Cherry Orange Cream Flip – Ice Cream Dessert Cocktail

A Creamy Citrus-Cherry Dessert in a Glass

This Cherry Orange Cream Flip leans fully into dessert territory, combining citrusy triple sec and cherry-forward maraschino with vanilla ice cream and egg for a smooth, velvety texture. It’s rich, slightly boozy, and built for slow sipping when you want something closer to a treat than a traditional cocktail.

Background

Flip-style drinks date back to the 1600s, originally made with ale, sugar, and heated irons. Over time, they evolved into spirit-forward drinks with egg for texture. Modern variations like this one push further into dessert territory, incorporating ice cream and liqueurs for a sweeter, more indulgent experience that’s popular in contemporary home bartending.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• Triple Sec – provides bright citrus sweetness and lifts the drink
• Maraschino Liqueur – adds cherry depth with a slightly nutty edge
• Vanilla Ice Cream – creates body, sweetness, and a creamy texture
• Whole Egg – builds the signature flip texture and foam
• Nutmeg – aromatic garnish that enhances the dessert profile

Substitutions

• No maraschino? Try cherry liqueur or a small amount of grenadine (lighter touch)
• No triple sec? Use Cointreau or another orange liqueur
• No ice cream? Substitute with heavy cream and a touch of simple syrup

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Coupe glass
• Grater (for nutmeg)

What Makes This One Stand Out

Unlike traditional flips, this version skips a base spirit and instead builds its identity around liqueurs and ice cream. The result is softer, sweeter, and more approachable, with a texture closer to a milkshake and just enough citrus and cherry to keep it from feeling flat.

Substitutions & Variations

• Add a base spirit like aged rum for a stronger, more structured version
• Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate to create a richer dessert twist
• Add a splash of espresso for a mocha-style variation
• Use almond extract (tiny amount) to amplify the maraschino’s nutty notes

Helpful Tips

• Always dry shake first to properly emulsify the egg
• Use high-quality ice cream for better texture and flavor
• Chill your coupe glass to keep the drink thick and smooth longer
• Grate nutmeg fresh—it makes a noticeable difference
• Serve immediately before the texture starts to thin