Barring a couple of outliers, we all know the sequel is rarely ever as good as the original. After tasting Nico de Soto’s hot milk punch at Mace’s first holiday pop-up in December 2014, I set out to make my own version. His cocktail, titled Bad Santa, was an amalgamation of all the best flavors served hot in a santa mug. Even with similar ingredients, it will always be difficult to recreate the feeling I experienced sipping on that punch potion on that cold NYC night. That said, mine’s pretty damn fine. Thank you Nico de Soto, Greg Boehm, and Zachary Sharaga for a miracle of a pop-up and the nostalgia. Come be nostalgic with us!