It’s always fun when airlines introduce signature drinks, so I think we have to give a shoutout to SWISS, for its newest offering…
In this post:
SWISS introduces onboard signature cocktail
SWISS will soon be adding a first-ever own-creation cocktail to its onboard drink list. The drink is called the “SWISS Alpine Essence,” and here’s how it’s described:
The new SWISS signature cocktail blends dry white vermouth and elderflower syrup with refreshing crème de menthe, white crème de cacao and citrus and herbal notes. The resulting concoction is akin to a light and floral variant of the White Negroni, and is perfectly suited for either an aperitif or a meal accompaniment.
The drink has been jointly developed with award-winning bartender Sarah Madritsch and Zurich’s IGNIV by Andreas Caminada Bar. Here’s how Madritsch describes the inspiration behind the drink:
“We wanted to offer SWISS travelers a genuine taste experience that combines lightness with all the freshness of the Alps – just as can be sensed and felt outdoors in Switzerland’s natural landscape. I’m proud of the result. And it’s very special to know that our creation will soon be flying as the first-ever SWISS cocktail all over the globe.”
Starting in July 2025, the cocktail will be offered in first and business class on long haul flights. It’ll be available inflight in business class, and can also be chosen as a pre-departure drink in first class. As of September 2025, the drink will be added to SWISS’ buy on board menu on short haul flights, so that economy passengers can enjoy it as well.
It’s always fun when airlines introduce unique drinks
I’m a big fan of airlines introducing signature drinks, whether they’re alcoholic or non-alcoholic. I’m talking about everything from Austrian’s inflight coffee menu, to Japan Airlines’ Sky Time. It’s fun when airlines put in a bit of effort to set themselves apart and reflect their home market, and this seems like a great addition to SWISS’ selection.
I feel like cocktails is an area where many airlines could easily make some investments to improve the premium cabin passenger experience. It’s something that Emirates has figured out, while very few other airlines have. It could be as easy as having pre-made cocktails that passengers enjoy.
In this US, I’d argue that United beats American and Delta by a long shot on the drink front, between serving Illy cold brew, and also having canned drinks from Crafthouse Cocktails.
Bottom line
SWISS is introducing a new signature cocktail, which will be available in premium cabins on long haul flights as of July 2025. The cocktail will be known as the SWISS Alpine Essence, and it’s a twist on the classic White Negroni.
What do you make of SWISS’ new signature cocktail?
They couldn’t get the rights to serve a Ricola cocktail?
Does this mean It will not be available to to long haul economy and short haul business class at all? I remember LHs Avionic to be available on short haul as well and would have expected to be Swiss implementation of a groups concept.
Uh did I hear that right? Vermouth, elderflower, mint liqueur, and chocolate liqueur? And they’re saying it’s basically a white negroni? Can’t say I’ve ever dipped an Andes mint in elderflower syrup and thought “this is basically the same thing as gin and Suze.” Sounds pretty heinous.
Sounds good. I’ve had (mostly) great experiences with the drink specials offered at the Senator E lounge in ZRH, hopefully this will be no different.
I'm definitely a traditionalist when it comes to negronis, but I'd try it. It sounds pretty tasty.
Not so sure this specific cocktail would 'fly' in this country (US), when I saw the reference to 'white' Negroni. We don't need to 'rock the aircraft' & create 'turbulence' with that color ! ... lol
As sad as it is, I can absolutely see scenarios where Americans who don't drink/don't know what a negroni is jump to conclusions. I've been to a surprising number of bars in the Atlanta area that don't stock vermouth or campari, giant whiskey selection at the expense of all else tends to be the overriding principle unless you're in an Italian restaurant. And don't even get me started on the sad state of rum offerings.