Flip is old drink, popular in Colonial times and into the 19th century (read about the FlipFest!), but out of favor now.
That's too bad, because it is a hot tasty alternative to the spiritless coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, but it hasn't the kick of a Hot Buttered Rum or a Hot Brick Toddy.
And it isn't hard to make; once you have done it once, you'll want to do it again!
It's basically sweetened ale thickened with egg and seasoned with nutmeg and rum. You can experiment with the type of ale (in this case Relic Brewing's Queen Ann, a 19th-century style brown ale) and Eight Bells Rum from New England Distilling.
The recipe came from an old book called [[nodetitle:Early American Beverages]], adapted to a half-gallon growler size like you could get from your local brewer. Make up a batch for a party!
- Mix the sugar into the ale and put it on a hot stove to boil.
- Whip the eggs in a large bowl.
- Add the nutmeg and the rum to the eggs.
- As the ale heats up, it will foam. Ladle the foam into the egg mixture and stir it in.
- As the ale reaches the boil, ladle more ale into the egg mixture to temper the eggs, then pour all the remaining ale in and stir well.
- Serve in warmed tumblers or tankards.