I love eggnog, but I hate any cocktail recipe that takes more than say….10 minutes. When it comes to making drinks, I just don’t think ahead. So my holiday eggnog drinks tend to be pouring some bourbon or whiskey in almond-nog (Almond Breeze is my favorite!)

That is until I discovered the flip cocktail.

Not only does it have the rich creamy consistency of eggnog but the classic recipe also requires….beer!

Flips were originally made with rum, sugar syrup, ale, and a whole egg. The mixture was then pieced by a poker straight from the fire turning it into a hot frothy concoction that will warm you from the inside out (and stave off your hunger, too!).

Now, we have a cocktail shaker to do the frothing. Plus, I tried to make a few of these hot and found it too much work to cover the cooked-eggy aroma that resulted (there were many cocktail bitters and fresh garnishes lost to these attempts).

This Flip has a holiday twist to make it even more like my beloved eggnog. A homemade holiday spice simple syrup that will go great in all of the dark liquor cocktails on your bar. The recipe follows the recipe for the cocktail…and don’t worry it only takes a few minutes to make in the microwave. Remember what I said about our 10 minute limit, ha!

I use a locally made whiskey in this recipe from Breuckelen Distilling. Not only is the whiskey made right over the river in Brooklyn but they also go out of their way to source ingredients from NY state. Especially during this year when our local communities are hurting, it feels good to shop local! (Speaking of local if you’re in Baltimore I suggest Sagamore Spirits, and if you’re in Colorado I suggest Distillery 291.)

Whiskey Holiday Flip

• 1 ½ oz Local Craft Whiskey (I used Breuckelen 77 Craft Whiskey)

• ¼ oz Holiday Spice Simple Syrup (recipe follows) 

• 1 Whole Egg 

• Ice

• 2 oz Spiced Winter Ale (pick a local favorite! I used Harpoon Winter Warmer) 

Holiday Flip Cocktail Method

• In a Boston shaker dry shake first 3 ingredients until super frothy!

• Add ice and shake just to chill. (Moisture is the enemy of froth!)

• Open shaker and add beer to one side. Stir it briefly to release some carbonation

• Shake with other ingredients just to mix

• Strain into your most festive glass! 

• Garnish with fresh nutmeg or whipped cream

NOTE: You can make up to two cocktails in one shaker, any more and you’re in explosion territory.

Holiday Simple Syrup

• 1 Cup Water

• 2 Cups Brown Sugar

• 2 Cinnamon Sticks

• 1 1/2-inch Cube Fresh Ginger

Holiday Simple Syrup Method

• In an at least 4-cup measuring cup, heat water in the microwave on high for 45 seconds.

• Add sugar and stir for 20-30 seconds until totally dissolved.

• Heat in the microwave and additional 45 seconds.

• Stir again and add cinnamon sticks and ginger.

• Heat in the microwave a final 30 seconds. Stir and let cool for at least 15 minutes.

• Strain into a squeeze bottle or other container for bar use

NOTE: I do not suggest substituting powdered ginger or cinnamon. Unfortunately, they clump and cause inconsistent flavor throughout the syrup.