Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip: The Classic Creamy Cocktail Reimagined
A luxurious cocktail that pairs botanical depth with a silky, spice-kissed foam.
The Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip is a marvel of cocktail creativity: a luscious, frothy, sweet-yet-tangy drink that brilliantly reinterprets the historic “flip.” By fusing juniper-forward gin with tangy buttermilk and the deep warmth of pure maple syrup, then rounding it out with the velvety texture of egg and aromatic nutmeg, this cocktail delivers a soulful experience perfect for brunch, winter evenings, holiday get-togethers, or whenever you crave a sophisticated twist on a classic.
Table of Contents
- Cocktail History
- What is a Flip?
- Why Buttermilk?
- Key Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Recipe
- Tips and Variations
- Serving Suggestions
- Nutrition Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cocktail History
The Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip is a modern interpretation of the centuries-old flip—a family of creamy, spiced cocktails that was popular long before most mixed drinks we know today. While flips historically featured rum, brandy, or other aged spirits and incorporated eggs and sugar for a rich texture, this reimagined version substitutes gin for a floral note, adds tang with buttermilk, and sweetens with maple syrup instead of cane sugar. Although the precise origins of this particular version are unclear, it gained recent fame after publication in Emma Stokes’s Have Yourself a Merry Little Cocktail: 80 Cheerful Tipples to Warm Up Winter.
What is a Flip?
The original flip dates back to at least the late 17th century. Traditionally, flips were hearty mixtures of spirits, sugar, and a whole egg, often spiced and served warm. Over time, the drink evolved—sometimes including cream or milk for additional richness, and eventually branching into cold and hot versions. The gin flip, as a subcategory, typically weds the botanical flavor of gin with creamy elements. The Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip departs from the ordinary by replacing cream with tangy buttermilk and sugar with pure maple syrup, yielding a well-balanced drink with depth and nuance.
Why Buttermilk?
Buttermilk is not the most common cocktail ingredient, but it brings unique advantages:
- Creaminess: It gives the drink a smooth, thick mouthfeel without being as heavy as cream.
- Tang: Its natural acidity complements the botanicals in gin and mitigates the sweetness of maple syrup, resulting in a balanced cocktail.
- Lightness: While indulgent, a buttermilk flip is less cloying than one made with heavy cream.
If you are seeking an alternative to overly sweet or dense cream-based drinks like eggnog, buttermilk provides a delightful option for lighter, tangier, and still luxurious sips.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Role in the Cocktail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gin | Main spirit base, floral and herbal notes | Choose a juniper-forward or aromatic gin for best results |
| Buttermilk | Brings tang and creaminess | Use well-shaken, fresh buttermilk |
| Maple Syrup | Natural sweetener, robust flavor | Pure (preferably amber or dark) maple syrup provides deepest flavor |
| Egg (Yolk & White) | Creates velvety texture and froth | Use fresh eggs and separate carefully for best consistency |
| Nutmeg | Aromatic garnish | Freshly grated nutmeg maximizes aroma |
Suggested Brands & Notes
- Gin: West Cork Distillers Garnish Island Gin or similar, with pronounced juniper and botanicals.
- Buttermilk: Prairie Farms or any local, high-quality cultured buttermilk.
- Maple syrup: Use real local syrup for the deepest flavor—but Grade B or “dark robust” maple syrup adds extra dimension.
Step-by-Step Recipe: Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip
This cocktail employs both a dry shake (no ice, for emulsifying the egg) and a wet shake (with ice, to chill and further froth the drink). Here are the full instructions:
Ingredients
- 2 oz (60 ml) gin
- 1 oz (30 ml) buttermilk (well-shaken before measuring)
- 1/2 oz (15 ml) pure maple syrup (preferably dark/amber)
- 1 fresh egg, separated (use both yolk and white)
- Whole nutmeg, for grating (optional but recommended)
- Ice cubes
Method
- Add all ingredients (gin, buttermilk, maple syrup, egg yolk, egg white) to a cocktail shaker.
- Add cubed ice and shake vigorously for 10–20 seconds. This chills and aerates the drink.
- Remove ice from shaker (strain out or hold back with a coil strainer).
- Dry shake (without ice) for 5–10 more seconds. This further emulsifies egg and creates a velvety texture.
- Strain into a chilled goblet or cocktail glass.
- Optionally, garnish generously with freshly grated nutmeg.
What others are reading
Tip: For maximum foam, shake as hard as you can in both stages.
Tips and Variations
- Always use fresh eggs—for both safety and best consistency. If concerned, use pasteurized eggs available in the dairy section.
- Chill your glassware in advance to maintain the cocktail’s signature frothy head.
- Maple syrup: Adjust to taste. Some prefer 3/4 oz for extra sweetness, or 1/4 oz for a tangier, less sweet cocktail.
- Gin alternatives: If gin isn’t your favorite, experiment with aged rum, bourbon, or rye, converting the flip back toward its origins.
- Flavor infusions: Add a few drops of aromatic bitters, muddle in herbs, or infuse your gin with botanicals for added complexity.
- Nutmeg alternatives: Substitute with grated hazelnut, cinnamon, or even orange zest for a holiday twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect for weekend brunch—pairs wonderfully with pancakes, waffles, or French toast thanks to its maple highlights.
- Ideal as a winter or holiday season cocktail due to its comforting creaminess and warming spice.
- Treat it as a dessert in a glass, impressing dinner guests with its elegance and froth.
For additional flourish, sprinkle candied nuts, serve alongside espresso, or top with a floated maple leaf.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition will vary by ingredients, but a typical serving features:
- Calories: Approximately 180–220 kcal
- Protein: ~6g
- Fat: ~6g (mainly from the egg)
- Sugar: ~12g (from maple syrup)
- Alcohol: ~15% ABV per serving, depending on gin used
Note: Consuming raw or lightly cooked eggs carries a risk of foodborne illness, particularly for certain at-risk populations. Always use fresh, high-quality eggs or pasteurized eggs for safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make a Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip ahead of time?
A: This cocktail is best prepared fresh, as eggs and dairy lose their froth and texture if left to sit. However, you can pre-measure and chill your ingredients to speed up assembly.
Q: Is it safe to drink raw egg in cocktails?
A: Most cold flips use fresh egg for texture and froth. Use only clean, fresh eggs (or pasteurized eggs) to minimize risk—those with immune concerns (pregnant, elderly, immunocompromised) should avoid raw egg or use non-egg alternatives.
Q: What gin works best for this flip?
A: Select a bold, juniper-forward gin, or experiment with those emphasizing citrus or floral botanicals for variations in flavor profile.
Q: Can I use non-dairy substitutes for buttermilk?
A: Vegan or dairy-free buttermilk can work in a pinch (try unsweetened soy or oat milk with lemon juice), but it will lack the same tang and richness. The results may not be as creamy or harmonious as with authentic cultured buttermilk.
Q: What other spirits can I use?
A: The recipe adapts beautifully to bourbon, rye, aged rum—even coffee liqueur or amaro, creating different dessert-style flips for any palate.
Cocktail Summary Table
| Aspect | Traditional Flip | Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit | Rum, brandy, or fortified wine | Gin (can substitute bourbon/rye/rum) |
| Creaminess Base | Cream or milk | Buttermilk |
| Sweetener | Sugar or simple syrup | Maple syrup |
| Main Texture Agent | Whole egg | Separated egg (yolk + white) |
| Spice/Garnish | Nutmeg or cinnamon | Freshly grated nutmeg |
| Time Served | Evening, winter, dessert | Brunch, winter, dessert |
Final Thoughts
The Buttermilk Maple Gin Flip is a testament to the evolving world of cocktails—melding history, innovation, and culinary flair. Its careful balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors makes it a compelling upgrade to the traditional flip template and a new classic for cocktail connoisseurs and brunch lovers alike. Whether you whip one up for a holiday brunch or as a comfort drink on a chilly evening, you’ll find it embodies both elegance and cozy decadence in every frothy, nutmeg-dusted sip.
References
- https://novelnightcaps.com/recipe/buttermilk-maple-gin-flip-cocktail/
- https://tuxedono2.com/buttermilk-flip-cocktail-recipe
- https://www.sasakitime.com/2012/12/buttermilk-maple-gin-flip-recipe.html
- https://whiskeythief.net/tag/cocktails/
- https://www.supercook.com/recipes/en/gin-and-maple-syrup-recipes/
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