Milk in cocktails? At first glance, it sounds wrong.
But give it a chance, because milk punching is one of the most elegant, surprising, and rewarding techniques in the cocktail world.
Born in the 1700s and revived by modern bartenders in recent years, milk punches are all about transformation. The result? A drink that’s completely clear, incredibly smooth, and layered with delicate flavour.
Once you try one, you get it. And you want another.
Today we’re sharing a recipe we love, a Rhubarb & Custard Milk Punch,
and yes, it stars Manchester Gin Rhubarb & Elderflower.
What is a Milk Punch, Anyway?
At its core, a milk punch is a clarified cocktail.
You combine citrus and alcohol with milk (yes, actual milk) which curdles. Then you strain it slowly through a cloth or coffee filter, and something magical happens: the curds catch the solids and the liquid that emerges is clear, silky and shelf-stable.
The flavour mellows. The mouthfeel softens. The end result is elegant and utterly unexpected.
The Rhubarb & Custard Milk Punch
This recipe is a subtle twist on childhood nostalgia, made with grown-up technique and spirit.
It pairs the delicate fruit and floral lift of our Rhubarb & Elderflower gin with a creamy custard note and a touch of citrus to balance.
🍸 You’ll need:
40ml Manchester Gin Rhubarb & Elderflower
20ml Lillet Rosé (or a rosé vermouth)
10ml Vanilla Syrup
10ml Lemon Juice
Mix these together in a jug.
In a second jug, combine:
30ml whole milk
1 tsp custard powder
Slowly pour your cocktail mix into the milk mixture, not the other way around, and let it curdle gently. It might look odd, but trust the process.
Strain slowly through a muslin cloth or coffee filter. Take your time, this can take a while, but the clarity and smoothness are worth it.
Pour over ice & garnish with rose petals.
✨ Serves one.
Scale it up for a jug serve or a bottled batch.
Even better, it keeps in the fridge for months.
Why It Works So Well
The balance of sharp rhubarb, soft elderflower and creamy custard is what makes this version so moreish. And because the punch is clarified, it drinks light and easy. Perfect for warm evenings or slow weekends.
Serve it at a dinner party and watch it steal the conversation.
Where to Start
You can find Manchester Gin Rhubarb & Elderflower online now, distilled in the heart of the city, and now back for good.
It’s a gin that brings flavour without overpowering sweetness, and complexity without fuss.
It just happens to shine in a milk punch.
