Customers jetting off with Virgin Atlantic over the next few months might be surprised to find one of London’s finest bartenders mixing their drinks on board – as the airline partners with Bacardi to deliver expertly crafted cocktails in the sky.
Virgin Atlantic and Bacardi kicked off the Flying Bartender programme by celebrating International Gin and Tonic Day onboard the VS45 to New York, and the next will take flight for Christmas and New Year holiday celebrations with GREY GOOSE® vodka.
Award-winning mixologist Max Venning – co-owner of Three Sheets bar in London – surprised customers with a specially designed, travel inspired drink from Bombay Sapphire known as Gin & Damson. The bartenders will be chosen from award-winners in Bacardi global competitions such as The BACARDI Legacy Competition and the BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Most Imaginative Bartender Competition. On-board they will use the Upper Class bar to mix their travel inspired cocktails, served in moderation to customers in Upper Class.
All customers aged 18 or over travelling in Economy and Premium Economy will receive a limited edition gift bag with a personal cocktail making kit, and commemorative recipe booklet. For International Gin and Tonic Day this comprised of BOMBAY SAPPHIRE and FEVER-TREE with three flavour pairing recipes, including mint and ginger, orange and pink peppercorn, lemon and thyme.
Mark Anderson, Executive Vice President of Customer, Virgin Atlantic Airways, said: “We’re known for our unrivalled flying experience and are delighted to partner with Bacardi to bring back the popular ‘Flying Bartender’ between now and Spring 2018. We’ve invited one of the UK’s leading bartenders to create bespoke cocktails on five special flights to help our customers celebrate key dates such as Christmas. We’re looking forward to working with Bacardi to surprise our customers across all three cabins, and encourage everyone on board to enjoy their specially crafted drink responsibly.”
Aude Bourdier-Rocourt, Regional Director Europe, Bacardi Global Travel Retail, added: “We are happy to share a truly creative partnership with Virgin Atlantic, rooted in our joint passion to give customers an unforgettable experience with our brands. For Bacardi, what’s especially exciting about the projects we are working on together this year – Flying Bartender and the Digital 360 (also running in several Virgin clubhouses) – is how we are building even greater connections between the brand experiences our consumers enjoy on the ground, thanks to our relationships with leading bartenders in iconic city venues, as well as in the air with Virgin Atlantic’s renowned inflight service.”
