The tiki drink called Jamaican Milk Punch is a unique cocktail that uses a technique known as milk-washing to create a clear, silky-smooth drink. The recipe and method for this drink are from the book “Smuggler’s Cove” by Martin Cate, and it involves using whole milk, heavy whipping cream, demerara syrup, Gosling’s Black Seal rum, vanilla extract, and Angostura bitters.
The Milk-Washing Process
The process of making Jamaican Milk Punch involves several steps, including the use of whole milk to chemically alter the cocktail and then strain the curds and polyphenols to leave a clear liquid. The acid from the fruit (in this case limes) curdles the milk, and the bitter agents in the cocktail chemically bond to the milk curds. The whey proteins in the whole milk provide a silky mouthfeel despite the drink being clear instead of cloudy like most “silky-mouthfeel” drinks. This process has been used in punch recipes dating back to the 1700s, and it was popular due to its extended shelf life and its ability to smooth out the bitter harshness of rums and whiskys common to that period.
The Recipe
The specific recipe for Jamaican Milk Punch includes:
- Lime juice
- Unsweetened black tea
- Cinnamon syrup
- Jamaican pot still rum
- Jamaican blended rum
- Banana liqueur
The process involves brewing the tea, adding all the ingredients except the milk into a pitcher, pouring the milk into a bowl, slowly pouring the pitcher of punch into the milk, and then gently stirring. After letting it sit for 20-30 minutes, the mixture is strained through a mesh strainer or colander lined with cheesecloth. The resulting clarified punch is then bottled and can be refrigerated for an extended period of time.
Serving Suggestions
The creator of the recipe, Bamboo Sam, serves Jamaican Milk Punch straight up on the rocks in a double rocks glass, without any garnish or straw, to create an optical illusion. The contrast of expectations to reality makes the drink seem even more silky-smooth. The creator also provides customizations for the recipe, such as using cinnamon syrup, and recommends serving the drink as a dessert due to its heavy nature.
A Unique Tiki Experience
Overall, Jamaican Milk Punch is a unique tiki drink that utilizes an interesting technique to create a clear, silky-smooth cocktail with a rich history and a delightful flavor profile. Its combination of ingredients and the milk-washing process results in a one-of-a-kind drinking experience that is sure to impress and delight those who try it.
