Milk Punch

This weekend, a few friends and I found ourselves in an interesting dilemma. We had a bottle of Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey — otherwise known as Lady Jack. It is basically honey-flavored whiskey. The honey flavor the bite of the whiskey flavor of Jack Daniels (hence, a version of Jack for the ladies). Unfortunately, we had no apparent mixers for the whiskey and, as it was the afternoon, were not quite up to drinking it straight.

The good news is, my friends have lots of great cocktail books, and happen to be excellent mixologists. Nonetheless, I was a bit hesitant when they decided to make milk punch. Milk and whiskey? I had doubts.

But I was wrong. It was delicious. Perfect for winter and the holiday season, with the same flavor profile as egg nog without the heft — this can be made with skim milk (no heavy cream and no eggs).

Milk punch is traditionally made with bourbon, but we thought it was perfect with the Lady Jack. Feel free to use what you prefer (or whichever you happen to have on hand).

Milk Punch

2 c. milk

1 1/2 c. Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey or bourbon

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 c. sugar

ice

nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended)

In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Shake vigorously — most of the sugar should dissolve into the liquid. Pour into glasses (make sure each glass gets some ice), and garnish with nutmeg.