The Aberdeen Flip is a modern whisky-based cocktail that’s part of the classic “flip” family of drinks. Flips are a historic style of cocktail dating back to at least the late 1600s (originally hot mixtures involving beer, rum, sugar, and egg, often heated with a poker), but today’s versions are typically cold, shaken drinks featuring a whole egg for a rich, frothy, velvety texture—think dessert-like smoothness with a creamy head.
The Aberdeen Flip specifically was created by Max Warner, a Chivas Regal brand ambassador and mixologist (with roots in London’s bar scene). It’s promoted by Chivas as a luxurious, sweet, and rich option—perfect as a dessert cocktail or indulgent nightcap for those who enjoy Scotch-forward drinks.
Key Characteristics
- Base spirit: High-end Scotch whisky (Chivas 18 is the signature choice, giving it smooth, fruity, and slightly smoky notes).
- Style: Rich, creamy, subtly spiced, with sherry adding nutty depth and chocolate bitters bringing a hint of cocoa-like complexity.
- Texture: The whole egg creates that signature flip fluffiness and silkiness. (the yolk adds extra creaminess beyond what egg whites alone provide).
- Serving: Usually in a sherry glass or small stemmed glass, often dusted with grated nutmeg on top.
Standard Recipe (Aberdeen Flip)
This is based on Chivas’ official version and common listings:
- 40 ml (about 1.5 oz) Chivas 18 Scotch whisky
- 20 ml (about 0.75 oz) Oloroso sherry
- 1 whole egg
- 5 ml (about 1 tsp) honeyed spice syrup (or spiced/honey syrup; some versions use 1/4 oz spice syrup)
- 1 dash Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate Bitters (or similar chocolate bitters)
Preparation:
- Dry shake (no ice) all ingredients vigorously for 10–15 seconds to emulsify the egg.
- Add ice and shake hard again for another 10–15 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Double-strain (through a fine strainer) into a chilled sherry glass or coupe.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg.
It tastes sweet, smooth, and dessert-like—notes of dried fruit and honey from the sherry and syrup balance the whisky’s depth, with subtle chocolate undertones and warm spice.
If you’re making it at home and don’t have Chivas 18, a good aged blended Scotch works, though the original is designed around that premium expression. Raw egg is traditional in flips, but use fresh, high-quality eggs. Be mindful if serving to anyone with egg sensitivities.
It’s not one of the ultra-famous classics like a Whiskey Sour, but it’s a nice upscale twist on the flip style—great for whisky lovers wanting something richer than a standard dram!
Did you make this drink? Let us know what you think of it below.
This is amazing. Definitely a 5 star recipe. This drink is my new favourite.