South America’s best cocktail bar takes over Amsterdam bar Flying Dutchmen
On a cold Wednesday evening in February, the Argentine passion of cocktail bar Tres Monos warms the hearts of Amsterdam’s audience. During a guest shift at Flying Dutchmen Cocktails, the Argentinians showcase their creativity and love of rum, local South American ingredients and their infectious zest for life. We party along with them and share one of our favorite cocktail recipes.
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
A guest shift is a unique evening during which top bartenders from renowned bars around the world temporarily take over another bar, and that’s exactly what happens when Argentine cocktail bar Tres Monos arrives at Flying Dutchmen Cocktails in Amsterdam. This collaboration offers the chance to enjoy exclusive cocktails created by the bartenders of Tres Monos, who are known for their creativity, rebellious spirit and fiery Argentine hospitality. As the main ingredient for the evening, they use Diplomático Rum, a premium rum with complex and versatile flavors. You can read about how it goes here.
Together with an unsuspecting couple of rather stiff Englishmen who hesitantly follow me, I step inside Flying Dutchmen. They ask me whether you can drink good cocktails here. I nod, “but tonight, you’re in for a rare treat,” I add, and those words will prove prophetic. Because without knowing it, we step through a wormhole and emerge in Buenos Aires. To be more precise, we find ourselves in the vibrant Palermo Soho neighborhood at South America’s best cocktail bar (and number seven in the world): Tres Monos. Tonight, we are guests of Sebastián Atienza, co-founder of Tres Monos and one of the most influential bartenders in Latin America. After Argentina, he has also won over the hearts of cocktail lovers in, among other places, Mexico, London and Barcelona.
This time, it’s Amsterdam’s turn. The evening starts off quietly and even somewhat awkwardly for the guests, but then Sebastián takes his place behind the bar, a huge grin on his face. Suddenly, the most sensual Latin hits pour from the speakers and before we know it, we are dancing with cocktails in hand. Only when I take a closer look at my glass do I realize that I am holding a work of art. Especially for this evening, Tres Monos has developed three cocktails, all of which are based on Diplomático Rum. The first sip reveals a perfectly balanced masterpiece.
The three cocktails are very different, wonderfully varied, with powerful flavors that are beautifully balanced. You can taste the Latin soul and craftsmanship, and no less importantly: they are irresistibly delicious! The music gets louder. Team Tres Monos, along with the entire bar, exuberantly sings along to the Latino hits and things really get going. Sebastián is clearly thoroughly enjoying these signature cocktails and the entire show surrounding them. Not for a moment do we feel like spectators, or even guests, but completely part of the entourage. I completely forget where I am… Buenos Aires? ¿Por qué no? Tres Monos truly knows how to make you feel welcome. Wow, what an atmosphere—already the party of the year for me.
Exclusive signature cocktails from Buenos Aires
We start with the Golden Curry, made with Diplomático Mantuano. This cocktail surprises with a bold combination of curry, bell pepper, coriander, clarified lemon and cotton candy, creating a harmonious mix of savory and sweet flavors. Then I drink the Plaza Once. This one uses Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva and is reminiscent of an Old Fashioned, but more refined thanks to sherry, Monacal Argentine Liquor and a blend of vermouth and bitters. Finally, I receive the beautiful Calapera No Chilla, based on Diplomático Planas—a light and fresh experience (with a beautiful drawing on top!) thanks to green apple, Christallino Pear Eau de Vie and sandalwood.
Are you still with us? We are. We order another round, and then one more, and dance with everyone until the soles of our shoes are worn through. Sebastián Atienza demonstrates his deep devotion to hospitality: he believes people may forget what they drank, but never how they felt. This philosophy lies at the heart of Tres Monos, a bar known in Argentina for its authentic quirkiness (and a little punk), neon style and tremendous conviviality.
This masterclass in cocktails and atmosphere leaves us wanting more! By now, the Englishmen have also loosened up and nod approvingly at me. After this evening, it is impossible not to become curious about Tres Monos’ roots in Buenos Aires! Vibrant Palermo Soho, with its mix of creative bars, street art and lively atmosphere, seems like the perfect place to visit and experience what Argentine passion really tastes like—straight from the source! The grin on Sebastián’s face proves capable of growing even wider when he celebrates my high-five with a Tres Monos (temporary) tattoo on my wrist. Could he have planted the seed for a future visit on my part to Buenos Aires, allowing me to relive this party there? In any case, Buenos Aires has climbed considerably higher on my travel bucket list.
A little more about the cocktails’ most important ingredient: Diplomático Rum
And the rum? In recent years, I’ve really developed an increasing appreciation for quality rums.
Diplomático Rum is known for its versatility and exceptional quality, making it a favorite among bartenders and rum lovers worldwide. During Tres Monos’ guest shift at Flying Dutchmen, three varieties of this rum were used, each with its own unique flavor and character:
– Diplomático Mantuano: Rich profile with notes of dried fruit, woody spices and a hint of smoke, making it ideal both for cocktails and sipping neat.
– Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva: This is the brand’s flagship rum. Its flavor is silky smooth, with notes of chocolate, orange peel, caramel and tropical fruit.
– Diplomático Planas: A surprising white rum with a fresh and creamy texture and notes of coconut, coffee and white chocolate.
Diplomatico Planas Daiquiri: approachable, fresh and elegant
What a delicious cocktail—let’s get started right away!
Ingredients:
- Coupe glass
- 50 ml Diplomatico Planas
- 20 ml fresh lime juice
- 15 ml sugar syrup
- Ice
Method:
- Fill a shaker with Diplomatico Planas, lime juice, sugar syrup and ice cubes.
- Shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.
- Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.
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Image: 51 North Photography
