Quick Bite: Do a Flip

Since opening in August, The Gin Joint has been making a splash on the local libation scene with sours, fizzes, slings, and a host of other drinks rarely sipped this century. In the East Bay locale long occupied by Robert’s of Charleston, Joe Raya and wife MariElena (Robert Dickson’s daughter) set out to offer refuge from the “cheek-clenching dyed juice” of modern day cocktails. In fact, only drinks served before Prohibition make the menu, and you won’t spot a single liquor that isn’t top shelf. Most of their offerings are exact recipes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, though Joe and his bartending team have put their own twist on a few concoctions.

One that’s perfect for jazzing up a winter’s night? The richly flavored yet surprisingly light Brandy-Pecan Flip. “A flip is a cocktail that includes a whole egg,” explains Joe. “Before Prohibition, people drank in the morning as well as at night and added eggs to their cocktails for protein.” Nutrition aside, the ingredient lends a rich, creamy consistency to this brandy and rum concoction, plus a nice layer of foam on top. “The amount of high-proof alcohol in the drink kills any bacteria that you’d usually worry about when using a raw egg,” assures Joe.

To keep the drink light—and also lactose-free—The Gin Joint finishes it out with a house-made pecan “milk” in place of cream. If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought organic nut milk, but, says Joe, “Our recipe is easy to make at home and well worth the effort.” So this year, why not break out of your cocktail comfort zone and try The Gin Joint’s “drink proper, speak easy” philosophy on for size?

Brandy-Pecan Flip

Ingredients 

• 3 oz. pecan milk or organic nut milk (see recipe below)

• 1 1/2 oz. brandy (Martell VS Cognac recommended)
• 3/4 oz. rum (Zaya Gran Reserva 12-Year-Old Estate recommended)
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup
• 1 egg
• Freshly ground nutmeg, for garnish

For the Pecan Milk
(Makes 3 3/4 cups)

• 2 1/2 cups baking pecans, halved
• 4 cups cold water
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 oz. agave nectar

Directions 

Combine first five ingredients in cocktail shaker. Shake for five seconds. Add ice. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a chilled highball glass. Garnish with nutmeg.

For the Pecan Milk
In a bowl, stir salt into cold water. Add pecans and soak for one day. Pour pecans and water into a blender and blend for one minute or until nuts are well-ground. Strain mixture through a fine strainer. Pour pecans into a bowl and stir in agave nectar. Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.