Mr. Bingle’s Milk Punch

I always knew the holiday season was near when Goudchaux’s/Maison Blanche filled
their shelves with Mr. Bingles. For those of you not from these parts, Mr. Bingle is a
true South Louisiana icon. Santa brought this musically inclined snowman to life, and
he became one of his loyal helpers. Every Christmas, he took up residence on the front
of the Canal Street Masion Blanche building. One year my Mother and I were doing
some last minute shopping at Goudchaux’s and one of the Sternberg’s gave me a Mr.
Bingle stuffed toy to take home. I have been a fan ever since. Mr. Bingle takes me
back to a time when department stores were local chains. A place where a man played
piano under a heavy crystal chandelier, while patrons shopped for fine jewelry and fur
coats. Now they have become a place of second-rate clothes and celebrity fashion
lines, but I digress…

I decided to make a milk punch in honor of my childhood friend, Mr. Bingle. I hope you
like it.

Mr. Bingle’s Milk Punch

4 cups milk
1 cup half and half
1 1/2 cups bourbon

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
Small “Magical Candy Canes” for garnish

In a pitcher, whisk together milk, half-and-half, bourbon, sugar and vanilla. Freeze until
slushy, which will take 3 to 4 hours, but you can leave it in there up to a day. Stir before
serving it in chilled glasses. Garnish with Mr. Bingle’s candy canes.

cherrythedivebargirl@gmail.com

PS—Mr. Bingle has found a new home for the holidays in New Orleans City Park. Visit
him at the Celebration in the Oaks. http://celebrationintheoaks.com