Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch

When most people think of traditional Mardi Gras cocktails, the Sazerac or Hurricane spring to mind.  I am sharing another classic; a smooth, brunch sipper Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch.  This cool character seduces at breakfast with creamy vanilla tones and brandy, and keeps rolling all day long.  Unlike the more widely known traditional weekend morning competitor The Bloody Mary that jolts one awake with spicy sass, Brandy Milk Punch is quiet and silky, often tricking the imbiber with its unsuspecting wiles.

A kissing cousin to holiday-favorite Eggnog, Brandy Milk Punch carries Mardi Gras with panache and sophistication.  The great pre-parade libation made simply with brandy, milk, powdered sugar, vanilla and some ice, and is said to bear the qualities of ‘the hair of the dog’ to aid in hangovers.  Bourbon can be substituted for the brandy however in my case I spent my last bourbon on Bourbon Orange Soda Cherry-Vanilla Ice Cream Floats so kept today’s recipe classic.  The cocktail may be created individually or as a punch as the name suggests.

Though Brennan’s restaurant in New Orleans claims to be the originator of the daytime cocktail, most popular establishments offer the drink.  The true origins of the cocktail point toward an Irish medicinal milk drink made with whiskey, honey, cinnamon or nutmeg, Scáiltín.

Ben Franklin is said to have had his own version containing milk, ale or whiskey, sugar and spices.  It also was reputed as a cold remedy (I suspect much like a Hot Toddy which both aid a cold and the mind).  It’s impossible to pinpoint the true origins of this tantalizing concoction but candidly maybe that doesn’t matter.  One sip and you’ll be hooked.  It’s definitely an age-old but quite possibly new to you brunch option, regardless of where you live in proximity to the bayou.

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Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch

There are variations to making Brandy Milk Punch that include creating individual cocktails as with this recipe, making a bowl of it to be served as punch and substituting the brandy with bourbon. Some recipes include simple syrup as well however preferring more simple ingredients and not making it overly sweet (which I believe encourages a robust hangover) this version is simple. Lightly sweet, creamy without being overly rich and vanilla flavor. Sure to be your new favorite brunch cocktail

Prep Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 cocktail

Author Toni Dash

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Brandy
• 1 cup Whole Milk
• 1 teaspoon Confectioner’s Sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• Crushed Ice
• Nutmeg (preferably freshly ground)

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the brandy, whole milk, confectioner's sugar and vanilla extract. Shake vigorously, and strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice. Sprinkle the top with nutmeg.