The Whisky Flip belongs to the family of Flips – drinks that are shaken with a whole egg or just the yolk and thereby develop a velvety, almost mousse-like texture. Unlike Sours, it is made without citrus, but with cream and a topping of freshly grated nutmeg. A drink for cool evenings that reminds of eggnog, but tastes distinctly more compact and mature.
And this is what you need for the Whisky Flip
5 cl Blended Scotch
2 cl heavy cream
1 cl simple syrup
1 egg yolk
freshly grated nutmeg
What matters
The dry shake – meaning the first shake without ice – is crucial for Flips. The egg yolk needs mechanical energy to merge with the cream and syrup into a stable emulsion. If you add ice immediately, the mixture cools down too quickly, the egg whites bind poorly and the drink becomes watery instead of velvety. Some bartenders add the shaker spring (the coil from the Hawthorne strainer) into the shaker after the dry shake – this enhances the emulsifying effect. Always grate the nutmeg fresh; pre-ground powder smells musty and doesn’t bring any essential oils.
Variations
- Brandy Flip — 5 cl Cognac instead of whisky, otherwise identical – the original Flip from the 19th century
- Port Wine Flip — 6 cl ruby port, 1 egg yolk, 1 cl simple syrup, no cream – sweeter, more wine-like, classically Victorian
- Rum Flip — 5 cl dark rum (e.g. Plantation Original Dark), otherwise like Whisky Flip, optionally a pinch of cinnamon instead of nutmeg
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a whole egg instead of just the yolk?
Yes, then the drink becomes more voluminous and foamy, but also less creamy. With a whole egg, leave out 2 cl cream or reduce to 1 cl.
Which whisky works best?
Blended Scotch like Monkey Shoulder or Famous Grouse – round, not too smoky. Islay whiskies with lots of peat overpower the creaminess.
How long does the Flip keep?
Not at all. Flips with raw egg yolk should always be freshly mixed and drunk immediately, otherwise the emulsion separates and the texture turns.
Do I absolutely need cream?
No, historical Flips often came without. Without cream, the drink becomes lighter, but also less rounded – then consider using 1.5 cl syrup.
