Spiced milk punch cocktail served with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream is such a treat during the holiday season. This is a quick and easy version of the classic cocktail that dates back to the 17th century!
Can we talk? ย I have something that I’ve been thinking about for quite some time. ย Before we get all serious, let me pour you a mug of milk punch.
How many of you like eggnog? I’m talking about the real deal traditional eggnog made with milk, heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and plenty of booze.
I have confession. Eggnog has always scared me. I just can’t wrap my head around drinking custard. In all honestly, I prefer my custard served in ice cream form or better yet, as an egg pie or eggnog bundt cake.
I introduce you to my version of milk punch! Think of it as friendly, lighter eggnog.
Ingredients
Traditional milk punch is made by combining clarified milk with spirits (rum, whiskey, brandy), sweeteners, and a mixture of warm spices. I don’t bother with making clarified milk. Instead, this version of milk punch combines spiced milk, brown sugar, and whiskey.
Spiced milk is cozy, comforting and perfect for cool autumn and chilly winter nights. ย My spiced milk includes a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. ย To me, those three spices are the trifecta of winter flavors.
Mix with your choice of spirit. Bourbon, whiskey, rum, spiced rum, or brandy are excellent options. Or, skip the alcohol all together and drink spiced milk on its own!
Serving Suggestions
Serve milk punch warm or chilled. It’s delicious either way! Garnish with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and freshly grated nutmeg.
Spiced milk may be prepared ahead of time. Store in the fridge for up to three days before serving. You may also mix the spiced milk and spirit of choice ahead of time as well. Shake or stir well before serving.
More Holiday Drink Recipes
Milk Punch
Ingredients
per serving:
- ยผ cup spiced milk, , recipe follows
- 1 ยฝ oz bourbon or whiskey, (or spirit of choice)*
- 1 dollop sweetened whipped cream, , recipe follows
Spiced Milk:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 Tablespoon brown sugar, , packed
- 2 pieces cinnamon sticks
- 12 pieces cloves
- ยผ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Sweetened Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- 1 Tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine milk and bourbon. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with additional grated nutmeg. Serve warm or iced.
Spiced Milk:
- Combine milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium sauce pot. Bring mixture to a boil. Remove from heat and cover with lid. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain out spices. Use immediately, or store in the fridge until ready to use.
Sweetened Whipped Cream:
- Using a whisk or a handheld mixer, whip chilled cream and powdered sugar to medium peaks. Keep covered and chill in the fridge until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
A FRIEND MADE A MILK DRINK WITH WHISKEY FOR ME AND GAVE IT TO ME IN A BOTTLE THAT I PUT IN THE FRIDGE. HOWEVER, I NEVER GOT TO TASTE BECAUSE I GOT SICK (FLU-LIKE) BUT STARTING TO FEEL BETTER. HOW LONG DO YOU THINK THE DRINK WILL BE GOOD – A WEEK? LONGER? DOES THE ALCOHOL ACT LIKE A PRESERVATIVE?
That’s sweet of your friend! I would ask your friend how fresh the milk used was. If it’s been in the fridge for past 3 days, I don’t suggest drinking it. The alcohol will not help the milk, if the milk has already gone bad.
What? I cannot believe someone doesn’t like eggs. Have you shown your brother that one picture of your beer buns egg sandwich? Hope you can convert him, lol. Spiced milk is such a treat on its own, but with some whiskey or rum added, mmm. I’ll take that refill you offered and since I have no meaningful advice on adding a puppy to your fam will stick with the punch and let those who are experts counsel you. And wait for the pictures of the puppy:) Pinned! Cheers!
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been conducting a little research on this.
And he actually bought me breakfast due to the fact that I found it for him…
lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for
the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this issue here
on your site.
This seriously sounds like a dream come true. I’m not an eggnog lover either (I know, I know, the shame!) but milk and I? We’re bff. Happy Thanksgiving Maryanne!
Thanks Karen! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
I need this. Warm milk. YES.
I’d happily pour you a mug, or two. :)
Oh my GOD this milk punch looks and sounds delicious. Definitely a recipe I will be making this upcoming Christmas period!
Great! I can’t wait for you to try it! Cheers :)
I have two dogs, both the same age (12 years) and the same breed (Shiba Inu). However, I’ve had one since he was a puppy and the other since he was 6 years old. They get along well and definitely keep each other company, which is nice for both them and me. However, add a second dog definitely changed the dynamic. Going places with them became much more of a production – they can be a handful when they each want to go in a different direction, so I tend to go on fewer adventures with the dogs now. It also costs twice as much to get nails trimmed at the vet, to do the monthly Frontline and heartworm meds, and to arrange for vacation care/dog walking – expenses that add up quickly. I also can’t give them treats that aren’t “single-serving”, like bones, because they both want the same one and start bickering. I love having my boys and they are an adorable pair, but it definitely changed from being me and my boy going everywhere together to me having two dogs that mostly stay home. So basically there are both good and bad things to consider. I don’t regret getting a second dog, but I miss the freedom and the closer companionship I had when there was just one.
Thanks for the words of wisdom, Lindsay! These are all great points I need to consider. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving :)
Gor-JUSS! This sounds like a great eggnog alternative. And though I can’t speak for dogs, I do have two cats. Frankly, I don’t think there ever is a perfect time to introduce a second pet. It’s always going to be an adjustment. But what I do know is that once that period is over, it’s amazing! Animals love socializing. Go for it!
Thanks Sarah! My boyfriend mentioned the same thing about no perfect time. You just do it and adapt. The little puppy is still too young to take home, but I’m hoping Charlie will love him :)
I also have a 3 yr old dog and have pondered the idea of getting him a sibling. He’s a special case though. He had a traumatic experience when he was 6 months old. Now he’s extremely skiddish and unpredictable. We’ve wondered if a more dominate dog, who’d become leader, would help him. We have 2 cats as well so it’s much more difficult to add another dog to the family. If Charlie is friendly with other dogs at the dog park, I’m sure he’d do fine with a new dog in the house. And you have a better chance if you bring a puppy in instead of an older dog. Charlie can help house train it :-) I’m sure whatever you decide to do will be right for your family. By the way, this milk punch sounds incredible!
Thanks Jen! I really appreciate your input :) I’ve been told that already having a dog helps the puppy with house training. That would be a BIG help!
Looks like a great drink, however, in Eastern Canada, the preferred drink at Christmas and New Years is Rum and Egg Nog. One can use a spiced rum, and always with a touch of nutmeg. Egg Nog is available from every dairy, no fat, light, or regular. Only three ingredients. I’m afraid after I had a couple of your Milk Punches, I would get confused very quickly in assembling another few. LOL.
Have a great Thanksgiving!
lol, thanks Frank! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!