Nocino Flip recipe
A velvety, rich modern classic marrying bittersweet green walnut nocino with decadent whole egg.
Method: Dry shake and wet shake, fine strain ·
Glass: Chilled rocks glass ·
Time: 4 min ·
Difficulty: Intermediate ·
Family: The Sidecar Family
Ingredients
- 2 oz Nocino liqueur (Italian green walnut liqueur)
- 0.5 oz Demerara simple syrup (2:1 ratio preferred for richness)
- 1 whole Fresh egg (Whole medium egg)
- 1 dash Angostura bitters (Optional, added for aromatic depth)
How to make a Nocino Flip
- Combine the Nocino, demerara syrup, whole egg, and bitters in a cocktail shaker without ice.
- Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to thoroughly emulsify the egg.
- Add ice cubes to the shaker and shake again briskly for 15 to 20 seconds to chill and dilute.
- Double strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass.
- Garnish the velvety foam surface with freshly grated nutmeg.
Garnish
Freshly grated nutmeg over the foam.
Pro tip
Always perform a thorough dry shake without ice first to build a dense, stable protein emulsion. Chilling afterward with quality ice ensures proper dilution without flattening the rich froth.
History of the Nocino Flip
Flips date back to the late 17th century in England, originally consisting of strong beer, spirits, sugar, and beaten eggs heated with a hot iron poker. Over the centuries, the preparation evolved from a rustic tavern warmer into a refined shaken cocktail category chilled with ice. While traditional nineteenth-century American guides documented rum, brandy, or port variations, contemporary bartenders frequently substitute rich artisanal modifiers like Italian nocino. Green walnut liqueur introduces deep, earthy tannin and spice notes that modernize this historic egg-rich format, though precise historical attribution for walnut-based flips remains undocumented.
Flavour profile
Rich, Nutty, Spicy, Velvety
Variations
- Amaretto Flip — Substitute amaretto for nocino to introduce a bright marzipan and almond profile.
- Coffee Nocino Flip — Add half an ounce of cold brew coffee to cut the richness and provide a mocha depth.
Practise making the Nocino Flip in the free Virtual Bar game.