Crimson Sleigh Ride

A modern holiday clarified milk punch, this festive drink uses roasted beet for vibrant color and subtle earthiness, balanced by baking spice, dark rum, orange, and a silky clarified texture. The result is a jewel-toned, lightly creamy cocktail with holiday aromatics and bright visual appeal. Ingredients (yields about 4 drinks, 600ml): - 4 oz (120ml) dark rum - 2 oz (60ml) aged amaro (e.g., Averna) - 1.5 oz (45ml) fresh roasted beet juice* (see below) - 2 oz (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice - 2 oz (60ml) lemon juice - 2 oz (60ml) demerara syrup (1:1) - 1 cinnamon stick - 2 cloves - 1 star anise - 1 pinch ground nutmeg - 8 oz (240ml) whole milk *Roasted beet juice: Roast 1 medium beet at 400°F (200°C) for 45 min, peel, chop and blend with 3 oz (90ml) water, strain through fine mesh/cheesecloth. Yields about 1.5 oz. Clarification process: 1. Combine rum, amaro, beet juice, orange juice, lemon juice, demerara syrup, and all spices in a large jar. Stir well. 2. In a separate bowl, gently heat the whole milk until just steaming (do not boil), then pour into a clean large jug/bowl. 3. Slowly pour the cocktail mixture into the hot milk (not the reverse) while stirring. Let stand undisturbed at room temperature for 30 minutes. 4. Strain mixture through a coffee filter or fine cheesecloth-lined sieve. Repeat until the liquid is clear and jewel-red, with creamy body. 5. Chill clarified punch until cold. Serve in: Double old fashioned glass, over a large clear ice cube. Garnish: Expressed orange peel and a small slice of roasted beet on a cocktail pick (optional). This clarified milk punch is lightly creamy and silk-smooth, with earthy beet, warming spice, and a holiday citrus lift—perfect for celebrating in style.