Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is elevating its inflight experience with the debut of its first-ever signature cocktail: SWISS Alpine Essence. The new drink is launching in July 2025 and will be served to First and Business Class guests on SWISS long-haul flights.
SWISS’ Alpine Essence Takes Flight
SWISS’ new signature cocktail has been crafted in collaboration with acclaimed bartender and gastro entrepreneur Sarah Madritsch. Known for her creative flair and recently hailed as Barkeeper of the Year in Switzerland, Madritsch brings her visionary touch to the skies with the SWISS Alpine Essence cocktail. Until recently, she led the bar at Zurich’s famed IGNIV by Andreas Caminada, which is famed for its innovative drink creations.
According to the carrier, the new 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.
Heike Birlenbach, Chief Commercial Officer at SWISS, said this about the new beverage:
“With our new ‘SWISS Alpine Essence’ we’re bringing our first-ever signature cocktail aboard. It’s another key element in the various initiatives that we’re taking this year to further refine our guests’ air travel experience – all of which are hallmarked by strong Swiss credentials and a keen devotion to detail.”
Sarah Madritsch, the beverage’s creator, added:
“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.”
As mentioned above, the new beverage will be served in First and Business Class on long-haul flights beginning in July 2025. First Class passengers can also select the beverage as part of the welcome drink service.
The airline expects to add the cocktail to its ‘SWISS Saveurs’ inflight food and beverage range later this year, likely in September, which will allow Economy Class passengers to purchase it on short and medium haul flights.
Summary
SWISS has introduced its own signature cocktail, SWISS Alpine Essence, which will be served onboard in select cabins. While this isn’t really a differentiator for the airline and I doubt anyone will fly SWISS specifically for this drink, it’s neat to see them take the time to create something unique for passengers.
