Porto Flip Cocktail Drink

Porto Flip

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

When you crave a standout drink, turn to the Porto Flip recipe! Its distinct ingredients make this cocktail a memorable experience.

Porto Flip Recipe

Try out this Porto Flip recipe! Made with Ruby Port, brandy, and egg yolk, it's a smooth drink for any time.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

127 kl

Ingredients

  • 1½ oz Ruby Port
  • ½ oz Brandy
  • 1 fresh egg yolk
  • Ice cubes
  • Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Sour Glass
  • Grater for nutmeg

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Start by chilling your sour glass.
  • Combine Ingredients: In your cocktail shaker, pour 1 fresh egg yolk, ½ oz Brandy, and 1½ oz Ruby Port.
  • Shake Vigorously: Add ice cubes and give it a strong shake until the mixture is frothy.
  • Strain and Pour: Pour the mix into the chilled Sour glass using a strainer.
  • Garnish: Grate some fresh nutmeg over the top for that aromatic touch.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Ruby Port: I've once tried Tawny Port in place of Ruby. It gives a slightly different taste, nuttier and less fruity, but still very pleasing. If you're aiming for something lighter, a White Port can also work, but expect a change in flavor profile.
  • Brandy: Cognac, being a type of brandy, makes for a direct substitute. When in a pinch, I've used a dark rum, which gives a slightly sweeter and more molasses-forward touch.
  • Egg Yolk: For a vegan version, check out point d below.

Making a Pitcher of Porto Flip:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'd want 12 oz of Ruby Port, 4 oz of Brandy, and 8 egg yolks.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine your ingredients. Make sure to whisk well to ensure the egg yolk is smoothly integrated.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled Sour glasses, add the garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Ruby Port Substitute: Go for a non-alcoholic red grape juice, and maybe add a hint of berry juice for depth.
  • Brandy Substitute: Use apple juice or a non-alcoholic apple cider. It won't be the same, but it brings a pleasant fruitiness.
  • Mix and Serve: Replace the original ingredients with these non-alcoholic alternatives and follow the instructions.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg Yolk Substitute: Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a miracle worker here. Use about 1 oz (30 ml) of aquafaba as a direct substitute for egg yolk. It'll give you that frothy texture without the egg.
  • Prepare As Instructed: After substituting with aquafaba, follow the main instructions for a vegan version.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
127
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Sodium
 
10
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
2
g
1
%
Sugar
 
0.4
g
0
%
Potassium
 
74
mg
2
%
Cholesterol
 
194
mg
65
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Vitamin A
 
260
IU
5
%
Calcium
 
27
mg
3
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Porto Flip Cocktail Drink

Porto Flip Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Try out this Porto Flip recipe! Made with Ruby Port, brandy, and egg yolk, it's a smooth drink for any time.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 127

Ingredients
 

  • 1½ oz Ruby Port
  • ½ oz Brandy
  • 1 fresh egg yolk
  • Ice cubes
  • Freshly grated nutmeg - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Sour Glass
  • Grater for nutmeg

Instructions

  • Chill the Glass: Start by chilling your sour glass.
  • Combine Ingredients: In your cocktail shaker, pour 1 fresh egg yolk, ½ oz Brandy, and 1½ oz Ruby Port.
  • Shake Vigorously: Add ice cubes and give it a strong shake until the mixture is frothy.
  • Strain and Pour: Pour the mix into the chilled Sour glass using a strainer.
  • Garnish: Grate some fresh nutmeg over the top for that aromatic touch.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Ruby Port: I've once tried Tawny Port in place of Ruby. It gives a slightly different taste, nuttier and less fruity, but still very pleasing. If you're aiming for something lighter, a White Port can also work, but expect a change in flavor profile.
  • Brandy: Cognac, being a type of brandy, makes for a direct substitute. When in a pinch, I've used a dark rum, which gives a slightly sweeter and more molasses-forward touch.
  • Egg Yolk: For a vegan version, check out point d below.

Making a Pitcher of Porto Flip:

  • Scale: For a pitcher serving 8, you'd want 12 oz of Ruby Port, 4 oz of Brandy, and 8 egg yolks.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine your ingredients. Make sure to whisk well to ensure the egg yolk is smoothly integrated.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled Sour glasses, add the garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Ruby Port Substitute: Go for a non-alcoholic red grape juice, and maybe add a hint of berry juice for depth.
  • Brandy Substitute: Use apple juice or a non-alcoholic apple cider. It won't be the same, but it brings a pleasant fruitiness.
  • Mix and Serve: Replace the original ingredients with these non-alcoholic alternatives and follow the instructions.

Making it Vegan:

  • Egg Yolk Substitute: Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is a miracle worker here. Use about 1 oz (30 ml) of aquafaba as a direct substitute for egg yolk. It'll give you that frothy texture without the egg.
  • Prepare As Instructed: After substituting with aquafaba, follow the main instructions for a vegan version.

What is a Porto Flip?

Porto Flip is a cocktail combining Ruby Port, brandy, and an egg yolk. Its origins trace back to the 19th century, making it one of the time-honored drinks in the cocktail world. The name directly reflects its primary ingredient, Ruby Port. Though it might sound like a cocktail for the seasoned drinker because of its egg yolk content, many find its taste surprisingly approachable. This cocktail recipe offers a velvety texture, setting it apart from many other cocktails. The International Bartender Association (IBA) acknowledges this cocktail, placing it in their ‘The Unforgettables’ category.

A side shot of a Porto Flip cocktail in a coupe glass on a red cloth surrounded by a egg and a jigger , with some cocktail tools behind, in front of a red wall.

What is a Porto Flip made of – The ingredients

Kick off your Porto Flip creation with the following ingredients at hand:

  • Ruby Port: A fortified wine that provides the cocktail’s rich base and signature sweetness.
  • Brandy: Adds depth and warmth, complementing the flavors of the Port.
  • Egg Yolk: Gives the drink its velvety texture and smoothness.

Ruby Port, Brandy, and egg paid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Porto Flip?

Follow our easy steps to make your own Porto Flip:

1
<p>Chill your Sour glass to ensure the cocktail remains cold, stirring some ice cubes.</p>

Chill your Sour glass to ensure the cocktail remains cold, stirring some ice cubes.

2
<p>In a cocktail shaker, pour in the fresh egg yolk.</p>

In a cocktail shaker, pour in the fresh egg yolk.

3
<p>Add the brandy to the shaker.</p>

Add the brandy to the shaker.

4
<p>And pour the Ruby Port.</p>

And pour the Ruby Port.

5
<p>Add some ice cubes to the shaker.</p>

Add some ice cubes to the shaker.

6
<p>Shake the mixture vigorously until it becomes frothy.</p>

Shake the mixture vigorously until it becomes frothy.

7
<p>Remove the ice cubes from your chilled Sour glass.</p>

Remove the ice cubes from your chilled Sour glass.

8
<p>Pour the frothy mixture into the chilled glass using a strainer.</p>

Pour the frothy mixture into the chilled glass using a strainer.

9
<p>Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg on top for an aromatic touch.</p>

Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg on top for an aromatic touch.

10
<p>Enjoy your Porto Flip immediately!</p>

Enjoy your Porto Flip immediately!

Can I use Gin for a Porto Flip Cocktail?

Incorporating gin into your Porto Flip can offer a delightful twist, adding a botanical lift to the drink’s richness. With its wide spectrum of flavor profiles, gin can significantly influence the cocktail’s final taste. For instance, London dry gins like Beefeater or Tanqueray will introduce a more juniper-forward and slightly spicy profile. On the other hand, gins like Hendrick’s bring a softer touch with hints of rose and cucumber. If you’re looking for a middle ground, Bombay Sapphire is a versatile choice, balancing juniper with bright citrus and spicy undertones. Among these, Tanqueray stands out for its consistent quality and pronounced flavor, making it a solid choice for a gin-infused Porto Flip.

A Porto Flip cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a red cloth surrounded by a egg and a jigger.

Porto Flip Variations

Feeling adventurous? Discover variations from our cherished selection:

  • Sherry Flip: Nutty and dry sherry notes define this sophisticated and less sweet option. Its complexity and refined taste make it a top choice for those who savor nuanced flavors.
  • Brandy Flip: Warm brandy meets the rich texture of egg, often sweetened slightly. The depth of the brandy pairs exquisitely with the creamy texture, offering a smooth and velvety experience. The warmth of the brandy enriching the egg’s richness captivates me, making it a comforting and fulfilling selection.
  • Rum Flip: Tropical and robust, the molasses and spice notes of rum blend seamlessly with the creamy egg. This rich and flavorful combination balances the boldness of rum with a smooth texture. The contrast between the spicy rum and the creamy egg particularly appeals to me, creating a delightful experience.
  • Gin Flip: Juniper and herbal notes from gin combine with the richness of egg for a lighter, refreshing choice. The botanicals in gin are softened by the creamy texture, offering a unique and enjoyable experience. Ideal for those who like gin’s herbal qualities in a smoother, more rounded drink.
  • Whiskey Flip: Oak and vanilla flavors from whiskey mix perfectly with the creamy egg, creating a hearty and full-bodied choice. This satisfying option is perfect for whiskey lovers who prefer a mellowed yet robust flavor. The egg’s ability to temper the whiskey’s intensity while enhancing its flavors is what I find most appealing.
  • Amaretto Flip: Almond-flavored amaretto blends with the silky texture of egg for a dessert-like treat. This luxurious and indulgent combination is perfect for a sweet finish to any meal. The almond sweetness in this selection is my favorite; it’s like enjoying a delightful dessert in a glass.

A Porto Flip cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a red cloth surrounded by a jigger.

History and Origin of the Porto Flip

The Porto Flip has deep roots that date back to the 19th century. The name “Porto” clearly nods to its main ingredient, Ruby Port, a fortified wine from Portugal. This drink first appeared in renowned bartending manuals of the time. Specifically, Jerry Thomas, often regarded as the father of American mixology, included the Porto Flip in his 1887 book, “How to Mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant’s Companion.”

During its early days, the drink didn’t just contain port; it also had brandy and egg, making it one of the few cocktails with egg as an ingredient. Over time, the drink became notable for its rich, velvety texture and unique flavors. While its popularity might have waned compared to some other vintage cocktails, it remains a timeless classic for those in the know. Today, enthusiasts and bartenders worldwide still appreciate and serve the Porto Flip, paying homage to its rich history.

A Porto Flip cocktail, shot from above, in a coupe glass on a white marmol table surrounded by a Ruby Port bottle, a Brandy bottle, an egg, and a nutmeg.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Porto Flip?
A typical Porto Flip contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is a Porto Flip in terms of alcohol content?
The Porto Flip generally has an ABV (Alcohol By Volume) of around 15-20%, translating to 30-40 proof.
What type of alcohol is used in a Porto Flip?
The primary alcohols in a Porto Flip are Ruby Port and brandy.
In which type of glass is a Porto Flip served?
A Porto Flip is traditionally served in a Sour glass or a Dessert Wine glass.
What does a Porto Flip taste like?
The Porto Flip offers a velvety and smooth taste, balanced sweetness from the Ruby Port, and warmth from the brandy.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Porto Flip?
The typical ratio is one part of Ruby Port and 1/3 part of brandy, with one egg yolk added to the mix.
How is the Porto Flip served in terms of ice or presentation?
A Porto Flip is usually shaken with ice and then strained into a glass, serving it "up" without ice.
Can I use Tawny Port instead of Ruby Port?
Tawny Port can be a substitute, but it will alter the flavor profile, making it nuttier.

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