Vegan eggnog is usually the first thing in my shopping cart come November 1st, remaining a steady line item on my grocery list until the supply runs dry. My head-to-head Nog-Offs are legendary, but this year, only disappointment was in store. With no new contenders in the ring, this fight was over before it began.

Instead, I’m flipping over a lighter, easier, quicker approach that anyone can mix up at home. Flip cocktails, a captivating twist largely forgotten to time, are long overdue for a plant-based revival.

What Is A Flip Cocktail?

First hitting the bar scene in the late 1690’s, a flip is a cocktail made with whipped whole egg, sugar, spirits or fortified wine, and garnished with nutmeg. Traditionally poured back and forth between two shakers to properly mix and froth, or “flip,” is how they got their name. They can be served hot or cold, and are now most commonly made with brandy (my personal favorite here), bourbon, or rum.

How Are Flips Different From Eggnog?

Reminiscent of the eggy richness that eggnog has made its calling card, flip cocktails are notably lighter, since they lack the dairy component often fulfilled by heavy cream. Eggnog is a tall, voluminous drink that sits like a meal, whereas a flip is a smaller tipple, better for pairing with food or snacks. If you want to leave room for Christmas cookies, this is what I call “balance,” at least when it comes to a holiday indulgence!

An Eggless Flip? Flip Yeah!

It seems counterintuitive to suggest revamping a cocktail that’s primarily based on eggs, but there’s nothing we can’t veganize these days. Case in point, you’ll never miss the cloying unctuousness of a chicken yolk when you can enjoy all the flavor instead.

1. Aquafaba takes the role of egg whites, building up a stable foam that won’t dissipate once it hits the glass. Simultaneously, it acts as an emulsifier that keeps the whole mixture together, giving it body and a velvety texture to the very last sip.
2. Instead of plain simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water, a touch of nutritional yeast adds subtly savory flavor along with an alluring golden hue. Black salt, aka kala namak, contributes that telltale sulfurous aroma that makes everything instantly taste eggy.
3. Distilled spirits, such as those called for here, are naturally or “accidentally” vegan by default. There are some odd outliers, but they would most likely call attention to that fact because it would be out of the ordinary.

Flip Variations

Anything that’s been around for a few centuries is bound to morph and adapt with changing tastes. As such, there’s already a long history of flip cocktail variations, including:

• Sailor’s Flip, often using cheaper ale or beer instead of or in addition to liquor
• Egg-Hot, which was an early zero-proof cocktail that skipped the spirits
• Sleeper, using an aromatic blend of cloves, coriander, and lemon in lieu of nutmeg

More creative, modern interpretations bring a bit more fun and flavor to the party:

• Chocolate Flip: Add a splash of vegan chocolate liqueur to make an adult version of hot cocoa.
• Fiery Flip: Infuse your flip with a hint of chilies and/or ginger for a warming kick.
• Red Eye Flip: Incorporate a shot of espresso to craft a bracing wake up call.

Nog Off, Flip On

Not every year can bring a blockbuster eggless nog to market. To fill that void, a veganized flip cocktail may be a better choice for welcoming in the Christmas spirit. Given its simplicity, versatility, and accessibility, the only thing you stand to lose is your sobriety.

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Yield: Makes 1 Serving

Nog Flip

Print

Want a brighter, bolder take on eggnog? This eggless flip cocktail is what you're looking for! Get the party started sooner with this spirit-forward mix that tastes like the holiday spirit in a glass.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 3 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

Eggy Simple Syrup:

• 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/4 Cup Water
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons Nutritional Yeast
• 1/4 Teaspoon Black Salt (Kala Namak)

Flip Cocktail:

• 2 Ounces Brandy, Bourbon, or Rum
• 3/4 Ounce Eggy Simple Syrup
• 1/2 Ounce Aquafaba
• Fresh Grated Nutmeg, to Garnish

Instructions

1. To make the eggy simple syrup, combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring just to the brink of a boil, stirring gently until the sugar has dissolved, and remove from the heat. If not using immediately, let cool completely and store in a glass bottle.
   
   
2. To make the cocktail, combine your spirit of choice, syrup, and aquafaba in a shaker. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and pour into a coup glass. Top with grated nutmeg and enjoy!
   
   
3. If you'd prefer a chilled cocktail, add a few ice cubes to the shaker and strain, discarding the leftover ice, before enjoying.
   

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  Wholesome, Organic Cane Sugar, 4 lbs (1.81 kg)
• 
  The Spice Lab, India Black Kala Namak, 4 oz (113 g)
• 
  KAL, Nutritional, Yeast Flakes, Unsweetened, 12 oz (340 g)

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 282Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 536mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 1gSugar: 40gProtein: 2g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.