What are the ingredients in milk punch?
Milk punch has four building blocks: milk, a spirit (usually brandy, bourbon or whiskey), an acid such as lemon juice, and sugar and spices such as nutmeg. Clarified versions strain the milk out; unclarified versions are cloudy, like the Southern style, and eggnog is historically a type of milk punch.
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In this article
What is in milk punch?
The core ingredients are milk, a spirit, an acid, sugar and spice. Different regions and eras vary the recipe, so treat this as a general guide.
Ingredient by ingredient
| Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|
| Milk | Gives body and smoothness; in clarified punch it curdles and is strained out |
| Spirit | Usually brandy, bourbon or whiskey |
| Acid | Lemon juice, which curdles the milk in clarified versions |
| Sugar | Sweetens and balances the acid |
| Spices and peel | Nutmeg and lemon rind are typical flavorings |
| Water | Dilutes the punch |
A published example
One historical-style recipe from Tasting History uses lemon rinds, brandy or whiskey, water, nutmeg, lemon juice, sugar and whole milk. You can read the amounts in how to make milk punch.
Clarified vs unclarified
- Clarified: the English-style version. The milk is curdled and strained, leaving a clear drink.
- Unclarified: the classic style common in the American South, served cloudy without straining, as Tasting Table describes.
Is eggnog a milk punch?
Tasting Table says eggnog is historically a type of milk punch. Modern eggnog adds eggs and cream.
Can you make it non-alcoholic?
You can make a creamy, spiced milk drink without spirit, but it is no longer a punch in the traditional sense. Use pasteurized milk and eggs if you add them.
Check before you serve
- It contains alcohol, so it is for adults of legal drinking age.
- It contains milk, an allergen.
Quick shopping list
- Lemons for juice and peel.
- Brandy, bourbon or whiskey of your choice.
- Whole milk.
- Sugar and a whole nutmeg.
- A jelly bag, nut milk bag or coffee filters for straining.
People also ask
Does milk punch contain eggs?
Classic clarified milk punch does not. Eggnog, historically a type of milk punch, usually does.
What alcohol goes in milk punch?
Most often brandy, bourbon or whiskey.
Why is lemon juice in milk punch?
The acid curdles the milk in clarified versions and balances the sugar.
Sources
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