Is it whiskey punch, or milk punch with a punch? Given its name it must be the latter. In any case, scailtin (Irish whiskey milk punch) is a great drink for a cold winter night. For this recipe I used Jameson because for some reason it seems to be more popular than Bushmills.
This old Irish recipe is similar to a hot toddy, but milk is used instead. It is also sweetened with honey, and flavored with cinnamon and ginger. This Irish "cocktail" is absolutely delicious!
So, I got into the spirit (no pun intended) of this drink because we're so close to St. Patrick's day. Besides, my husband Tom and I are getting ready to travel again to Ireland in May for our 30th wedding anniversary. One of the things we are looking forward to is visiting many of the amazing and colorful pubs like the one you see above.
Scailtin is an old-timey drink
Scailtin (Irish Whiskey Milk Punch) is a beverage dating back to the 1700's. Some early versions of this recipe were served in a punch bowl. Alcohol was used as a preservative, so the beverage was also sold bottled. This was such a popular drink that in 1838 Queen Victoria granted Nathaniel's Whissof's company exclusive rights to be the sole purveyors of scailtin to the crown. An honor indeed!
Other milk punches
A similar type of milk punch is popular in New Orleans and other parts of the Deep South.
Syllabub and posset are old English recipes that are also similar to scailtin (Irish whiskey milk punch). For example, syllabub is an old English dessert that came to America with the colonists. It was popular between the 16-19th centuries. Posset was a similar drink also made with milk, and spiked with ale or wine. You will be interested to find out that posset was used as a cold and flu remedy according to certain 15th century sources.
Some Irish history
Before I let you go I want to share some Irish whiskey history with you. By the 17th century, Irish whiskey had a better reputation than its Scottish counterpart. The British then instituted the malted barley tax which made Irish whiskey more expensive. So, the resourceful Irish changed the recipe to use a combination that required less malted barley, thus lowering the tariff, and changing the flavor of this popular spirit. The change proved beneficial because it gave a rise to the popularity of Irish whiskey, and with that came a rise in the number of new distilleries. Another interesting change that came about: the addition of the "e" to the word by producers such as John Jameson. This was done in order to differentiate Irish whiskey from Scottish whisky. I think you will be able to impress your friends with this new knowledge.
Enjoy this beverage today, and as the Irish say: Slainté
Being that St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, you might be interested in these other Irish recipes:
Dublin Coddle: is a hearty Irish stew made with bangers (Irish sausages), and vegetables. Irish butter cookies are favorite melt in your mouth shortbread cookie recipe that does call for Irish butter, no substitutes. If you want to make a hearty meal for your family then you have to try Guinness beef stew. Serve this heart dish with Irish soda bread or a sweeter version, Irish brown bread.
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Scailtin (Irish whiskey milk punch)
Ingredients
freshly grated nutmeg to decorate
Instructions
- Pour milk and whiskey in a small saucepan.
- Stir in the honey, ginger and cinnamon. Heat slowly while whisking. Do not let it come to a boil.
- Pour into mugs. Top with grated nutmeg.
Nutrition
Barclays
Yea sure. Jameson is quite popular and I think your readers would easily relate with Jameson. Though its also nice for anyone to try both and taste the difference.
Analida
Thanks! I think my readers will like it too. It is so delicious. I hope you get to try it. Thank you for the 5 star rating.
Gloria
Sounds like the perfect drink for St. Paddy's Day. I think the flavour combination sounds delicious. The perfect drink to warm up from the cold.
Analida
This is one of my favorite winter hot cocktails!
Denise
This looks so creamy and yummy! Its something to have all year, not just St. Patrick's day.
Analida
This will warm you up on a cold winter night! Cheers!
Dan from Platter Talk
What an awesome post! I grew up milking cows and in all of my 50+. years I have never heard of a milk punch! I've never been to Ireland either but your wonderful post and photos have connected both food and travel and have me thinking that we may have to visit some day!
Analida
Ireland is one of my all-time favorite places to visit. Everyone is so warm and welcoming!
Shelley
This looks like such a great way for me to pretend like Ohio winter isn't happening outside. 😉 Especially with St. Patty's day coming up this is something I've got to try!
Analida
There is nothing like a hot toddy style drink to warm you up!
Heather Perine
I went to Ireland about a year ago. Oh you are just going to love it!! It's so beautiful. Make sure to go to Galway - hands down the best city ever. I am going to have to try drink this St. Patty's day and reminisce 🙂
Analida
Our Ireland trip was Amazing and we also love Galway! What a great city.
Jo
This sounds like a perfect drink for any gathering. With St.Patricks day around the corner this drink would be perfect to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
Julie
I've never heard of this, but it sounds absolutely delicious! I think after all the snow falls tomorrow, I'll make hot chocolate for the kids, and one (or two!) of these for me!!
Analida
This is a great hot drink for a snowy day! Thanks Julie!
Jacque
I would love to sip on this year around, however, this is the perfect addition to our St. Patrick's Day festivities.
Kiki Johnson
Oh DELICIOUS! This recipe comes just in time for St. Patrick's day and looks absolutely divine! I wonder if it tastes nice iced too!
Deseree
What a tasty beverage to enjoy this St. Patricks Day. Nothing beats a good Irish whiskey cocktail.
Chef Markus Mueller
I had heard of a posset before but never net it was used as a cold and flu remedy! I love learning about the history of food and where it came from! Thanks for sharing your milk punch recipe!
Chef and Steward
This was a such an informative post on the food treats of Ireland! This drink sounds amazing! Happy Anniversary when it comes! Ireland is such a beautiful country to celebrate!
Kelsey Rickert
This looks and sounds so good! We love whisky in our house so this is a must try! Plus I have never tried anything like it so I cannot wait to try it out!
Linda
I had this at Bow street and they called it a Jameson Honeycomb. Best warm drink ever!!!
Analida
That is fantastic! I had a Jameson, ginger and lime at the Midleton distillery. They do such a fantastic job with their tours.
Ronni
Loved the flavor combinations! I made this cold over ice and that worked too!
Analida
That sounds great! Cheers!
Windy Bobindy
So good.I just used sugar free Torani syrup (brown sugar and cinnamon to your liking) I’ll be sure to make this in winter time.Cheers!!
Analida
That sounds delicious!!