On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…Espresso Milk Punch cocktail!
Milk Punch is a traditional alcoholic beverage popular in Louisiana, its history began as a punch bowl drink in the 17th century. This Christmas cocktail is made with dark rum and cream, kissed with a generous touch of Mr. Black cold brew liqueur. You’ll never drink milk punch the same way again!
{Sponsored by Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur. Recipe and opinions are my own. Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.}
Espresso Milk Punch
Milk punch has a storied history as a holiday favorite, dating back to the 17th century when it was popularized in England and later embraced in colonial America, particularly Louisiana. This traditional drink was cherished for its ability to combine readily available ingredients—milk, sugar, and spirits—into a smooth, shelf-stable concoction. Milk punch’s creamy texture and sweet, spiced flavors made it a comforting choice for winter celebrations, and its adaptability allowed households to tailor it to local tastes and ingredients. Over time, its association with holidays solidified, and today, Milk Punch continues to evoke nostalgia while inspiring modern variations that celebrate its timeless appeal.
An espresso milk punch cocktail is the perfect festive holiday drink, blending warmth, indulgence, and a touch of sophistication. Its rich, creamy texture, balanced with the robust bitterness of espresso and the sweetness of vanilla or spices, evokes cozy gatherings by the fire. The milk punch base adds a velvety smoothness that feels indulgent, while the espresso provides a lively kick, making it ideal for chilly winter evenings when warmth and energy are in demand. This cocktail’s balance of flavors and luxurious presentation make it a standout choice for holiday entertaining, offering something both comforting and elegant.
The versatility of the espresso milk punch cocktail also enhances its appeal during the holidays. Its creamy base and bold espresso also pair beautifully with holiday desserts, making it a delightful companion to cookies, pies, or chocolates. Whether served as a post-dinner treat or a highlight of a holiday brunch, this cocktail brings a sophisticated yet approachable charm to any festive gathering, it’s like a spiked iced latté!
Espresso Milk Punch Cocktail
Traditional holiday milk punch with the added kick of coffee liqueur, perfect for holiday parties or as a dessert cocktail.
Ingredients
- • 4 oz. Mr. Black Cold Brew Liqueur
- • 3 oz. Dark Rum
- • 6 oz. Half & Half
- • Sprinkle of Ground Cinnamon
- • Crushed Ice
Instructions
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Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the Mr. Black Cold Brew liqueur, dark rum, and half & half.
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Shake a little cinnamon in the shaker, then cover and shake for about 30 seconds.
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Fill a hurricane glass with crushed ice, pour the cocktail into the glass, and sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon.
Difference Between Milk Punch and Egg Nog
Milk punch and eggnog are both creamy, festive drinks often enjoyed during the holiday season, but they differ in ingredients, texture, and flavor profile. Milk punch is typically made by combining milk or cream, sugar, spices, and spirits like bourbon, rum, or brandy, resulting in a smooth and light drink. It can be served cold over ice or warm, and its simplicity and versatility make it easy to adapt to additional flavors like vanilla or coffee.
Eggnog, on the other hand, is richer and thicker, as it includes eggs (usually yolks, sometimes whipped whites) in its base. The eggs give eggnog its custard-like consistency and a distinctive taste, which is complemented by milk, cream, sugar, and often spices like nutmeg or cinnamon. Like milk punch, eggnog is frequently spiked with spirits, but its use of eggs and heavier texture set it apart as a heartier, more decadent holiday beverage.
Notes:
-To make this a bit lower calorie, use almond milk instead of half & half.
-Garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg, or crushed coffee beans.
-For more information about Mr. Black Coffee liqueur, please visit their website.
Equipment
- Hurricane glasses
- Cocktail Shaker
Twelve Days of Christmas Cocktails
- First Day of Christmas: Gingered Pear Margarita
- Second Day of Christmas: Bourbon Caramel Turtle Milkshake
- Third Day of Christmas: Christmas Ruby French 75
- Fourth Day of Christmas: Raspberry Snowtini Cocktail
- Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Golden Rings Cocktail
- Sixth Day of Christmas: Egg Nog Old Fashioned
- Seventh Day of Christmas: Christmas Swan Cocktail
- Eighth Day of Christmas: Espresso Milk Punch Cocktail
- Ninth Day of Christmas: Mandarin Fig Brandy Cocktail
- Tenth Day of Christmas: Cherry Bomb Cocktail
- Eleventh Day of Christmas: Amaretto Mulled Wine
- Twelfth Day of Christmas: Boozy Frozen Hot Chocolate (Two ways)
