The Cynar Flip is a rich, bittersweet cocktail with a smooth, creamy texture and a warming finish. Herbal Cynar and smoky scotch are softened by the depth of cinnamon syrup, while a whole egg adds body and froth. Finished with freshly grated nutmeg, this flip is a cozy, winter-ready drink that feels both indulgent and balanced.
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Tasting Notes
The Cynar Flip is creamy, spiced, and complex. The body is full and smooth thanks to the whole egg, with a texture that supports the drink’s layered character. Cynar provides a bittersweet herbal note at the center, while cinnamon syrup adds warmth and a touch of sweetness. Scotch brings in a faint smokiness that rounds out the profile without overpowering. On the nose, freshly grated nutmeg provides a spicy, comforting aroma. The finish is long, slightly bitter, and gently sweet, with cinnamon and earthy herbs lingering. Each sip is balanced between richness, spice, and a subtle bitter backbone.
Equipment and Glassware
Making a Cynar Flip requires a few specific tools to get the texture and presentation right. You’ll need a cocktail shaker for both dry and wet shaking, which helps properly emulsify the egg and chill the drink. A Hawthorne strainer and a fine mesh strainer ensure a smooth pour without egg solids or ice shards. A microplane or fine grater is essential for the nutmeg garnish. Serve the cocktail in a Nick and Nora glass, which offers a smaller capacity and a shape that supports aromatic delivery while maintaining the chilled temperature and compact volume of the drink.
Ingredients
- 1 whole egg
- 1.5 oz Cynar
- 0.5 oz blended scotch whisky
- 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
- Garnish: freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Add Cynar, scotch, cinnamon syrup, and egg to a shaker.
- Dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled and frothy.
- Double strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg on top.
Pro Tips
- Use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification
- Shake vigorously during the dry shake to aerate the mixture
- Add large-format ice for better dilution control
- Always double strain to remove ice chips and egg solids
- Make your own cinnamon syrup for brighter flavor
- Chill your glass in advance to keep the drink cold longer
- Use a smoky Scotch for added complexity
- Grate the nutmeg fresh to maximize aroma
- Avoid over-shaking with ice to prevent over-dilution
- Crack the egg into a separate bowl first to check quality
When to Serve
The Cynar Flip is best served in the cooler months when bold, full-bodied drinks are more welcome. Its richness and spiced profile make it ideal for fall and winter evenings, especially as an after-dinner drink. It fits well into holiday menus or small gatherings where you want to offer something a bit unexpected. The structure and warmth of the cocktail also suit slow sipping, making it a strong option for relaxed settings where conversation matters. While it’s not a summer refresher, it shines when the occasion calls for something with depth, texture, and a warming finish.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Cynar: Original Cynar (16.5% ABV), avoid Cynar 70 for this recipe
- Scotch (smoky options):
- Laphroaig 10
- Ardbeg 10
- Talisker 10
- Scotch (lighter smoke or blended):
- Monkey Shoulder
- Glenfiddich 12
- Highland Park 12
- Cinnamon Syrup: Homemade or premium brands like Liber & Co.
Similar Cocktails
Equipment
- Grater
Ingredients
- 1 whole egg
- 1.5 oz Cynar
- 0.5 oz blended scotch whisky
- 0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
- Garnish: freshly grated nutmeg
Instructions
- Add Cynar, scotch, cinnamon syrup, and egg to a shaker.
- Dry shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg.
- Add ice and shake again until well chilled and frothy.
- Double strain into a chilled Nick and Nora glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg on top.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Always dry shake first to fully integrate the egg and build foam.
- Use a rich, homemade cinnamon syrup for best flavor.
- Chill your glass before serving to preserve the texture.