Montenegro Flip
The Montenegro Flip is a sophisticated and decadent after-dinner drink that beautifully showcases the bittersweet orange notes of Amaro Montenegro. The addition of spicy rye whiskey provides a robust backbone, while a whole egg gives the cocktail its signature silky, creamy texture. A touch of simple syrup balances the flavors, resulting in a complex yet harmonious drink that is both comforting and elegant.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Montenegro Flip is considered a modern classic cocktail. It belongs to the 'flip' family of drinks due to the inclusion of a whole egg. Given its rich character and bittersweet amaro base, it is most often served as a digestif to be enjoyed after a meal.
Serving
This is a moderately-sized cocktail served 'up' (without ice) in a pre-chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass. Its alcohol content is noticeable but smoothly integrated, making it an excellent sipper.
Serving size
~120 ml / 4 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 18-22% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Coupe
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
This drink is a modern creation, likely emerging from the craft cocktail revival of the late 20th or early 21st century. It applies the classic 'flip' template (spirit, sugar, whole egg) to the popular Italian amaro, Montenegro. While its specific creator isn't definitively known, it has become a favorite among bartenders for its balanced flavor and luxurious texture.
Origin
United States, circa 2000s. It is recognized as a modern classic with roots in the American craft cocktail movement, which revitalized historic drink categories like the flip.
Montenegro Flip
The drink is straightforwardly named after its key ingredient, Amaro Montenegro, and its style, the 'flip'. The 'flip' is a historic category of cocktails that traditionally includes a whole egg. The name is descriptive and has no other common aliases.
Original name
Montenegro Flip
Alternative name
Amaro Montenegro Flip
Characteristics overview
This drink has a complex bittersweet orange and herbal flavor profile, supported by a luxuriously creamy and velvety texture from the egg. The aroma is rich with botanicals and warm spice, leading to a long, smooth finish.
Flavor
Bittersweet, Orange peel, Herbal, Spicy, Creamy, Rich, Nutty
Aroma
Orange zest, Nutmeg, Botanical, Whiskey spice, Vanilla
Taste balance
Balanced, Sweet, Bitter
Aftertaste
Long, Warming, Herbal, Smooth
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, Creamy beige, Foamy head
Texture
Velvety, Silky, Creamy, Frothy, Rich
Seasonality
Warming, All-season, Autumn, Winter
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor profile is moderately intense, with a beautiful balance between the amaro's bitterness, subtle sweetness from syrup, and the rich creaminess from the egg. The rye whiskey adds a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The recipe requires Amaro Montenegro and rye whiskey for its spirit base, balanced with simple syrup. A whole fresh egg is essential for the signature texture, and a whole nutmeg is needed for the garnish.
- Amaro Montenegro45 ml / 1.5 ozThe key ingredient providing the characteristic bittersweet orange flavor.
- Rye Whiskey30 ml / 1 ozAdds a spicy backbone that complements the amaro. A high-rye bourbon can also be used.
- Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz1:1 ratio of sugar to water. Adjust to taste.
- Whole Egg1 largeUse a fresh, high-quality, pasteurized egg for safety and best texture.
- Nutmeg1 whole for gratingFor garnish. Freshly grated is highly recommended for its potent aroma.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
You will need a standard cocktail shaking set, including a shaker and two types of strainers for a smooth result. A microplane or small grater is recommended for the fresh nutmeg garnish.
- Cocktail shaker for shaking the drink
- Jigger or measuring tool for measuring ingredients
- Hawthorne strainer for straining after wet shake
- Fine-mesh strainer for double-straining
- Microplane or grater for the nutmeg garnish
Instructions
The key to this drink is the two-step shaking process: a 'dry shake' without ice to create foam, followed by a 'wet shake' with ice to chill and dilute. Double-straining is crucial for a perfectly smooth result.
1. Chill your coupe or Nick & Nora glass in the freezer for at least 10 minutes.
2. Crack one whole, fresh egg into your cocktail shaker tin.
3. Add the Amaro Montenegro, rye whiskey, and simple syrup to the shaker with the egg.
4. Perform a 'dry shake': close the shaker securely and shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg and create a foam.
5. Open the shaker, fill it three-quarters full with cubed ice, and close it again.
6. Perform a 'wet shake': shake hard for another 15-20 seconds until the shaker is frosted and well-chilled.
7. Double-strain the cocktail through both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer into your pre-chilled glass to ensure a silky smooth texture.
8. Grate a light dusting of fresh nutmeg over the top of the drink's foamy head for garnish.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Garnishing
A simple but essential garnish of freshly grated nutmeg is sprinkled over the foamy head of the cocktail. This adds a crucial aromatic component that complements the drink's flavors.
- Freshly grated nutmeg over the top of the foam.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is vegetarian and dairy-free but contains egg. It also contains gluten from the rye whiskey, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✕ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a moderately caloric cocktail due to the spirits, sugar, and whole egg, containing roughly 275 kcal and 17g of sugar per serving.
Calories
Averagely 250-300 kcal / 1046-1255 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 15-18 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect as a digestif to conclude a fine meal or as a standalone dessert drink. Its rich and warming character also makes it ideal for a cozy evening or a sophisticated celebration during cooler months.
- After-dinner drink
- Dessert cocktail
- Cozy night in
- Special occasion
Pairing suggestions
The Montenegro Flip pairs wonderfully with dessert items that complement its bittersweet and nutty profile. Consider serving it alongside Italian biscotti, a piece of high-quality dark chocolate, or a platter of aged cheeses and roasted nuts to enhance the experience.
- Biscotti
- Dark chocolate
- Roasted nuts
- Cheese board with aged cheeses
The Montenegro Flip: A Silky, Bittersweet Indulgence
The Montenegro Flip is a standout modern digestif that offers a truly luxurious drinking experience. It masterfully balances the bittersweet, floral, and orange notes of Amaro Montenegro with the spicy character of rye whiskey. The use of a whole egg, prepared with a careful dry and wet shake, results in an incredibly rich, velvety texture that coats the palate. Topped with aromatic nutmeg, it's a sophisticated, comforting, and memorable cocktail perfect for ending a special evening.