Overview: Virgin Atlantic has maintained its signature Virgin Redhead cocktail since approximately 2004, serving it within exclusive Clubhouse lounges and on flights. In 2024, the airline partnered with premium ready-to-drink brand Tom Savano to introduce a canned version for in-flight service. This release expands availability while maintaining the drink’s established presence across six major international airports.
The Full Story
The cocktail is available at all of the Clubhouses, which are located at airports in six cities: London’s Heathrow, New York’s JFK, Los Angeles International, San Francisco International, Washington, D.C.’s Dulles, and O.R.Tambo in Johannesburg, South Africa. Each location also features its own signature drink alongside the Virgin Redhead. Among them are the Highline Blossom at JFK with Citron vodka, hibiscus tea, and Cointreau; San Francisco’s Bay Berry, made from tequila, lemon, cranberry, and ginger beer; and the District Reserve in D.C. with bourbon, Cointreau, lemon, ginger, and blackberry.
For most of its history, the Virgin Redhead was available exclusively at Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses. Then, the airline teamed up with premium ready-to-drink cocktail brand Tom Savano in 2024 to create a canned version that it added to its regular in-flight offerings. The drink is complimentary for Upper Class passengers, while travelers in Economy and Premium have to pay for it.
Production & Profile
The Virgin Redhead is composed of a blended base featuring gin, fresh lemon juice, crème de cassis, framboise, raspberry purée, and sugar syrup. Prosecco is poured on top of the base in a Champagne flute, filling the elegant glass with a pinkish-red hue that reflects the Virgin Redhead name, crowned with a little white foam.
Brand & Industry History
Virgin Atlantic has served its signature cocktail, the “Virgin Redhead,” since approximately 2004. Among the most exclusive are Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouses, open only to its highest-tier Upper Class passengers and certain elite frequent flyers, who’ve been able to sip on the signature cocktail called the Virgin Redhead since around 2004. The airline provides luxury benefits and perks to woo them, including dedicated airport lounges.
What This Means
Virgin Atlantic’s move is part of a broader trend of airlines offering special cocktails and signature drinks on flights, sometimes teaming up with well-known mixologists and upscale bars. Some of them are canned, like the Virgin Redhead, which is easier for flight attendants because they don’t have to mix them. They also have a uniform flavor, which is beneficial because things can tastedifferent when flying. Airlines also sometimes tie them to the destination, like offering a special tiki-style drink on flights to tropical locations.
Consumer Takeaway
The canned version of the Virgin Redhead is available for in-flight service as part of regular offerings. It is complimentary for Upper Class passengers, while travelers in Economy and Premium have to pay for it. The drink is served at Clubhouses located at airports in six cities: London’s Heathrow, New York’s JFK, Los Angeles International, San Francisco International, Washington, D.C.’s Dulles, and O.R.Tambo in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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