The concept of serving high-quality, bespoke cocktails on flights has gained momentum as airlines strive to offer a more luxurious and personalized travel experience. Airlines like Singapore Airlines, SAS, and Emirates have embraced the trend, creating elaborate cocktail menus that rival those of top-tier bars on the ground. According to , these signature beverages often feature premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and creative presentations - setting them apart from the standard in-flight offerings.
The effort to serve quality cocktails at 35,000+ feet involves overcoming challenges, including limited space, turbulence, and the effects of altitude on taste perception. Airline Signature Cocktail Description Emirates Champagne Cocktail A blending of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and aged Hennessy X.O cognac with sugar and Angostura bitters, garnished with a cheerful orange slice and maraschino cherry.
Singapore Airlines Singapore Sling A gin-based cocktail with cherry liqueur, Cointreau, DOM Bénédictine, grenadine, and pineapple juice, inspired by the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Virgin Atlantic Virgin Redhead A bubbly mix of prosecco, Aviation Gin, and raspberry liqueur gets sweetened with sugar syrup, raspberry purée, and a splash of lemon juice. SAS Scandinavian Forest Spring Features Sweden’s award-winning High Coast blended whiskey or Denmark’s equally esteemed Stauning Rye Danish whiskey with cold-pressed apple juice and a splash of organic Swedish ginger ale.
Finn Ai.