Milk punch facts for kids
| Cocktail | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mixed drink |
| Served | Cold |
| Standard garnish | Nutmeg |
| Standard drinkware | Collins glass |
| Commonly used ingredients | Brandy, whiskey, or bourbon |
| Preparation | Combine liquor and sugar with ice. Shake well. Strain and ice and milk. |
Milk punch is a yummy drink made with milk, a type of alcohol like brandy or bourbon, sugar, and vanilla extract. It's usually served cold and often has a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. Sometimes, people make it "clear" by adding things that make the milk curdle. This helps them strain out the cloudy bits, leaving a clear drink!
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Milk Punch
Milk punch has a long and interesting history! The first time anyone wrote about this drink was in 1688. It was mentioned in a travel book by William Sacheverell about the Scottish island of Iona. Some people also say that Aphra Behn, a famous writer, helped make it popular. The very first recipe for milk punch was found in a cookbook from 1711.
How It Was Made Long Ago
In the past, milk punch was often served in a big punch bowl. Early recipes were a bit like other old drinks called posset and syllabub. They used cream that was curdled and then strained. This process helped the drink last longer, which was very useful before refrigerators! People could bottle it and keep it for a while.
To make the milk curdle, they might add alcohol or something sour like lemon juice. Sometimes, they even heated it up. For example, Benjamin Franklin wrote down a recipe in 1763 that used brandy and lemon with hot milk.
When Milk Punch Was Most Popular
Milk punch was super popular in the mid-1700s. Because it could be bottled and stored, it was a favorite drink. Even Queen Victoria liked it! In 1838, she gave a special award to a company called Nathaniel Whisson, calling them "purveyors of milk punch to Her Majesty." This meant they were official suppliers of the drink to the Queen.
You can even find milk punch in books! Characters like Mr. Pickwick in The Pickwick Papers drink it on their travels.
Milk Punch Today
Today, milk punch is still enjoyed, but it's often made a bit differently. Modern versions are usually served in a glass and made with fresh milk or cream.
It's a very common drink in New Orleans, USA. It's also a traditional holiday drink throughout the Deep South region.
Types of Milk Punch
- Eggnog is a famous type of milk punch. It's sometimes even called egg milk punch because it includes eggs.
- There's also a hot Irish drink called scáiltín that's a kind of milk punch. It's made with equal parts whiskey and milk. People might add melted butter, sugar, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for extra flavor.
