It was 5:00 pm somewhere…specifically, on my SWISS flight from London to Zurich.
SWISS introduced its own signature cocktail last year called Alpine Essence, but I only recently had the chance to try it on my evening hop to ZRH.
SWISS Alpine Essence Signature Cocktail
The cocktail is a riff on a Negroni, but toned down in all the right ways. It was jointly developed with bartender Sarah Madritsch and Zurich’s IGNIV by Andreas Caminada Bar.
It’s lighter, less bitter, and far more refreshing than a traditional Negroni, which can feel a bit heavy even on the ground, let alone in a dry aircraft cabin. This version works very well at 35,000 feet.
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.
Madritsch explained, “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.”
That may be marketing fluff, but I’m happy about the result too: it was neither too sweet, too strong, nor too weak. In my case, this wasn’t a random mid-morning experiment. This was a 5:00 pm departure, which meant it was not just “5:00 somewhere,” but quite literally time for a drink on my flight.
The flight time is only about one hour to Zurich, but there’s very little to do on the plane with tight legroom, no Wi-Fi, and no other in-flight-entertainment. The cocktail not only was refreshing, but it helped to pass the time.
Even better, SWISS served it in a real glass…yes, even in economy class. The cost? 10 CHF, which these days is 12.65 USD. It is free in business and class first class on short-, mid-, and long-haul flights, but only available for purchase in economy class on shorter flights.
A well-balanced cocktail with proper presentation is exactly the kind of small, thoughtful touch that elevates the experience.
Maybe this answers my earlier question, SWISS Charges A Premium In Europe, But For What Exactly?
CONCLUSION
SWISS’ signature Alpine Essence cocktail is a winner.
Light, refreshing, and served properly, it’s a small detail that made my short and otherwise lackluster flight more enjoyable. Well done, SWISS!
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over two decades ago.
Drinking to pass the time! Bah! Yum!
Thanks for the review, I’ll try it in 2 weeks in Swiss Senses business class on my ZRH-PRG flight.
Enjoy your flight! I’m looking at some intra-Europe A350 bookings myself on LX.
Yum. Sounds sweet but glad it wasn’t too sweet. Negroni’s are the best.
Certainly sweeter than a traditional Negroni, but you could taste the elderflower and citrus notes, which made for a great combo.
Smooth and sophisticated, this exclusive drink seems to be the splendid aperitif or in-flight companion… Bravo to LX again and again!
Wow I tried something before Matthew! Got to try it on Lx to/from Oktoberfest. I think on the ground in a lounge I didn’t care for it. Too flavorless I think. Granted I am not a sophisticated person!