It’s the source of Eden Prairie’s best (and only) locally distilled liquor, which it sells by the bottle and serves as most thrilling cocktails.
It’s a speakeasy without traffic or passersby; nearby, yet sealed off from the world.
It even serves pizza.
But these blessings alone haven’t made Flying Dutchman Spirits our town’s nicest spot to host parties in. Katie Nelson, its events and experiences director, has.
“My husband Jonathon and I were delighted to buy Flying Dutchman last June,” said Katie. “Maintaining the distillery’s high standards for its rum, gin, vodka, and other fine spirits has always been our priority. So too has managing its cozy, well-lit cocktail lounge, where there’s live music, light dining, and a large patio.
“With that being said, my biggest focus – not just in business, but in life – is throwing parties. It has been since I was old enough to host high tea for my stuffed animals and grandma (the latter of whom being a great source of encouragement). Whether they’re my own or my client’s, I love bringing great ideas for parties to fruition. And now that I’ve got the perfect place to do it in, I feel complete.”
A “diaper party” for a father-to-be, where revelers were served Moscow mules, pizza, and cookies shaped like Moscow mules and pizza. A lady’s big 40th, all done up in pink lights and flowers with cocktails to match. A “no more splinters sipper” honoring a man’s retirement from carpentry, successfully planned without the jolly good fellow’s knowledge.
“And wedding receptions, corporate happy hours, and a whole lot of birthdays, too,” added Katie. “We’ve hosted them all over the past year, and this next one looks to be even busier”
Katie’s limitless enthusiasm for special occasions also compels her to manage pop-up events with local vendors, including classes for floral arrangement, cookie decoration, and pet painting (portraiture; not the paint-on-dog variety).
“Flower arranging taps into my other great passion: decorating,” said Katie. “It’s fun, brings joy to people’s lives, and readies our versatile cocktail lounge for any type of get-together, regardless of its tone or purpose. If you really want to see me go all out, come to Flying Dutchman around Christmastime and ooh and ahh at the five trees I decorate. Visit during any of the other major holidays for an equally memorable experience, too!”
Flying Dutchman Spirits is tucked away at 6801 Flying Cloud Drive in Eden Prairie. Visit FDSpirits.com to learn more.