Cocktailing

Like it or not, the holidays are upon us. It's a time when our drinks become browner and richer. This milk punch is a nice compromise if you're not an egg nog fan. The milk brings a richness to the warmth of the spirits, and the nutmeg adds the aroma that always puts me in a good mood. As a big fan of Charles Dickens, Punches intrigue me. So reading through the Punch iOS app and samplng Dave Wondrich's book has put me in a mind to do a future series on punches. Perhaps as a spirit-raiser in the new year. 1 1/4 ounce brandy or bourbon 1/2 ounce dark rum 2 ounces of whole milk or half-and-half 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 ounce simple syrup Add all components to a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with nutmeg to taste. Photos by Lisa Denkinger See photo (https://instagram.com/p/BNU5rWOgTjT/) See photo (https://instagram.com/p/BNU5ml0Asfs/) "Holiday Milk Punch" in Garden & Gun (http://gardenandgun.com/article/holiday-milk-punch) Punch: Delights (and Dangers) of the