Food: Holiday Milk Punch

Are you hosting a holiday party or dinner this winter? Lauren here, and today I'm sharing a special family recipe for your guests to sip on. This festive drink couldn't be more simple to prepare--read on for a little history and the perfect milk punch recipe!

Growing up, my mom's side of the family always came together in Texas at the holidays. Our family is large and our gatherings were always filled with lots of love, tons of laughter, and of course, an abundance of food. 

Like every family, we had our traditional dishes that were made every year, but when I got older, my Aunt Kristina's milk punch became a favorite treat after dinner. 

Milk punch is an old drink that's common in New Orleans and also a holiday tradition throughout the Deep South. Other recipes I've run across include powdered sugar or vanilla extract, but let's be honest, I haven't tried them because I think my Aunt's recipe is simply the best. 

And sorry, no skim milk or soy milk substitutions--it just wouldn't be the same! 

Ingredients

-4 cups vanilla bean ice cream 

-1 cup whole milk

-1/2 cup bourbon

-1/4 cup white rum

-1/4 cup dry brandy

-nutmeg

Instructions

Blend first five ingredients for 5-10 seconds. Pour into stainless steel pitcher or chilled bowl to keep cold. Serve in chilled glasses and top each with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

*Note: Recipe yields 6 punch cups. Make 2-3 batches for a party and reserve extra in the freezer. 

-post & images by Lauren Craig