Every now and again it’s nice to serve up a complete showstopper of a drink – that’s when we like to lean into the Clarified Milk Punch recipe. Fair warning, it’s a tough one to achieve. In fact, if you do it the right way, it takes around three days! However, it’s so spectacular that it’s 100% worth the effort. Of course, when a drink requires this amount of sheer scientific trickery, it is always best to make it in bulk, so use our handy calculator to work out how much you need for your crew. Here’s how you make the magic!
Clarified Milk Punch
PREP TIME 180 min
QUICK TIPS
INGREDIENTS
MAKE FOR
1 Person
0.5
Oz
15
Ml
0.5
Parts
Arrack or Cachaça
2
Oz
60
Ml
2
Parts
Pineapple juice
0.75
Lemons juiced & 2 zested
4
Teaspoons granulated sugar
1
Clove
4
Coriander seeds
1
Pinch of cinnamon
2
Oz
60
Ml
2
Parts
Strong, brewed green tea
2.5
Oz
75
Ml
2.5
Parts
Boiling water
2.25
Oz
67.5
Ml
2.25
Parts
Whole milk
Freshly grated nutmeg, to garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Combine the lemon zest, cloves, coriander, and cinnamon with the cognac, rum, and Arrack in a large container
02
2.
Let it sit overnight to infuse
03
3.
The next day, strain and discard the solids
04
4.
Add the sugar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, green tea, and boiling water to the liquor mixture, and stir until the sugar has fully dissolved
05
5.
Bring the milk to a slow simmer in a large saucepan over medium heat
06
6.
As soon as the milk starts to simmer, remove it from the heat and pour it into a large container
07
7.
Pour the spirits mixture into the container with the heated milk (NOT the other way around); it should begin to curdle almost immediately
08
8.
Allow the mixture to cool and leave in the fridge (ideally overnight)
09
9.
Strain the mixture through a jelly strainer bag or white cotton T-shirt (cheesecloth absorbs too much); add it all at once, and let it drain at its own pace
10
10.
Repeat the process slowly and carefully until the clarity is where you want it (the more you strain it, the clearer the liquid will become)
11
11.
Once strained, the liquid is stable and can be kept in the fridge until your guests arrive
12
12.
To serve, pour over ice and garnish with an optional grating of nutmeg
History of the Milk Punch Cocktail
The Clarified Milk Punch cocktail has a super cool backstory. Get this; according to drink-related folklore, the recipe for milk punch was invented by a 17th-century female spy! Aphra Behn was a secret agent for King Charles II, as well as a celebrated playwright and poet. Plus, the lady loved to host a good party with plenty of theatrical eats and treats. Cue the science-forward holiday milk punch recipe that is somehow clear even though it contains milk.
However, it must be said that this impressive tale, as with many great stories, has a less fantastical version, which is more than likely the truer story. See, according to a very fastidious researcher (bless his cotton socks), the Clarified Milk Punch recipe was first penned by housewife Mary Rockett around 1711. If so, good on her, but we’ll be sticking to the more fanciful version of the story if you don’t mind.
Why is Milk Punch clear?
Of course, not all cocktails that contain milk are clear. There is a straightforward version of milk punch that is often enjoyed around the holidays, and ultra-creamy dessert-like cocktails like the Bushwacker. The reason why Clarified Milk Punch is clear has to do with the chemical reaction between the alcohol, acid (lemon juice), and milk.
The tomfoolery happens when the mixture is passed through a filter. This is when the curds settle at the bottom, forming a little nest, and the milk proteins (AKA casein) do the work of stripping the liquid of both its color and tannins. The result is a sweet, spicy, velvety-smooth drink that is very easy (some might say too easy) to drink.
You might also like: Your Guide to Making Creamy Vegan Cocktails
Is Eggnog the same as Milk Punch?
No, Eggnog and Milk Punch are two very different drinks. Although the unclarified version of Milk Punch has a similar flavor profile, Eggnog is made using a batter. In short, while they both share a creamy, Christmas-spice vibe, each call for an entirely different approach.
Read Next: 11 Hot Christmas Cocktails for an Extra Festive Holiday
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
One of the most fascinating versions of Milk Punch includes 13 ingredients and takes three days to make! However, the result is a sweet, spicy, velvety-smooth drink that is worth the effort.
When straining Clarified Milk Punch, opt for a jelly strainer or white cotton T-shirt. Cheesecloth and coffee filters absorb too much of the liquid you want to save.
