Panther milk: created by the Spanish army and popularized in the ’80s

Very few people know panther milk, although some surely remember it from their youthful years at parties in Madrid. Meanwhile, others drank it and continue to drink it in the Spanish army. In fact, it was the latter who created it. It is said that this cocktail arose from the mixture of condensed milk that they had as part of their rationing together with ethyl alcohol from the infirmary. A real bomb.

Even so, the updated version was created by the barista Perico Chicote, who baptized it as ‘panther’ in homage to the actress Celia Gámez, whose eyes were slanted and penetrating like those of a feline. Still today it is prepared in some bars in Madrid where many come to remember the flavors of the past. A refreshing drink ideal to offer something different and exotic, especially if accompanied by its history.

Ingredients of a panther milk cocktail

• 40 ml of gin
• 1 dash of hazelnut or almond liquor
• 80 ml condensed milk
• 80 ml of whole milk
• Ice
• Cinnamon for garnish

Glasses of panther milk. | Shutterstock

How to prepare the cocktail

1. Very simple. In a cocktail shaker or in a wide plastic glass, add the gin and the liquor of your choice. It can be hazelnut, almond or even cinnamon or aniseed. Whichever one you like best.
2. Add the condensed milk together with the whole milk, both cold. Finally add a couple of large ice cubes to the shaker or a large plastic cup. Shake according to taste.
3. Pour the contents into a wide rock glass (wishky style) along with two ice cubes, or crushed ice if preferred. Sprinkle a little cinnamon on top – without cinnamon it can’t be considered panther’s milk!