Bourbon Milk Punch

Bourbon milk punch is creamy and delicious! Made with bourbon, milk and vanilla, it’s ideal for all occasions and all seasons.

Here’s a creamy, cold cocktail that’s utterly delicious any time of year: Bourbon and milk punch! You might not expect it, but the combination of milk and bourbon is perfect. The richness of the milk perfectly complements the oak and vanilla notes of the bourbon. Add vanilla and nutmeg and this historic cocktail is as epic today as it was the day it was invented! It never ceases to amaze us how well this flavor combination works. More milk punch, please!

Ingredients for the bourbon milk punch

Milk punch is a drink made from brandy or bourbon, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. This drink recipe was first recorded in Scotland in 1688! How’s that for the story? It was first mentioned in a cookbook in 1711 and Benjamin Franklin recorded a version of it in 1763. It’s served for brunch in New Orleans and is also popular around the holidays.

Our classic milk punch contains both brandy and bourbon. This recipe skips the bourbon and is just as delicious, in our book! The ingredients you need for the bourbon milk punch are:

• whole milk
• Bourbon whiskey
• simple syrup
• Vanilla
• Grated nutmeg for garnish

whole milk vs 2%

Can you substitute 2% milk in a bourbon milk punch? Yes! Just remember that the drink isn’t as rich as it is creamy. But if you want to cut some calories, it works! It’s almost as tasty as the original.

How to Make Bourbon Milk Punch (Basic Steps)

Although the punch is reminiscent of a large punch bowl, it is a typical shaken cocktail. Just shake and strain the drink into a glass! Here’s what to do:

1. Shake in a cocktail shaker. Pour all ingredients into a shaker: milk, bourbon, simple syrup and vanilla extract. Add ice and shake! (Don’t have a shaker? You can use a mason jar with a perforated lid to strain.)
2. Strain into a glass. Strain into a tall glass, round tumbler, or low-stemmed cocktail glass.
3. Garnish: Garnish is important here! Grate a little nutmeg for the perfect kick of spice. You can also add star anise for a nice visual touch.

Bourbon Milk Punch for a Crowd: In a Jug

Making bourbon milk punch for fun? You can do it in a pitcher! Simply mix the following in a pitcher for 8 servings:

• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 cups of bourbon whiskey
• ½ cup simple syrup
• 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract

When ready to serve, pour the mixture over ice (this is important to get the dilution you would get if you shake it with ice). Garnish the same way as the recipe below!

More bourbon cocktails

When it comes to cocktails, there are so many bourbon drinks to try! Here are some of our favourites: