Alaska Airlines updated its inflight beverage menu on Monday thanks to a partnership with Straightaway cocktails. The Portland-based distillery said its high-quality cocktails are now available to Alaska's 40 million yearly passengers from the convenience of their seat.
The announcement signifies another collaboration the airline has had with food and beverage providers and small businesses local to the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle-based carrier said the new beverages will improve its inflight experience.
A speakeasy in the sky
Flights over 350 miles will feature the new beverages. Alaska Airlines Senior Food & Beverage Product Manager Jessica Johnston spoke about the new offering.
“We’re thrilled to offer our 40+ million guests signature drinks from a small business in Portland who has changed the paradigm on canned cocktails by using high-quality, in-housemade ingredients. We are proud to support a local business that stands behind high-quality ingredients, knowing it will improve our guests’ in-flight experience.” -Jessica Johnston, Alaska Airlines Senior Food & Beverage Product Manager
The Straightaway cocktails will be served in 100-milliliter single-serve cans and come with two choices. First, the oaky Oregon Old Fashioned cocktail features notes of orange and a dry finish. The distillery said it uses time-honored recipes and local ingredients from the Pacific Northwest to make the beverage, including 3-year rye whiskey, housemade simple syrup, and bitters made from Oregon filberts and fir needles.
The other cocktail is a twist on the classic Margarita, bringing a bright and complex taste with a hint of heat. The cocktail is made with reposado tequila and small-batched mezcal from Dandeleón, orange liqueur, agave, habanero, mango syrups, and Oregon's own Jacobsen Salt Co., according to the company.
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A selection of beverages and food
The cocktails will be available to main cabin passengers for $12 and free of charge in first class. They join Alaska's wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including Elysian Brewing Space Dust IPA, Fremont Brewing Golden Pilsner, Domaine St. Vincent Sparkling Wine, Aviation Gin, Tito's Vodka, and more.
The airline also offers meals and snacks for pre-order such as the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter, the West Coast Muffuletta, the Sunrise Breakfast Sandwich, and others. Passengers can place their pre-orders through the carrier's mobile app or website from 2 weeks to 20 hours before their flight.
"Be on Alaska Airlines"
Featuring award-winning bottled and canned cocktails, Straightaway Cocktails launched in 2018. The company quickly became a favorite for cocktail connoisseurs as it sources high-quality ingredients from local growers.
In addition to Alaska Airlines, Straightaway has partnered with other Pacific Northwest-based companies, including Steven Smith Teamaker, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Jacobsen Salt Co.,
The co-founders and longtime friends, Cy Cain and Casey Richwine were inspired to get into the business after nailing batched cocktails at home, a trick to keep them from being stuck playing bartender all night at dinner parties, according to Portland Monthly.
But the idea of having their original beverages featured on a commercial airline has been in the works since Cain started crafting cocktails. When he established Straightaway's business plan four years ago, he reportedly wrote, "be on Alaska Airlines."
Source: Portland Monthly