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WhatDrink

Cocktails

Flying Scotchman

Flying Scotchman is a cocktail made with Scotch, Sweet Vermouth, Bitters, and Sugar Syrup. The listed recipe is shaken and served in a Cocktail Glass.

Reviewed by How we calculate nutritionSuggest a correction
Cocktailalcoholic30.3% ABV4 ingredients

At a Glance

125 kcalCalories
30.3%ABV
3.8gSugar
5gCarbs
1.05Std Drinks

Estimated from parsed ingredients and typical ingredient nutrition.

On this page

How hard is it to make?

Moderateshaken drink

Why: 4 ingredients, shaken drink, requires shaker

Estimated from the ingredient count and technique.

Ingredients

How to Make It

  1. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.Shaken

How to Serve

Glass
Cocktail Glass
Temperature
Chilled
Ice
Ice
Method
Shaken
Served Chilled

Taste

What does Flying Scotchman taste like?

Flying Scotchman has a drier, more aromatic profile. Bitter, herbal or botanical notes give it structure and make it feel less sugary.

Primary flavours

SweetHerbal

Supporting notes

HoneyOakRed FruitSmokeSpice

Flavor tags are derived from ingredient-level flavor mappings.

Estimated sensory profile

StrengthLight – Strong
BodyLight – Full
SweetnessDry – Sweet
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
  • High ABV
  • Full-bodied

What do these dimensions mean?

Practical notes

Similar styles

Try this if you like Scotch with a softer edge

Choose the Flying Scotchman when you want whisky character with a little sweetness and aromatic support. It is a stronger choice for slow sipping than for light refreshment.

Variations

Easy ways to adjust Flying Scotchman

For a softer version, add a small amount of sweetness or citrus. For a drier version, keep the bitter or herbal ingredient clear and avoid extra fruit syrup.

Skip if

Skip Flying Scotchman if...

Skip Flying Scotchman if you prefer soft, sweet or fruit-led drinks. Bitter and herbal cocktails can feel dry or intense if you are expecting easy sweetness.

When to serve

  • Happy HourSuggested from pairing with charcuterie and olives.
  • AperitifSuggested from its herbal notes.

Occasion tags are inferred from drink style, serving format, flavour profile, food-pairing theme, recipe metadata, and strict multi-signal supplemental rule matches.

Food pairings

CharcuterieOlivesSalty Snacks

Food pairings are derived from the drink flavour signature, mapped to one dominant pairing theme, then limited to coherent public suggestions.

Diet & lifestyle

Compatible, based on the listed ingredients

Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian

Not compatible

KetoLow-CarbLow-Sugar

Diet tags are ingredient-level and nutrition-estimate based. Product brands, preparation methods, quantities, and substitutions may change compatibility.

Alternatives to try

Choose an ingredient to see reviewed substitutions, or filter for a different preference.

Reviewed ingredient substitutions

Sweet Vermouth1 oz

Rosso VermouthGood swap
How much to use
Use the same amount; adjust only for the specific bottle’s sweetness and bitterness.
What changes
Rosso vermouth is a sweet red vermouth and is usually a close replacement for a generic sweet vermouth.
Dry VermouthNot a neutral swap
How much to use
You may need a small sweetener adjustment if the drink loses balance.
What changes
Dry vermouth is not a neutral substitute for sweet vermouth; it makes the drink much drier.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Bitters1 dash

Angostura BittersKnown variation
How much to use
Start with the recipe’s dash count and taste before adding more.
What changes
When a recipe says only “bitters,” Angostura is a common aromatic default, except in drinks built around another named bitters style.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Sugar Syrup1/4 tsp

SugarWorks, with a noticeable change
How much to use
Dissolve well before serving or muddle/shake hard; start with about 1 teaspoon sugar per 1/4 oz syrup.
What changes
Sugar can replace simple syrup if it fully dissolves, but it adds less water.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Agave SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first, then adjust to taste.
What changes
Agave syrup can replace simple syrup, especially in tequila or mezcal drinks, but it adds an earthy agave note.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Demerara SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use the same amount, but avoid in very delicate drinks unless you want the darker flavor.
What changes
Demerara syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, darker sugar note is welcome.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Honey SyrupWorks, but changes the drink
How much to use
Use slightly less at first; honey syrup can dominate delicate drinks.
What changes
Honey syrup can replace simple syrup when a richer, floral sweetness is acceptable.
Vegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible
Maple SyrupNot a neutral swap
How much to use
Use less at first and avoid in delicate citrus or clear drinks unless you want maple flavor.
What changes
Maple syrup can replace simple syrup in darker or whiskey-style drinks, but it is not a neutral swap.
Vegan-compatibleVegetarian-compatibleGluten-free-compatible

Reviewed component substitutions are not guarantees that the replacement was tested in this exact recipe. Follow the reviewed adjustment note and taste before serving.

Preference filters use current ingredient, nutrition and diet evidence. They are not medical advice, and this database contract does not store user selections.

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Last updated

Ingredients, measures and method are taken from the source recipe; roles and serving details are mapped from reviewed evidence.

Frequently asked questions

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.