Was this 1914 non-alcoholic punch actually a hidden boozy treat?
In short: This video recreates a Cuban Milk Punch from the 1914 cookbook Simply Called Drinks by Jacqui Strob. While categorized as non-alcoholic, the recipe calls for a significant amount of vanilla extract, raising questions about its true composition and the historical perception of alcohol in culinary ingredients.
The recipe combines vanilla, sugar, egg, and milk, requiring a full ounce and a quarter of vanilla extract. Because vanilla extract is alcohol-based, the drink challenges the modern definition of a non-alcoholic beverage. The video examines how this ingredient was utilized in early 20th-century cooking and whether the final result truly qualifies as alcohol-free.
By mixing and tasting the drink, the host evaluates its flavor and texture while contextualizing the recipe within the broader history of vintage culinary trends. The process concludes with the traditional method of shaking, straining, and serving the punch in a thin glass.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Vintage Non-Alcoholic Cocktail: Cuban Milk Punch Recipe from 1914
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