In an “iron flip dog,” eggs, sugar, cream, spices, molasses, and even pumpkin are scalded in a mug using a hot fireplace poker. Any number of alcohols is then added. Few mixed drinks have the lineage of a flip. It was first mentioned in England in 1685, and Ishmael expounds upon its virtues in Moby Dick. When eggs were added, the flip was called a “Yard of Flannel,” alluding to the flannel-like surface caused by the cooked eggs. The heated flip has all but vanished, and the drink has literally taken a polar flip, since it is now served as a chilled cocktail. The iron pokers were also known as loggerheads; the expression “at loggerheads,” used for being in a heated dispute, derives from the heated discussions born of a surfeit of flips.
Hot pokers are not common bar tools anymore, so a true flip would be best sampled at home.
A flip should be frothy; it is therefore important to shake it vigorously.
- Yield: 1 drink
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total: Under 5 mins
- Active: Under 5 mins
Ingredients (5)
- 1 1/2 ounces desired liquor (brandy, sherry, port, and so forth)
- 1 small egg
- 1 teaspoon superfine sugar
- 1/2 ounce heavy cream (optional)
- Freshly ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Shake the liquor, egg, sugar, and cream very well with ice to emulsify the egg; then strain into a sour or wine glass. Dust with nutmeg.
Variation:
Hot Brandy Flip: Beat brandy, egg, and sugar in a mug. Fill with hot milk, and garnish with nutmeg.
