Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic30.3% ABV4 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker
Best for: Charcuterie, Hard Cheese, Happy Hour
Ingredients & Tools
BaseModifierSweetener
- 1 ozScotchBase
- 1 ozSweet VermouthModifier
- 1 dashBittersModifier
- 1/4 tspSugar SyrupSweetener
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
- Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritBourbon is sweeter with vanilla and caramel; rye is spicier and drier; Scotch adds smoke and malt. Each changes the character significantly — stay within the same family where possible.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.BittersAromatic bitters (like Angostura) add spice, clove and cinnamon warmth. Orange bitters are brighter and more citrus-forward. Peychaud's is lighter and more floral. Swapping between them changes the top-note character — use the same quantity and taste, adjusting by drops.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Flying Scotchman?
- The Flying Scotchman is a cocktail made with 4 ingredients, traditionally served in a Cocktail Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 30.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 125 calories.
- What does a Flying Scotchman taste like?
- Flying Scotchman has a flavour profile featuring Sweet, Herbal, Sugar, Honey. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Flying Scotchman?
- Flying Scotchman pairs well with Charcuterie, Hard Cheese, Italian Cuisine. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Flying Scotchman?
- The Flying Scotchman has an ABV of approximately 30.3%. That's approximately 1.05 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 125 calories, 3.8g sugar, 5.0g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Flying Scotchman typically served?
- Flying Scotchman is a popular choice for Happy Hour, Aperitif. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Flying Scotchman?
- If you enjoy Flying Scotchman, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Flying Scotchman at home?
- Yes. The Flying Scotchman uses 4 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Cocktail Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Flying Scotchman with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.