Milk Punch

Class of edible crystalline substances, mainly sucrose for table sugar. Many 19th century recipes specifically called for white sugar, which is more refined and preferred over browner sugars. But modern white sugar is probably too refined, making raw cane sugar the best, easily available choice.

Ubiquitous chemical substance that is composed of hydrogen and oxygen and is essential for all forms of life -- also a component of all drinks.

Rum produced in Saint Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Typically light rums with a sharp flavor.

The new general availability of ice in the mid 1800s revolutionized bar-tending and drinking. Ice was delivered in blocks that then had to to be broken, crushed, picked and shaved for increasingly popular individual drinks (as opposed to large punches).

Opaque white liquid produced by the mammary glands of mammals.

Seed from an evergreen tree indigenous to the Banda Islands in the Moluccas of Indonesia, or Spice Islands. Nutmeg is the actual seed of the tree while mace is the dried "lacy" reddish covering or arillus of the seed. Nutmeg and mace have similar taste qualities, nutmeg having a slightly sweeter and mace a more delicate flavour. Nutmeg is a tasty addition to cheese sauces and is best grated fresh (see nutmeg grater). Nutmeg is a traditional ingredient in mulled cider, mulled wine, and eggnog.