My darling I
Can't get enough of your love, babe
When Flying Dutchman Spirits first opened in 2015, Eden Prairie got its own liquor distillery. When Jonathon and Katie Nelson bought Flying Dutchman last June, our town got its best cocktail lounge.
The Nelsons are content to let Flying Dutchman’s liquor remain in its present state of perfection. The same team of distillers will continue to craft it in small batches using the same premium ingredients and Hungarian-made still as before. Rather than fixing what ain’t broke, the Nelsons have refined the Flying Dutchman experience.
The first improvement met my senses the instant I opened the door: a dulcet Barry White cover, courtesy of Geoff Jones and his band, playing on a proper stage (instead of a rug) and surrounded by slow-dancing couples. It’s a much more dignified and acoustically sound setup for the live music Flying Dutchman features each Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 to 10pm.
Flying Dutchman keeps all its windows: the ones that bathe the lounge in natural light, and the others that reveal the production floor in all its distillatious glory. The bar, which showcases Mediterráneo Gin, Frontera Norte Blue Agave, Sailor’s Rantsoen Rum,
Nas-Drov-Via Vodka, and other miraculous restoratives in jewel-like glass bottles, has rightly stayed unchanged. But now there are multiple 85-inch TVs for game days and private events, new seating upholstered in satiny and altogether comfier leather, and an audio system for the patio – unarguably the Twin Cities' best spot for cocktails.
I brought my rowdiest crew (i.e. my wife and mom) to the patio that evening, which meant I could steal sips from more cocktails than I would ever order for only myself (post college, at least). My own Thai mule had a fiery kick thanks to Flying Dutchman’s chili-infused vodka – not a five-alarmer, but just enough heat to make my taste buds loosen their collars. My mom’s Paloma was the cocktail equivalent of mariachi music. My wife ordered the cotton candy cosmo: one part Carrie Bradshaw, one part circus clown, served with a wisp of pink fluff to dissolve in the glass. Someone else (me) ordered a second, and they’re glad they did. The “Show Us Your Coconuts” is quite possibly the reason why rum was invented.
Only one thing on earth could have improved our experience. I am speaking of authentic New York-style pizza, of course, which Flying Dutchman serves four different ways. You haven’t lived until you’ve watched pepperoni glisten under Edison bulb lighting on a gorgeous summer evening.
“We fell in love with Flying Dutchman long before we bought it,” said Katie. “The spirits are delicious. The staff are amazing. The location is perfect – just off 212, but somehow still totally hidden away from the world. We’re adamant about keeping everything that already works so well. We’re also focused on elevating our experience into one that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re planning a special date, a girl’s night out, or a truly memorable wedding reception, we’ll only be too happy to have you.”
“We’re excited for what’s to come, too,” added Jonathon. “Nothing’s set in stone just yet, but we’ll be rolling out a new bottle, label and logo sometime soon. We’ve been experimenting with new vodka flavors like huckleberry, and dill pickle. We’re also hoping to introduce an all-new product. I believe it’s finally time for Eden Prairie to become famous for its whiskey!”
Visit Flying Dutchman on Monday for $5 margaritas. Visit on Wednesday for cocktails and bingo. Visit fdspirits.com to see the live music and other special events they have lined up, or stop by 6801 Flying Cloud Drive to pick up a whole bottle of something beautiful. If Flying Dutchman were a lady, she would have given Mr. White plenty to sing about.
The cotton candy cosmo: one part Carrie Bradshaw, one part circus clown.
Visit Flying Dutchman on Monday for $5 margaritas!