Feb 21, 2011

Mardi Gras Eats #3

Mardi Gras menu ideas until the big day, March 8, 2011!

How about a beverage today?

Milk Punch, sometimes called Bourbon Milk Punch or Brandy Milk Punch (depending on which is used), is a classic New Orleans libation.  Traditionally, it's reserved for Christmas and New Year's.  Especially once the partying's over--it's thought that the milk settles the stomach.


I'm not sure I buy that reasoning.  This punch has bite!


Many use this as an alternative to egg nog.  And Milk Punch is also often seen on New Orleans brunch menus.

Traditionally, Milk Punch is served chilled, but not on the rocks since ice will water it down.  And who wants watered down when you're fighting a hangover.

I like slushy drinks and Milk Punch is no exception.  If you feel the same, freeze the mixture overnight.  Just set it out on the counter about an hour before serving so it starts to thaw into a slush.

Printable Recipe

Milk Punch

3 cups whole milk
1 cup half & half
3 cups brandy or bourbon (pick your poison!)
2 Tbsp vanilla
1/2-1 cup simple syrup (this is done to taste), see below
fresh grated nutmeg for topping is traditional

Combine everything except for the simple syrup and nutmeg.  Add 1/2 cup simple syrup and taste.  Add more in small increments, tasting as you go (that's the best part of this recipe), until the mixture is sweet enough for you.

Chill for several hours.  Serve, topped with nutmeg.

For a slush, freeze the mixture overnight.  Allow to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.



Chilled milk punch
(The 1st picture is a slushy version)

A little this, a little that:
~ Personally I find the fresh nutmeg overpowering in this--I skip it.
~ The recipe above makes roughly twelve 1/2 cup servings.

~ It can easily be halved, doubled, etc.
~ Voodoo Bourbon slush would be another great Mardi Gras beverage.
~ If you've never made simple syrup...

For 1 cup of simple syrup, you'll need

2 cups sugar
1 cup water

Bring water to a boil.  Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.  Cool before using.



And a little lagniappe for ya, dawlin'...
While you're making simple syrup, how about another batch for the birds?

Hummingbird Nectar

4 parts sugar
1 part water

Bring water to a boil.  Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.  Cool completely before filling hummingbird feeders.





Linked with:
Around My Family Table

8 comments:

  1. Miss M - How much bourbon am I supposed to put in the Hummingbird Nectar?... just kidding. But I have found that a few drops of red food coloring in the hummingbird nectar draws even more of the feisty little guys to the feeder. We love our hummers. You know I also love your recipes - best to you - Amos

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  2. Okay...that last pic with the hummingbird feeder and all..is it really that green there right now? If so, that's just crazy because everything is dead here. Everything!

    I've always wanted to try milk punch and didn't know that you could make a slushy version. It looks yummy. Love the alligator too:)

    Would it be okay with you if we posted your milk punch with a link to your site on Cocktail Puppy?

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  3. Ha! Mr. Amos, you are so crazy! Don't you know that hummingbirds prefer brandy?!

    Kim, the picture is from last year--early summer if I remember correctly. Not that green here yet, but getting there soon. Very soon! Cocktail Puppy sounds great to me. Thanks!

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  4. I'm heading to a Mardi Gras party and this sounds perfect to take. Like you, I'd prefer the slushy version for sure, though I know I'd like the nutmeg on top. Many thanks for the amazing recipe.

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  5. I am so suggesting this as an egg nog replacement next year. Seems infinitely more delicious!

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  6. I would definitely prefer this over egg nog and I think I'd leave the nutmeg out too. This sounds wonderful, rich, and potent (just how I like it).

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  7. The Lucky Wife3/01/2011

    This sounds interesting! I do not drink but my husband, aka "The Chef", loves cooking with alcohol (one of our most popular recipes so far has sweet tea vodka in it).

    I found you at EKat's Friday Potluck and wanted to invite you to link your MOST POPULAR recipe so far in our Star Recipes Collection. We also have a regular Monday linky party, Make a Food-"e"-Friend Monday, which I'd love for you to contribute any recipe you'd like when you can (can never be too many great recipes, right?!)

    Love your blog!

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  8. This looks dangerously fantastic! I love liquid additions to Friday Potluck... and in my own life, of course!! Yum!

    Thanks so much for linking up again! I'm your newest follower :)

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Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments.