A snowed-in freezing weekend calls for some serious snowday-ready recipes. And when I am not making batches of soup to freeze, or savoring my twinkling Christmas tree (which, yes, is still up and surviving… old habits die hard) one of my favorite winter-warmering tradition is making the southern classic Milk Punch. My Rose Mylk Punch varies a tad from the original Louisiana recipes in that it is dairy free and bit luxurious with the addition of Bulgarian Rose Water, but regardless I promise you that it will bring anyone in from the cold and huddled round your kitchen outstaying their welcome. I love combining the fragrant rose water with the Almond and Coconut milks for a very floral ad feminine flavor. Then adding the fresh vanilla bean, extract, cinnamon and nutmeg, brighten and enrich the flavors while the powdered sugar and ice give the drink it’s texture and consistency. This pairs so decadently with the rich amber notes of Kentucky Bourbon to create a truly amazing winter cocktail. So after a quick whiz in the blender, you can pour the mylk mixture over ice in a large punch bowl and go to town when it comes to adding the bourbon, but around 1.5 ounces of bourbon per drink is a pretty standard amount. Most importantly make, share, enjoy… and stay warm out there this weekend!
Rose Milk/Mylk Punch
Makes a large amount, fit for a crowd
Ingredients
1 32 oz. container coconut milk (unsweetened)
1 32 oz. container almond milk (vanilla unsweetened if possible)
5 tsp Rose Water
8-10 tsp (or about 1 cup) powdered sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
seeds of 2 fresh vanilla beans
3/4 tsp cinnamon
about 10 grates of fresh nutmeg
about 4 cups Kentucky Bourbon (I use Bullet)
Optional Garnish: 1 fresh grate of nutmeg to serve
Method
Add coconut milk, almond milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract & seeds, cinnamon & nutmeg to a blender along with a few ice cubes (4-6). Blend to combine and fully crush ice, stop when the mixture becomes frothy.
Pour in a large serving bowl, punch bowl, or pitcher and add the bourbon. You can also hold off and add 1.5-2 oz. bourbon to each glass before serving if you wish. Stir to combine, pour, serve, sip, and savor a delicious moment inside out of the snow…
Wishing you a happy wintery weekend with the ones you love.
Photos by Bekka Palmer
