What to Put in a Hip Flask: Proper Drinks for Shooting, Hunting, and the Races

Why the Hip Flask Matters

Some British traditions don’t need reinventing. The shooting breakfast with bacon rolls at dawn. The chaos of the hunt meet. The point-to-point car park, as entertaining as the race itself. Tweed at the track, rain or shine, gossip rolling faster than the horses.

And in every setting there’s one discreet accessory that marks out the seasoned from the spectators: the hip flask. So what belongs in it?

The Rules of Flask Drinks

A flask isn’t for frivolous cocktails. Leave the citrus and soda for another day. A proper flask needs strength, warmth, and staying power. Spirits that make sense in a field at first light or on the rails in January.

Classic Country Favourites

The sporting calendar has always had its regulars:

• Whisky at the shoot – neat, bracing, no nonsense

• Port or brandy for the hunt – the stirrup cup tradition, rich and fortifying

• Sloe gin at the point-to-point – sweet enough for sharing, sharp enough to keep the cold away

• Cherry brandy at the races – a slightly scandalous favourite, still passed around

These are the old companions, as much a part of the season as mud, tweed, and well-worn boots.

Mischief in the Flask: G&D

Tradition has its place, but it needn’t be predictable. Whisky is expected. Port is heavy. Sloe gin, more often than not, is disappointing.

G&D was made for moments like these. A bold mix of gin and fortified wine, balanced and ready to pour. Strong enough for the field, smooth enough for the fire afterwards. It slips into the flask as naturally as it does into a glass, carrying with it the Spirit of British Mischief.

Order your bottle here

Flask Etiquette at the Races (and Beyond)

There are rules worth remembering:

• Not before noon, unless the frost really bites

• Always pass it round — mischief is best shared

• Rinse before refilling. No one wants last year’s port lingering

• The flask is punctuation, not the whole story

In Closing

From the shoot to the point-to-point, from the stirrup cup to the racecourse car park, the right hip flask contents set the tone.

Whisky says safe. Port says traditional. G&D says you understand the art of drinking properly.

This season, let your flask speak for itself.

Founder’s Batch

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Mischief awaits.

What is the best drink to put in a hip flask?

Whisky, port, sloe gin, and brandy are traditional choices. G&D offers a modern British alternative with a bold mix of gin and fortified wine.

Can you put cocktails in a hip flask?

It’s best to stick with strong spirits or fortified wines. Flasks aren’t suited for fizzy or citrus-based drinks.

Is G&D suitable for a hip flask?

Yes. At 22% ABV, G&D is smooth, strong, and ready to pour, making it an ideal companion for the sporting season.