Bourbon Flip
The Bourbon Flip is a silky smooth bourbon-based cocktail. Like any flip cocktail, it is shaken with a whole egg and sweetened with sugar.
The dash of light/single cream and nutmeg add to the Bourbon Flip's festive popularity and create a warming aroma and flavour.
The Flip family of cocktails trace their roots to late 17th-century colonial America. The original recipe called for beer, sugar and spices to be mixed and heated with a red-hot poker. The surge of heat caused the drink to foam or flip over the tankard, with flip eventually becoming the drinks name.
As time passed the (dangerous) usage of heat became less common, a whole egg was introduced, and other spirits like rum or whiskey replaced the beer as the cocktail became more refined.
The flip now refers to any alcoholic drink mixed with sugar and whole egg, although the distinction between a flip and the popular eggnog became less clear. Typically though the eggnog cocktail contains more cream and uses more egg than the flip.
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2
Equipment
- coupe glass
Ingredients
- 60 ml bourbon whisky
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp fine sugar
- 15 ml light cream (optional)
- 1 pinch grated nutmeg (to garnish)
Instructions
- Pour in all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well until chilled and frothy (for about 2 minutes).
- Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with some nutmeg.
FAQ
How strong is it?
A standard serve (50ml bourbon at 40% ABV, plus egg and sugar) comes to about 2.0 alcohol units – similar to a Manhattan, but heavier in body thanks to the egg.
What glass is it served in?
Traditionally in a stemmed coupe or small wine glass, topped with a dusting of nutmeg.
When is it best enjoyed?
The Flip is often thought of as a winter or after-dinner drink, like the Brandy Alexander or Eggnog. It’s warming, filling, and works beautifully as a dessert-style cocktail.
What’s the history of Flips?
Flips date back to the 1600s, when they were originally hot drinks made with beer, rum, and eggs. Over time they evolved into cold, spirit-based cocktails like the Bourbon Flip we know today.