eggnog a milk punch?
Historically yes, eggnog is a type of milk punch.
What alcohol is used in milk punch?
Brandy and bourbon are most common; other spirits such as rum or whiskey can be used with the same method.
Sources
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