Flying Dutchman

The Flying Dutchman is a captivating cocktail that combines the rich flavors of dark rum and orange liqueur, often enhanced with a splash of citrus juice for a refreshing twist.

  • 5 min
  • Easy
  • Old-fashioned glass
  • 2 ingredients
Hero bottle: Gin →

Flying Dutchman

Ingredients

1
  • Gin2 oz
  • Triple sec½ oz

Method

  1. In an old-fashioned glass almost filled with ice cubes, combine the gin and triple sec.
  2. Stir well.
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What you need

Nothing fancy. Here is what to look for. We earn a small cut if you buy through these links, at no cost to you.

A long bar spoon

Long enough to reach the bottom of a tall glass, with a twisted stem.

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Rocks glasses

A heavy base and 8 to 10 oz, with room for one big ice cube.

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A double jigger

Marked in oz and ml, with lines inside for the small measures.

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The hero bottle

Gin stands as cocktail culture's most versatile spirit — a botanical-infused canvas that transforms simple ingredients into extraordinary drinks. From the elegant simplicity of a perfectly chilled Martini to the complex interplay of a Negroni, gin cocktails have shaped drinking culture for centuries.

See 112 Gin drinks

Where it comes from

The Flying Dutchman is a classic cocktail with maritime heritage, named after the legendary ghost ship of folklore and sailing tradition. This drink emerged from cocktail culture's romantic fascination with nautical themes and adventure, representing the golden age of exploration and seafaring romance.

Tips from the bar

  • Use Dutch gin or genever as the primary spirit to honor the drink's maritime heritage
  • proper chilling creates smooth, integrated flavors
  • serve in a traditional cocktail glass
  • a lemon twist adds brightness and aromatic appeal befitting the maritime theme

Twists worth trying

Dark Rum Flying Dutchman
Uses dark rum for rich, complex, warming character
Spiced Flying Dutchman
Incorporates spiced rum for Caribbean spice and depth
Modern Flying Dutchman
Contemporary version using quality genever and modern mixology techniques
Aged Rum Flying Dutchman
Aged rum provides maturity and sophisticated oak notes

What to eat with it

  • Smoked fish
  • Seafood chowder
  • Salty crackers
  • Dutch cheese
  • Herring appetizers
  • Maritime-themed charcuterie

The finished drink

Flying Dutchman

Questions

What is in a Flying Dutchman?

A Flying Dutchman is made with gin, triple sec.

What glass do you use for a Flying Dutchman?

Serve a Flying Dutchman in a old-fashioned glass.

What does a Flying Dutchman taste like?

Expect spicy, herbal, citrusy.

What can I make with Gin?

We have 112 drinks built around Gin. See them all on the Gin page.

More with Gin

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