The Flying Dutchman cocktail is a tribute to the rich heritage of genever, the Netherlands’ precursor to gin. Created by Brian MacGregor during his time at San Francisco’s Jardinière, this drink blends the malty, herbal profile of genever with the complex, aromatic notes of yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine, balanced by the freshness of lemon juice. The cocktail offers a sophisticated taste experience that mingles sweet, floral, herbal, and tart flavors in perfect harmony, making it a modern classic.
Preparation: 3 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate
Serving: For 1 Person
Preparation: 3 minutes
Skill level: Intermediate
Serving: For 1 Person
1 1/2 oz (45 ml) Bols genever
3/4 oz (20 ml) Benedictine
3/4 oz (20 ml) Yellow Chartreuse
3/4 oz (20 ml) Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Lemon Twist
Martini Coupe
Shaken
Add the Bols genever, Benedictine, yellow Chartreuse, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake the mixture vigorously until well-chilled, approximately 10-15 seconds.
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist, expressing its oils over the glass to release aromatic notes.
The Flying Dutchman cocktail showcases genever, a historical Dutch spirit that dates back to the 16th century. Often described as a cross between gin and whiskey, genever has a unique malty, herbal flavor profile that forms the backbone of this drink. In this cocktail, it’s paired with yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine, two renowned French liqueurs that bring sweet, floral, and herbaceous notes to the drink. Fresh lemon juice rounds out the flavors, adding a refreshing citrus tang that balances the liqueurs' sweetness.
Origins and Inspiration: The Flying Dutchman’s combination of complex flavors is inspired by the versatility of genever. This cocktail’s inventor, Brian MacGregor, wanted to bring out genever’s potential by blending it with other nuanced liqueurs—yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine. Named after the legendary ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman cocktail evokes the mystery and depth of Dutch lore and tradition in each sip.
Why It Works: The Flying Dutchman’s mix of bold and subtle flavors makes it a cocktail that unfolds with each sip. The malty undertones of genever pair harmoniously with the herbal sweetness of yellow Chartreuse, while Benedictine adds floral complexity. Lemon juice brings a bright acidity, tying all the flavors together into a refreshing yet intricate drink.
Did You Know? Genever, the spirit used in this cocktail, is the predecessor of gin and remains popular across the Netherlands and Belgium. Known as the “grandfather of gin,” genever was historically used for medicinal purposes before evolving into a beloved spirit. Today, genever cocktails are celebrated for their unique ability to bridge the flavor profiles of whiskey and gin, making them a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts.
The Flying Dutchman cocktail showcases genever, a historical Dutch spirit that dates back to the 16th century. Often described as a cross between gin and whiskey, genever has a unique malty, herbal flavor profile that forms the backbone of this drink. In this cocktail, it’s paired with yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine, two renowned French liqueurs that bring sweet, floral, and herbaceous notes to the drink. Fresh lemon juice rounds out the flavors, adding a refreshing citrus tang that balances the liqueurs' sweetness.
Origins and Inspiration: The Flying Dutchman’s combination of complex flavors is inspired by the versatility of genever. This cocktail’s inventor, Brian MacGregor, wanted to bring out genever’s potential by blending it with other nuanced liqueurs—yellow Chartreuse and Benedictine. Named after the legendary ghost ship, the Flying Dutchman cocktail evokes the mystery and depth of Dutch lore and tradition in each sip.
Why It Works: The Flying Dutchman’s mix of bold and subtle flavors makes it a cocktail that unfolds with each sip. The malty undertones of genever pair harmoniously with the herbal sweetness of yellow Chartreuse, while Benedictine adds floral complexity. Lemon juice brings a bright acidity, tying all the flavors together into a refreshing yet intricate drink.
Did You Know? Genever, the spirit used in this cocktail, is the predecessor of gin and remains popular across the Netherlands and Belgium. Known as the “grandfather of gin,” genever was historically used for medicinal purposes before evolving into a beloved spirit. Today, genever cocktails are celebrated for their unique ability to bridge the flavor profiles of whiskey and gin, making them a must-try for cocktail enthusiasts.
Come visit us at The Hub in Grace Bay, conveniently located across from Graceway
Gourmet supermarket,
and immerse vourselr in the vibrant spirit or the island!