I love trying new twists on classic drinks. The Brown Sugar Bourbon Flip is one of my favorites.
This easy cocktail uses brown sugar and bourbon to create a sweet and rich flavor that’s perfect for relaxing at home or impressing friends.
When I make this drink, it always feels cozy and special. Even though it’s really simple to whip up, it’s got that creamy texture and warm taste that makes it stand out from the usual cocktails.
If you’re curious about how to create this drink yourself, here’s my step-by-step recipe.
Brown Sugar Bourbon Flip Cocktail Recipe
This rich and creamy cocktail brings bold bourbon flavors together with the smooth sweetness of brown sugar. You don’t need fancy equipment or rare ingredients—just a few basics.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: I use a metal shaker to really mix things up.
- Fine mesh strainer: Helps get a silky drink without little bits.
- Measuring jigger: For pouring the right amount of bourbon and syrup.
- Bar spoon: Handy for stirring if you feel like it.
- Rocks glass or coupe glass: Either works, but I kind of prefer a coupe for this.
- Ice: For shaking and chilling.
- Small bowl (optional): Makes egg yolk separation less messy.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey (I usually go for something smooth, maybe a little sweet)
- 3/4 oz brown sugar simple syrup (details below)
- 1 large egg yolk (for that creamy texture)
- 1/2 oz heavy cream
- Dash of Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg, cinnamon stick, or a little orange zest
Instructions
- Add the bourbon, brown sugar simple syrup, egg yolk, heavy cream, and bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake hard for about 15-20 seconds. I like to make sure everything’s smooth and well mixed.
- Strain the mix through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled rocks or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a twist of orange zest if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
I use brown sugar simple syrup for that deep, molasses-like sweetness you just don’t get with plain sugar. To make it, combine equal parts brown sugar and water, heat until dissolved, and cool it down. The syrup keeps in the fridge for a month, so you can use it for more than just one round.
The egg yolk gives this bourbon drink a creamy texture and a thicker body. If you’re hesitant about raw eggs, just grab pasteurized ones from the store.
If I want to tweak the sweetness, I’ll add a little more or less syrup—it’s really up to you. You could try other dark spirits, but honestly, bourbon just works best here.
Serve right away for the best flavor.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz brown sugar simple syrup equal parts brown sugar and water, heated and cooled
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 oz heavy cream
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- ice cubes
- freshly grated nutmeg optional, for garnish
- cinnamon stick optional, for garnish
- orange zest optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Add bourbon, brown sugar simple syrup, egg yolk, heavy cream, and bitters to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake hard for about 15–20 seconds until smooth and well mixed.
- Strain the mix through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled rocks or coupe glass.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg, a cinnamon stick, or a twist of orange zest if desired.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
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Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
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Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
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WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
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Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
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Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
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Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
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Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
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1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
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Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
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Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
When I take a sip of the Brown Sugar Bourbon Flip, the first thing that hits me is the gentle sweetness from the brown sugar. It’s not too much, just enough to add a warm, cozy taste to every sip.
I get a little vanilla, maybe some toasted caramel, too. These flavors blend in with the bourbon’s smoothness.
The richness really makes it feel like something special, but it’s still easy-going enough to drink without thinking twice. There’s a soft, creamy texture from the egg.
It gives the drink a silky, almost velvety mouthfeel. I love how the creaminess takes the edge off the bourbon’s boldness.
Here’s a quick flavor profile:
| Taste Element | My Notes |
|---|---|
| Sweetness | Soft, brown sugar, not too heavy |
| Spice | Mild, mostly from the bourbon |
| Creaminess | Very smooth and thick |
| Aftertaste | Hints of caramel and vanilla linger |
Warm spice from the bourbon mixes with just a little nutmeg on top. It gives a gentle finish that hangs around on my tongue.
The scent matters, too. I catch hints of brown sugar and a bit of oak from the bourbon before I even taste it.
Honestly, it kind of invites me in. Hard not to want another sip.


























