The classic Bourbon milk punch – creamy, boozy, sweet and delicious! Looks like a winter drink but is great and refreshing any time of the year.
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Why make this recipe?
If you like cocktails with heavy cream I think you’ll love this punch. It’s rich but not overly so because the deep and complex flavors of the Bourbon cut through the cream. It has just the right amount of sweetness to balance the Bourbon and the vanilla and nutmeg flavors come through nicely.
Ingredients needed:
Ingredient notes & substitutions:
- whole milk – be sure to use whole milk and not any reduced fat milk, you do need the fat in this drink.
- simple syrup – a simple syrup is a mix of equal parts (by volume) of granulated sugar and water; for example 1 cup sugar plus 1 cup water. Heat the mix until all the sugar is dissolved, then let it cool.
- nutmeg – the nutmeg is optional, you can leave it out if you like.
How to make it:
See full ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below!
It’s super simple to make a Bourbon milk punch:
- Mix whole milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract and simple syrup together in a container you can easily pour from, such as a liquid measuring cup. Then stir in the Bourbon.
Recipe notes & tips:
- Be sure to add the ingredients in this recipe in the order in which they are listed. That way you can be sure that the drink won’t curdle.
Frequently asked questions:
The Bourbon milk punch is a creamy, sweet and boozy dessert drink made with milk, cream, vanilla extract, sugar, nutmeg and, yes, Bourbon.
Apparently, the punch has been around for centuries and the general idea of it may have originated in Scotland in the 1600s.
Despite the fact that the word “Bourbon” is in the name, the punch is sometimes made with brandy instead, so if you prefer brandy over Bourbon, go for that!
No, as long as you follow the steps for this recipe in the order in which they are listed, the dairy will not curdle. If you were to add the Bourbon before mixing everything else, you would run the risk of curdling the drink.
Pour the punch over ice and sprinkle with grated nutmeg.
Bourbon milk punch may look wintery but it actually works well any time of the year. Because the drink is served on ice, it’s quite refreshing on a hot summer evening but it’s equally great for a winter Holiday party.
More delicious drinks with heavy cream:
More delicious drink recipes →
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Full Printable Recipe
Bourbon Milk Punch
Equipment
- measuring cup and spoons
- liquid measuring cup
- small pot
- nutmeg grater
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons simple syrup*
- 5 tablespoons Bourbon
- 1 pinch grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Mix milk, cream, vanilla and syrup together.
- Mix in the Bourbon, then pour over ice.
- Sprinkle with nutmeg (optional).
Abbe @ This is How I Cook
I think this was a classic Southern drink that was very popular around Christmas. Of course I would love this any time!
Nicole B.
I completely agree, it’s good any time!
Debs @ Wilde Orchard
Love this Nicole. I haven’t had bourbon in ages. But have some in the cupboard. Love that there’s no fancy ingredients required too. Gorgeous shot.
Nicole B.
Thank you, Debs! I love the everyday, always-in-the-house ingredient list too, when I came across the recipe I thought “I can make that right now!”
Angela - Patisserie Makes Perfect
So gorgeous Nicole, I love creamy cocktails like this. White Russians and brandy alexanders are two of my favourite drinks!
This looks really similar to a brandy alexander. I love the colour in this photo it’s great.
Nicole B.
Thank you, Angela! It is very similar to a Brandy Alexander, some recipes are actually identical but I’ve also seen a few that add creme de cacao to the Alexander. (Need to get a bottle of creme de cacao, I’ve never had it but sounds delicious). :)
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cottage
Wow, no I have not had milk punch but I don’t plan on being able to say that for long, lol. This is so delicious! I just love the coloring in this photo, so calm and classy. Take care.
Nicole B.
Thank you, Stacey! It is a really delicious drink, I think I’ll have to make it again tonight… :)
Marissa
This looks so inviting, Nicole! Gorgeous photo…
Nicole B.
Thank you, Marissa! :)
Kim | Low Carb Maven
My parents enjoyed their Milk Punch 40 years ago, especially around the holidays. Fun to see it back en vogue. As always, a stunning photograph. Thank you for sharing.
Nicole B.
Thank you, Kim!! I can’t believe I had never heard of milk punch, it’s so right up my alley. :)