Port Flip Cocktail Recipe

Port Flip Nutrition Facts

Calories:250

Fat:5g

Protein:6g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:10%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Port Flip cocktail has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. It was originally created as a warming drink for sailors during cold weather. The cocktail has since evolved and become a popular choice for those who enjoy a sophisticated and flavorful drink.

  • The Port Flip is said to have been a favorite of British sailors during the 1800s
  • It has been featured in numerous classic cocktail books, including Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide
  • The cocktail has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, as bartenders and mixologists rediscover classic recipes

How Port Flip Tastes?

The Port Flip has a rich, velvety texture with a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The port wine provides a fruity, complex base, while the egg and sugar create a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. The nutmeg adds a hint of spice, making this cocktail a delightful treat for the senses.

Interesting facts about Port Flip

  • The Port Flip is sometimes referred to as a 'dessert cocktail' due to its rich and sweet flavor profile
  • The use of a whole egg in the recipe is a nod to the traditional 'flip' style of cocktails, which often included eggs for added richness and texture
  • Port wine, the main ingredient in this cocktail, has been produced in Portugal for centuries and is known for its distinctive sweet, fruity flavor

Ingredients

  • Port wine: 2 oz(60ml)
  • Whole egg: 1
  • Sugar: 0.5 oz(15ml)
  • Nutmeg: 1 pinch
  • Ice: As needed

Port wine: 2 oz

Port wine is the star of this cocktail; it's a fortified wine from Portugal with a rich, sweet flavor profile that blends seamlessly with the creamy texture of an egg. Using 2 oz is just enough to appreciate its depth without overpowering the drink. If you use less, the cocktail could lose its backbone, and if you use more, you might need to book a ticket to snooze town.

Emma Rose

Whole egg: 1

Our little oval friend here is what gives your flip the flip! It creates a silky texture and frothy top when shaken well. Leave it out and your cocktail becomes a lackluster cousin of a wine spritzer. Alternatively, for those feeling egg-cited about vegan options, a dollop of aquafaba can do the trick, just expect a lighter body.

Mary Mitkina

Sugar: 0.5 oz

Sweetness is key to balancing the port's depth, and 0.5 oz of sugar is your golden ticket to a well-balanced libation. Less sugar might leave you in tart territory, while more could make you feel like you’re drinking pancake syrup in disguise — and that's a sticky situation!

Alex Green

Nutmeg: 1 pinch

Our fragrant friend nutmeg adds a dash of holiday cheer and sophistication to each sip. Forget this, and you might find your drink tasting like it's missing a secret ingredient — because it is. As a substitute, cinnamon could play a similar warm-spicy role but nutmeg is the traditional go-to.

Emma Rose

Ice: As needed

Ice, ice, baby! It chills, it dilutes, it makes everything nice! Without it, you'll have a warm egg soup, and believe me, that's not what you want in your cocktail glass. No cube substitutes here. Keep it cold, keep it bold!

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Port Flip Drink

  1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the port wine, whole egg, and sugar
  2. Shake vigorously without ice to emulsify the egg and create a frothy texture
  3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again to chill the mixture
  4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or wine glass
  5. Grate a pinch of nutmeg over the top of the drink for garnish and aroma

Pro Tips

  • Shake the cocktail vigorously to fully emulsify the egg and create a smooth, creamy texture
  • Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aroma and flavor
  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer

Perfect Pairings

Cheese & Charcuterie

Pair this rich and slightly sweet cocktail with a bold cheese, such as blue cheese or aged cheddar, which will complement the sweetness of the port while the egg's creaminess mirrors the cheese's soft texture. Add in some charcuterie like prosciutto or chorizo for a salty contrast.

Chocolate Desserts

This cocktail's sweet and full-bodied nature makes it an excellent match for dark chocolate desserts. Think chocolate ganache tart or chocolate truffles—the rich flavors will work together beautifully.

Spiced Nuts

Spiced nuts, especially those with a kick of cinnamon or clove, will highlight the warm nutmeg garnish and the inherent spiciness of the port wine.

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What you could change in Port Flip

  • Port wine: Can be substituted with a rich, sweet red wine
  • Whole egg: Can be replaced with 2 tablespoons of egg substitute or 1.5 tablespoons of aquafaba for a vegan version
  • Sugar: Can be replaced with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener

Explore all drinks starting with P here

And of course - twists🍹

Espresso Port Flip

  • Add 0.5 oz of espresso to give your flip a caffeine kick that'll perk you up while you wind down.
  • Shake the ingredients as usual, then strain into your glass.
  • This twist adds a bitter edge that balances the sweetness of the port and sugar, perfect for coffee lovers.

Bourbon Port Flip

  • Swap out 1 oz of the port wine for bourbon to introduce a smoky, American twist to this European classic.
  • Combine ingredients and shake vigorously before straining into a glass.
  • The bourbon will bring a warmth and complexity that adds a different dimension to your flip.

Fruity Port Flip

  • Muddle a few raspberries or blackberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients to infuse a fruity burst into your flip.
  • The muddled berries add a tart and fresh aspect that plays delightfully with the richness of the port and egg.
  • Strain into a glass and garnish with a berry for an extra touch of elegance.

In case you forgot basics how to make Port Flip

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Port Flip

Why is this cocktail called a 'flip'?

The term 'flip' originally comes from an old English mixture of beer, rum, and sugar that was heated with a red-hot iron, which caused the drink to froth or 'flip'. Over time, the term has evolved to refer to a category of drinks made with an egg, sugar, and a spirit or fortified wine.

Should Port Flip be served as a dessert?

It's a matter of personal preference. The Port Flip is often categorized as a dessert cocktail because of its sweet and rich flavor profile, but it can be enjoyed anytime.

How should I choose the right port wine for this cocktail?

While any port wine can technically be used for a Port Flip, a tawny or ruby port is traditionally used for their rich and fruity flavors. Always choose a good-quality port, as it's the main ingredient.

Can I use any other spices apart from nutmeg?

Yes, you could use other spices as well. Cinnamon is a good option that pairs well with the flavors of the Port Flip.

How safe is it to consume raw eggs in this cocktail?

While the alcohol in the cocktail does kill some bacteria, it's not a guarantee. Therefore, always use fresh eggs and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to use them. Clean the shell before cracking them open to prevent any dirt or bacteria from getting into your cocktail.

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