This Vegan Bourbon Milk Punch recipe is a sweet, boozy creamy cocktail with warm spices and a touch of vanilla. It pairs perfectly with brunch, the holidays, or anytime! With just 5 ingredients you'll love this dairy-free version of the New Orleans bourbon milk punch.
If you haven't had milk punch before, think of it as eggnog's lighter, more fun relative. Traditionally made with dairy, this vegan version is just as good!
As with my vegan Baileys Irish cream and vegan eggnog recipes, these classic drinks can be enjoyed by everyone.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Simple ingredients
- Great fall and winter cocktail
- Easy cocktail recipe
What is milk punch?
The classic milk punch cocktail is a creamy alcoholic drink made with milk or heavy cream, spirits like brandy or bourbon, sugar, and flavorings. It's typically served chilled and often garnished with spices like nutmeg.
This vegan milk punch recipe is a riff on the New Orleans milk punch with using bourbon, vanilla and other pantry items.
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Bourbon - Use your favorite bourbon for this milk cocktail. If you are sensitive to gluten grain-based bourbon, Hudson Baby Bourbon is 100% corn-based and could be a good alternative.
Organic cane sugar - Using organic cane sugar makes it vegan-friendly. Feel free to substitute regular cane sugar or maple syrup or honey (not vegan).
Maple syrup and honey will slightly alter the flavor of the syrup and drink.
Almond milk - This dairy-free alternative is used in place of cream or whole milk. Unsweetened oat milk can be substituted but it adds a slightly nutty flavor.
Other unsweetened dairy-free milk like cashew or coconut milk can be subbed, too. These will also alter the flavor.
Vanilla extract - This adds flavor and sweetness without more added sugar! If you have bourbon vanilla extract, this really amps up the flavors. I buy mine at Trader Joe's.
Nutmeg - This is used just as a garnish for the top of the drink but really completes the flavor profile.
Ground nutmeg works well, but use freshly grated nutmeg if you have it. Ground cinnamon is a good substitute.
How to make vegan bourbon milk punch
Before you start: You can make the simple syrup a day or two ahead of time.
Step 1: To make simple syrup, place 1 cup water and 1 cup organic cane sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally until all sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
Step 2: In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add bourbon whiskey and almond milk, vanilla extract, and simple syrup. Shake for 20 to 30 seconds.
Strain over a rocks glass filled with ice or straight up in a chilled glass. Sprinkle with fresh nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
Recipe tips
- Make the simple syrup a day or two ahead to save time. Store-bought simple syrup is a great time-saver too.
- Not a fan of bourbon or brandy? Use dark rum in your milk punch cocktail!
Serving suggestions
This easy bourbon milk punch is a great drink for the winter months and a perfect option for celebrating the holiday season. It also makes for an excellent brunch cocktail. Make it a dessert cocktail too!
Serve this brunch cocktail alongside pancakes, French toast casserole, broiled grapefruit, or simple scones.
If you like milk punch, you must try an espresso martini!
FAQs
Absolutely. Milk punch is traditionally served with brandy or bourbon. Make it a brandy milk punch instead!
The biggest difference between eggnog and milk punch is that eggnog uses egg yolks, giving it a thicker, more custard-like texture.
More bourbon drinks
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Bourbon Milk Punch
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 cup water
Vegan Bourbon Milk Punch
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3 ounces unsweetened almond milk
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (bourbon vanilla if you have it!)
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- ground nutmeg for sprinkling
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- To make simple syrup, place 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until all sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add bourbon, almond milk, vanilla extract, and simple syrup. Shake for 20 to 30 seconds. Strain over a rocks glass filled with ice. Sprinkle with nutmeg.
Mickie
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Clark Smithwick
This is not really a milk punch, more of a cocktail
Alanna
I love everything about this! <3
Tessa
Aw, thank you, Alanna!! xo.
Kathryn
I went to New Orleans years ago (before I was able to legally drink!) + I can't help feeling that I missed out on so much good eating and drinking. I can't wait to recreate a little bit of that mardi gras magic in my kitchen : )
Tessa
Ooh yes, Mardi Gras magic! You'll have to go back sometime - every time we go back for a visit I have to make a list of all the food/drink places I want to hit. So good!
Christina @ Bake with Christina
What a yummy looking drink, so refreshing and flavorful!! Pinned :)
Tessa
Thanks, Christina!! It is real easy to drink. ;)
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
Your photos are stunning! I've never had milk punch before, but sounds like something I would definitely like! Looking forward to trying this out.
Tessa
Thanks so much, Liz! It is pretty tasty - I hope you like it! :)
Steph
What a wonderful drink. Could you add some cinnamon as well? Would that fit?
http://globalspicedblog.tumblr.com
Tessa
I think a bit of cinnamon would work here as well - you'll have to let me know if you try it! Thanks, Steph!