Alpine Essence Cocktail: A High-Flying Appetizer at 35,000 Feet

SWISS's Alpine Essence Cocktail

It was 5 PM somewhere... specifically, on my SWISS flight from London to Zurich. Speaking of SWISS, this airline introduced its signature cocktail, Alpine Essence, last year, but it wasn't until recently that I had the chance to taste it on my evening flight to Zurich.

Light and Refreshing

The Alpine Essence cocktail was crafted in collaboration with bartender Sarah Madritsch and IGNIV in Zurich, under the guidance of Andreas Caminada. This cocktail is a twist on the Negroni, but much lighter. It’s less bitter and far more refreshing than a traditional Negroni, which can feel heavy even on solid ground, let alone in the dry cabin air. This version is truly ideal for enjoying at an altitude of 35,000 feet.

Exceptional Ingredients

SWISS's new cocktail combines dry white vermouth and a floral syrup with fresh crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and a hint of citrus and herbs. The result is a light, floral concoction, reminiscent of a lighter White Negroni, perfect for either starting your meal or enjoying on its own.

Quality to Be Proud Of

Madritsch shared, “We wanted to provide SWISS passengers with a truly enjoyable experience, blending lightness with the freshness of the Alpine mountains — much like being outdoors in Switzerland's stunning landscapes. I’m very proud of this result. And it’s especially exciting to know that our creation will soon be flying around the world as SWISS’s first cocktail.”

In-Flight Experience

While this might sound like an advertisement, I genuinely enjoyed the result: the cocktail is not too sweet, not too strong, and not weak either. My flight departed at 5 PM, so it wasn’t just “5 PM somewhere,” it was truly time to enjoy a cocktail in the sky.

Short Flight Time

The flight time to Zurich was only about an hour, but there isn’t much to do in the cramped cabin with no Wi-Fi and limited entertainment options. The cocktail not only provided a refreshing break but also helped pass the time. SWISS even served it in a real glass… yes, even in economy class!

Affordable Pricing

The price for this cocktail is 10 CHF, which currently translates to about 12.65 USD. It’s complimentary in business and first class on short, medium, and long-haul flights, but can only be purchased in economy class on short flights. A well-presented and balanced cocktail is a small but thoughtful detail that elevates the overall experience.

Conclusion

SWISS's Alpine Essence cocktail is truly a winning creation. Light, refreshing, and served just right, it adds a delightful touch to my short flight. Well done, SWISS!

Each week, I’ll be featuring a dish from my travels over the years. It could be a meal from last week or a dish served two decades ago.