Mardi Gras festivities are celebrated far and wide, but the vibrant city of New Orleans has a unique flair all its own. Nestled in the Garden District lies Commander’s Palace, a charming turquoise-and-white Victorian mansion that has been a culinary beacon for over 130 years, delighting guests with exquisite Creole cuisine. Among its many offerings, the iconic restaurant has been quenching the thirst of parade-goers with a special concoction known as Brandy Milk Punch.
Ella Brennan, the revered matriarch of Commander’s Palace, was a legendary figure in New Orleans culinary circles. A master at hosting unforgettable gatherings, she insisted that everyone partake in her signature Brandy Milk Punch during the festive season of Mardi Gras. Picture Miss Ella stationed outside the restaurant, generously distributing gallons of the creamy libation to passing parade floats. Today, her tradition endures, with the legendary punch continuing to spread joy and merriment.
A restaurant representative even recounted a charming anecdote about the drink’s importance: “Years ago, in a time before cell phones, a dear friend of the restaurant, Celia Slatten, who owned a fleet of tugboats, faced a dilemma when her float’s Milk Punch supply dwindled before the parade commenced. Her resourceful butler unveiled a peculiar device—a foot-long mobile phone—that allowed Celia to contact Ella at Commander’s Palace just a stone’s throw away from the parade. As the float glided past the restaurant, a flurry of white toques in the crowd passed up gallons of Milk Punch to replenish the supply.”
So what exactly is Milk Punch? This timeless libation has roots stretching back centuries, with two main iterations. The first, known as “clarified milk punch,” originates from 17th-century England and involves curdling milk with citrus before straining out the solids to create a transparent, velvety elixir favored by the elite. On the other hand, New Orleans boasts a more traditional, unclarified version of milk punch—a smooth blend of milk or cream, liquor (typically brandy, bourbon, or rum), sugar, and aromatic spices like nutmeg or vanilla. This creamy concoction became a staple at brunches, holiday gatherings, and, of course, Mardi Gras celebrations, offering a lighter alternative to eggnog for daytime revelry.
Miss Ella’s rendition of this classic cocktail remains a cherished gem in New Orleans. With its smooth, subtly sweet profile and just the right kick, her Brandy Milk Punch epitomizes the spirit of the city’s celebrations.
If you can’t make it to Bourbon Street this year, fear not—embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras with Miss Ella’s timeless Brandy Milk Punch recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces brandy
– 1 ounce simple syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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Pour yourself a glass of this iconic New Orleans libation. It is a Mardi Gras custom worth celebrating with a toast. Discover more about this famous drink by reading the full article on ALLRECIPES.
