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Clarified Milk Punch Recipe

Course Drinks
Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time + Straining & Final Preps 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dark rum or your choice of spirit, such as bourbon or brandy
  • 1 cup black tea brewed and cooled
  • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice optional for a tropical twist
  • Garnish: Lemon peel or fresh herbs

Instructions

Mix the Base

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the rum, black tea, lemon juice, sugar, and pineapple juice (if using). Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This will serve as the flavorful base of your punch.

Add the Milk

  1. Gently heat the milk on the stove until warm, but not boiling. Remove from heat.
  2. Slowly pour the warm milk into the cocktail mixture. Do not stir. As the milk interacts with the acidic lemon juice, it will begin to curdle. This step is crucial for the clarification process.

Let It Rest

  1. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 30 minutes. This resting time helps the curds fully form and bind to impurities in the punch.

Strain the Mixture

  1. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and place it over a clean bowl or pitcher.
  2. Slowly pour the mixture through the cheesecloth, allowing the liquid to pass through while the curds remain behind. For an ultra-clear punch, you may need to repeat the straining process one or two more times.

Chill and Serve

  1. Transfer the clarified punch to a clean container and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  2. Serve over ice and garnish with a twist of lemon peel or fresh herbs like mint for an aromatic touch.

Recipe Notes

Experiment with Flavors: The beauty of clarified milk punch lies in its versatility. Swap out the rum for bourbon, or add a splash of spiced liqueur for a seasonal twist.
Don’t Rush the Straining: Patience is key. Allow the mixture to filter slowly for the clearest punch.
Batch for a Party: Clarified milk punch is ideal for batch preparation. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it perfect for entertaining.