Thank you so much for stopping by! Today, we’re diving into a rich, creamy, and oh-so-sippable treat: the Cherry Bourbon Milk Punch. This cozy cocktail is a twist on the traditional milk punch—with vodka and coffee liqueur stepping in to give it a smooth mocha backbone, and cherry syrup or liqueur adding just the right touch of fruit-forward sweetness.
Think of it as your favorite boozy milkshake’s elegant, slow-sipping cousin. Whether you’re hosting brunch, craving something sweet after dinner, or just need a hug in a glass, this drink is pure velvet.
The Cherry Bourbon Milk Punch is a decadent, chilled cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, cherry syrup or liqueur, and heavy cream. Served over ice and topped with fresh cherries, this rich, dessert-like drink is ideal for evenings when you want something smooth, sweet, and seriously comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Vodka
- 1 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa)
- ¾ oz Cherry Syrup (or cherry liqueur like Luxardo or Heering)
- 1 oz Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter texture)
- Ice Cubes
- Fresh Cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Glass
Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
2. Build the Base
Pour in:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- ¾ oz cherry syrup or cherry liqueur
Stir gently to combine and chill.
3. Add the Cream
- For a layered presentation, slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon.
- For a smooth, blended drink, stir the cream into the mix for a unified texture.
4. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh cherries on a cocktail pick or floating in the glass. Optional: dust with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for extra warmth and flavor.
Notes
- Want a stronger punch? Substitute 1 oz of the vodka for bourbon to truly live up to the name.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version that’s still creamy and satisfying.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for a milkshake-like flavor boost.
Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Category: Drinks / Creamy Cocktails
Method: Built over ice
Cuisine: American / Modern
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: cherry milk punch, bourbon milk punch, creamy cocktail, cherry coffee cocktail, dessert cocktail, holiday drink
Video URL: Coming soon!
Equipment
- Rocks glass
- Jigger or measuring tool
- Bar spoon
- Spoon (for layering cream)
- Cocktail pick (optional, for garnish)
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 14g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 1g
Alcohol Content: Moderate to Strong
Helpful Tips
- Chill all your ingredients beforehand for the coldest, creamiest finish.
- Want to make this holiday-friendly? Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for festive flair.
- Use cherry-infused vodka for an extra layer of fruit flavor without changing the texture.
Conservation and Storage
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh, but you can pre-mix the vodka, liqueur, and syrup base and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the cream and garnish just before serving for best results.
Substitutions and Variations
🍒 Bourbon Upgrade: Swap vodka for bourbon for a more traditional, oaky flavor.
🍫 Mocha Cherry Punch: Add a splash of chocolate liqueur for dessert drink vibes.
🌱 Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or almond milk creamer for a vegan-friendly take.
Storage Instructions
- Pre-mix the vodka, coffee liqueur, and cherry syrup and store sealed in the fridge.
- Shake with cream and ice before serving.
- Garnish fresh every time to preserve texture and appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this really count as a “milk punch”?
Absolutely! While it uses cream instead of milk and skips the egg traditionally found in some milk punches, it falls beautifully into the creamy, spiked sipper category we all love.
Can I use bourbon instead of vodka?
Yes! In fact, it’s highly encouraged for a deeper, more robust flavor. Start with 1 oz vodka + 1 oz bourbon for balance.
What’s the best cherry syrup to use?
Homemade cherry syrup, Luxardo maraschino syrup, or even grenadine in a pinch. For more depth, go with cherry liqueur.
Can I batch this drink?
You bet! Just multiply the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher. Add cream and garnish to individual glasses when serving.
Conclusion
The Cherry Bourbon Milk Punch is your go-to creamy cocktail when you want comfort in a glass. It’s rich, velvety, and just the right balance of sweet and boozy. Whether you’re enjoying it fireside, as a dessert drink, or just because you deserve something indulgent—it never disappoints. 🍒🥃
💬 Tried it? Tag your cozy cocktail creations with #CherryMilkPunch on Instagram or Pinterest—I love seeing how you serve up your sweet sips!
More Cozy Creamy Cocktails to Try:
- 🍫 Bourbon Chocolate Cream Martini
- 🍒 Cherry Cheesecake Shot
- ☕ Toasted Coconut White Russian
- 🥃 Boozy Eggnog Milkshake
Cherry Bourbon Milk Punch
Description
The Cherry Bourbon Milk Punch is a decadent, chilled cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, cherry syrup or liqueur, and heavy cream. Served over ice and topped with fresh cherries, this rich, dessert-like drink is ideal for evenings when you want something smooth, sweet, and seriously comforting.
Ingredients
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Coffee Liqueur (like Kahlúa)
¾ oz Cherry Syrup (or cherry liqueur like Luxardo or Heering) 🍒
1 oz Heavy Cream (or half-and-half for a lighter texture) 🥛
Ice Cubes 🧊
Fresh Cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Glass
Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
2. Build the Base
Pour in:
-
2 oz vodka
-
1 oz coffee liqueur
-
¾ oz cherry syrup or cherry liqueur
Stir gently to combine and chill.
3. Add the Cream
-
For a layered presentation, slowly pour the heavy cream over the back of a spoon.
-
For a smooth, blended drink, stir the cream into the mix for a unified texture.
4. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh cherries on a cocktail pick or floating in the glass. Optional: dust with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for extra warmth and flavor.
Notes
Want a stronger punch? Substitute 1 oz of the vodka for bourbon to truly live up to the name.
Use half-and-half for a lighter version that’s still creamy and satisfying.
Add a splash of vanilla extract for a milkshake-like flavor boost.