Garima Johar Has been updated: May 31, 2024
Whether you’re a tea or coffee drinker, if there’s one thing both have in common, it’s the inclusion of milk. As milk is one of the most popular and widely used beverages in any cuisine, 1 June is celebrated as World Milk Day across the globe. To celebrate this year, try these milk-based cocktails from bartenders.
Milk is an essential ingredient in most recipes, from breakfast bowls with your favourite cereal and milk to sweet puddings where milk is an essential ingredient.To recognise the importance of milk and recognize it as a global food, World Milk Day is celebrated every year on June 1st across the world.
To celebrate the day in style, Slurrp conducted exclusive interviews with renowned bartenders and experts from across the country. Want to learn more about how to add value to your drinks with milk? Check out their expert-crafted recipes and tips to try them at home.
The evolution of milk-based cocktails
“The use of milk in cocktails has evolved in many ways over the years. Traditionally, milk has been used primarily in creamy cocktails like White Russians and Mudslides. However, in recent years, mixologists have been experimenting more with incorporating milk into a wider range of cocktails, not just creamy drinks,” says bartender John Mack. Ratan Upadhyay, mixologist at The Nines.
On the contrary, Sonny Michael D’Souza, head mixologist at Charlie’s“Mixologists are increasingly pushing the boundaries of traditional cocktail recipes. Milk is being used in innovative ways – as a foam, infusion or even milk-washed spirits – to create unique flavour experiences. There has been a resurgence of interest in classic cocktails that traditionally use milk or cream. This revival has seen drinks such as the Brandea Alexander and Grasshopper become fashionable, often with a modern twist,” he added.
As for the current situation, Jonas Axe, Advocacy Lead, Bacardi India; “Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in milk clarification, also known as ‘lacto-clarification’ in mixology circles. This ancient technique, which originates from the Milk Punch cocktail of the early 1600s, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Its purpose is to tone down the flavors of strong drinks and remove much of the color, leaving them with an opaque or completely clear appearance.”
The taste and texture of milk-based cocktails
Milk is a smooth, silky drink that can add a unique flavor and character to a cocktail. According to mixologists and experts, milk not only softens the harshness of strong spirits, making the drink more refined and balanced, but it also imparts a subtle sweetness that enriches the flavor.
“Try adding milk to your cocktails to add some of the flavours and textures below,” says Ratan Upadhyay, bartender at The Nines.
Creaminess: Milk, especially whole milk or cream, can give a cocktail a rich, creamy texture that makes it smooth and makes every sip feel indulgent.
sweetness: Milk naturally contains lactose, a type of sugar that can add a hint of sweetness to a cocktail, and if your ingredients contain sour or acidic ingredients, adding milk can help balance the flavors.
Nutty: If you want to add a nutty flavour to your cocktail, you can tweak the classic recipe by using almond or hazelnut milk.
Creamy Foam: Shaking a cocktail with milk creates a layer of foam that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds a fluffy texture to the drink.
Types of milk commonly used in cocktails
While dairy milk is a fine choice, certain dietary restrictions and personal preferences lead mixologists to use different types of milk to create creamy cocktails.
“I like to use whole milk and almond milk in my cocktails, as each has their own unique characteristics. Whole milk imparts a rich, creamy texture and enhances the sweetness, adding depth and smoothness to the drink. Conversely, almond milk enhances flavor, adds a subtle sweetness, and offers a unique flavor profile. I avoid oat milk because it is temperature sensitive and can curdle and become sticky, making it unpleasant to drink,” she shares. Moksh Sani, founder of Living Liqudz and co-founder of Glenwalk, and Jitin Merani, co-founder of Glenwalk.
Jonas Axe, Advocacy Leader, Bacardi (India)“I usually use whole milk or full fat milk. In a normal cocktail, the fat content has a big impact on the flavour. Since you’re not using a lot of it anyway, value for money is important. The same is true for clarified milk drinks: the more milk fat, the better.”
Milk-based cocktail recipes from mixologists and experts
Enchanted Butter Brew By Moksh Sani, Founder of Living Liqudz and Co-Founder of Glenwalk, and Jitin Merani, Co-Founder of Glenwalk
- Salted butter: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Caramel syrup: 30ml
- Butterscotch Crush: 30ml
- Milk: 200ml
- Pink Himalayan salt: a pinch
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Vanilla extract: 2 dashes
- Ice cubes
- Glen Walk Whisky: 60ml
- Cream soda: refill
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients together and mix.
- Coat the rim of the glass with a mixture of ground cinnamon and brown sugar.
- Pour into a rimmed glass with a few ice cubes.
- Top with whipped cream, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and caramel popcorn.
The inspiration behind the cocktail
As a child, I always loved watching Harry Potter during summer and winter holidays. I was fascinated by the magical and enchanting experiences and amazing storylines. As an avid Potter fan with a passion for cooking, I enjoyed recreating the recipes from the movies, especially the classic butterbeer.
When I took on the role of brand ambassador for The Glen Walk, I knew I had to create something Harry Potter themed with this special blended Scotch. The sweet caramel notes and hints of spice from The Glen Walk allowed me to infuse this Scottish wonder with my Indian heritage. The decision to create a milk-based cocktail was a thoughtful one, based on an understanding of the multifaceted properties of milk. Recognizing milk’s dual ability to provide a cool sensation in the heat of summer and a comforting warmth on chilly days highlights a nuanced understanding of culinary alchemy.
I have collaborated with our expert mixologist, Babji Jinaga, to create a magical milk-based cocktail, the Enchanted Glen Butterbrew, an exquisite blend of my favourite whiskeys and flavours perfect for any season. Whether you are braving the scorching heat of India’s summers, enjoying the soothing monsoons or savouring the cosiness of winter, this versatile cocktail will bring the magic of Harry Potter to life with every sip.
Sonny Michael D’Souza, head mixologist at Charlie’s
- JW Double Black: 52.5ml
- Fresh whole milk: 30ml
- Honey syrup: 7.5ml
- Amnondo or nutmeg for garnish
- Cheese for decoration
Instructions:
- Mix JW Double Black, milk and honey.
- Pour mixture into a coupe glass.
- Garnish the cocktail with grated grilled cheese.
- Sprinkle with grated nutmeg or almonds.
The inspiration behind the cocktail
At Charlee, our customers often request drinks made with dairy products that have a rich, luxurious taste, so we created a rich, creamy cocktail to meet their requests.
Milk Clarifying Cocktail Jonas Axe, Advocacy Leader, Bacardi (India)
- Dewar’s 12 Year: 150ml
- Earl Grey tea: 90ml
- Lime juice: 50ml
- Mango puree: 50ml
- Sugar syrup: 50ml
- Cardamom powder: 2.5g
- Whole milk: 75ml
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients except milk and slowly pour milk into cocktail mix.
- Leave it for 2 to 3 hours to solidify.
- Strain through a coffee filter.
- Serve over ice. Makes 4 drinks.
The inspiration behind the cocktail
This cocktail combines the tropical aroma of fresh mango with a hint of cardamom. Earl Grey tea works very well with Dewar’s 12 Year Old as the base of the drink. After clarification, all the flavors mellow out, resulting in a velvety tropical summer drink.
Dewar’s Latte Martini Jonas Axe, Advocacy Leader, Bacardi (India)
- Dewar’s 15 Year: 60ml
- Espresso: 60ml
- Whole milk: 15ml
- Hazelnut syrup: 5ml
- Coffee beans: 3
Instructions:
- Add first 4 ingredients to shaker and shake with ice.
- Pour into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans.
The inspiration behind the cocktail
This is an Espresso Martini for cappuccino lovers. Most Espresso Martinis are quite rich with black coffee and vodka. This version uses DEWAR’S 15YO instead of vodka and adds milk and hazelnut syrup.
Tips for making the perfect milk cocktail
If you’re new to making cocktails with milk, here are some tips shared by experts and mixologists who have mastered the art.
Use fresh milk: Always use fresh milk and other ingredients for best flavor and texture. Check expiration dates and store milk properly in the refrigerator.
Choosing the right milk: Choose your type of milk based on the flavor and texture you want in your cocktail: whole milk for creaminess, skim milk for a lighter taste, or choose a dairy alternative for a unique flavor profile.
tool: Invest in some basic bartending tools like a shaker, strainer, jigger (for measuring) and a good mixing spoon.
Chill the ingredients: Keep all ingredients, including milk, chilled before mixing, as this will help maintain the desired consistency and prevent spoilage.
Mix well: Shake the cocktail vigorously with the milk to achieve a well-mixed, frothy texture, which is especially important for drinks like the White Russian or Brandy Alexander.
They also advise, “Milk can curdle and spoil when mixed with sour or citrus ingredients, resulting in an unpleasant texture and taste. Additionally, certain liqueurs may not mix well with milk, resulting in undesirable flavor combinations. If the ingredients do not mix harmoniously, there is a risk of food poisoning or acid reflux. Therefore, careful selection and preparation are key to ensuring safe and enjoyable milk-based cocktails.” Moksh Sani, founder of Living Liqudz and co-founder of Glenwalk, and Jitin Merani, co-founder of Glenwalk.
But above all, Jonas Axe, Advocacy Lead, Bacardi India; I encourage you to experiment, it’s a great ingredient, from the classic White Russell to Whiskey Punch.
