Ale Flip

The Ale Flip is a hearty, warming beer cocktail that’s a world away from your average brew. It’s a historical drink, rich and comforting, perfect for when you want something substantial and a little different. This isn’t a light sipper; it’s a full-bodied experience, often enjoyed as a nightcap or a unique treat. Expect a sweet, malty, and slightly spiced profile with a velvety texture. It’s a drink for those who appreciate old-school charm and a bit of culinary adventure.

Ale Flip

4.55 from 24 votes

Calories: 236kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Instructions

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Heat the lemon juice with 2 ounces of ale. the ginger and the sugar in a saucepan over moderate heat until the sugar has dissolved. Beat the egg yolk into the brandy in a bowl. Beat the lemon juice mixture from the saucepan into the bowl with the egg. and

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 236kcal (12%)Carbohydrates: 3g (1%)Sugar: 3g (3%)

Where it came from

The Flip is a category of drink with roots stretching back to the 17th century, popular in colonial America and England. Originally, a Flip was often a communal drink, made by plunging a hot poker into a mixture of beer, spirits, sugar, and egg to warm it and create a frothy head. This Ale Flip is a direct descendant, a warming concoction designed for colder evenings or as a rich, satisfying beverage.

This drink belongs to the ‘Flip’ family, which includes variations like the Brandy Flip or the Port Flip. What sets the Ale Flip apart is its beer base, making it a unique hybrid between a classic beer and a spirit-forward cocktail. While a Tom and Jerry offers similar warmth and egg richness, the Ale Flip leans into the malty character of beer rather than milk or cream.

You’d typically find or serve an Ale Flip in a cozy setting: a quiet pub with a fireplace, a speakeasy that appreciates historical drinks, or at home during a winter gathering. It’s not a fast-paced bar drink; it’s meant to be savored slowly, offering comfort and a touch of old-world charm.

What it tastes like

The Ale Flip presents a complex flavor profile that starts with the malty sweetness of light beer, immediately rounded by the rich, almost custardy texture from the egg yolk. Mid-palate, the brandy brings a warming, fruity depth, while the lemon juice provides a crucial tart counterpoint to prevent it from becoming cloyingly sweet. A subtle kick of ginger lingers on the finish, adding a gentle spice that complements the beer’s character.

With 12 ounces of light beer at around 4.5% ABV and 1 ounce of 40% ABV brandy, this drink clocks in at roughly 7.2% alcohol by volume for a 13 ounce serving. That puts it stronger than most standard light beers, but significantly less potent than a typical spirit-forward cocktail. It’s more akin to a strong craft beer or a glass of wine, providing a pleasant warmth without being overwhelmingly boozy.

The technique

Building an Ale Flip starts with heating. Combine the lemon juice, 2 ounces of the beer, ginger, and sugar in a saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. While that’s warming, beat your egg yolk into the brandy in a separate bowl. Once the saucepan mixture is warm but not boiling, slowly temper the egg mixture by whisking a small amount of the hot liquid into the egg and brandy. Then, pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly until everything is combined and slightly thickened. Serve this warm mixture, topped with the remaining cold beer.

The most critical step here is tempering the egg yolk. Slowly whisking a small amount of the warm liquid into the beaten egg yolk before adding it all back to the saucepan prevents the egg from scrambling. Take your time, or you’ll end up with a lumpy mess instead of a smooth, rich texture. This patience ensures the drink’s signature creamy mouthfeel.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Light Beer

Use: Pale lagers or mild ales work best. Think a Coors Light, Bud Light, or a sessionable blonde ale. The goal is a clean, malty base that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Skip: Heavy stouts, IPAs, or anything with a strong hop presence will clash with the brandy, lemon, and ginger. Avoid beers with aggressive flavors that compete rather than complement.
Why: The light beer forms the bulk of the drink, providing a malty sweetness and a refreshing base. Its relatively neutral flavor allows the brandy, lemon, and ginger to shine through, contributing body without overwhelming the balance.

Egg Yolk

Use: Always use fresh, high-quality egg yolks. If available, pasteurized egg yolks offer an extra layer of safety, especially since the egg isn’t fully cooked.
Skip: Do not use the whole egg for this recipe. The egg white would create a different texture and mouthfeel, making the drink lighter and foamier rather than rich and custardy. Powdered egg substitutes won’t deliver the necessary richness.
Why: The egg yolk is crucial for the Ale Flip’s signature richness, body, and smooth, velvety texture. It acts as an emulsifier, binding the disparate ingredients into a cohesive, comforting beverage.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Spiced Ale Flip

Aromatic warmth with extra spice.: Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a dash of cinnamon along with the ginger for an even more pronounced warming spice profile.

Port Ale Flip

Fruity depth instead of brandy.: Substitute 1 ounce of Ruby Port for the brandy to introduce a rich, dark fruit sweetness and a slightly different alcoholic backbone.

Coffee Ale Flip

A morning-friendly or dessert twist.: Stir in 0.5 ounce of coffee liqueur or a shot of espresso with the brandy for a caffeinated kick and a roasted note that pairs well with the malty beer.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Light Beer?

A mild ale or a pale ale with low hop bitterness can work, but avoid anything too dark or hoppy to maintain balance.

No Brandy?

Dark rum, especially an aged variety, or a smooth bourbon can provide a similar warming spirit base, though the flavor profile will shift.

No Lemon Juice?

Lime juice can be used for acidity, but it will impart a distinct citrus character. For a non-citrus tartness, a small splash of apple cider vinegar could work in a pinch, but use sparingly.

No saucepan?

A microwave-safe bowl can be used to gently heat the initial liquid mixture. Heat in short bursts, stirring frequently, to ensure the sugar dissolves and the liquid warms evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in an Ale Flip?

An Ale Flip contains light beer, brandy, lemon juice, an egg yolk, sugar, and ginger.

Is an Ale Flip served hot or cold?

The Ale Flip is traditionally served warm, making it a comforting drink, especially in colder weather.

What does an Ale Flip taste like?

It tastes rich, malty, sweet, and slightly tart with a gentle ginger spice and a velvety texture from the egg yolk.

Can I use a whole egg instead of just the yolk?

Using a whole egg is not recommended as the egg white would alter the texture, making it lighter and foamier rather than the desired rich and custardy consistency.

Why are some ingredients heated in an Ale Flip?

Heating the lemon juice, some beer, ginger, and sugar helps to dissolve the sugar completely and warms the base of the drink, contributing to its comforting, hot beverage profile.

What kind of beer works best for an Ale Flip?

Light-bodied beers like pale lagers or mild ales are ideal, as they provide a clean, malty base that allows the other flavors to integrate without being overpowered.

Is the Ale Flip an old drink?

Yes, the Flip is a historical category of drink with origins dating back several centuries, making the Ale Flip a classic, old-world cocktail.

Can I make an Ale Flip ahead of time?

While you can pre-mix some ingredients, the Ale Flip is best made fresh and served immediately to ensure the best texture and warmth. The egg yolk component is also best consumed fresh.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read