# Exclusive Inflight Cocktails Chef Mixologist Matthias Giroud Designed Quintessence for Air France By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-06-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quintessence References: [corporate.airfrance](https://corporate.airfrance.com/en/news/air-france-introduces-new-signature-cocktail-collection-matthias-giroud-its-long-haul-business)  This summer, a new cocktail offer will be available on all of [Air France's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-france-and-matthias-giroud) long-haul flights, and guests in the [long-haul Business cabin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-inflight-beverage) can experience Quintessence as part of the airline's ongoing collaboration with chef mixologist Matthias Giroud. This new and exclusive signature cocktail is a modern reinterpretation of the Boulevardier, a classic that originated in France in the 1920s. Enjoyed without ice at the end of the meal, as a digestif, the Quintessence cocktail shares an experience of [French cognac](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cognac-cocktails) with red Vermouth, an Alpine bitter liqueur, and a touch of fig. From July 1st, guests in Air France Premium and Economy cabins can savor Giroud's L’instant Cassis, a modern twist on the iconic Kir Cassis, with a blend of Chardonnay and Burgundy blackcurrant liqueur, enhanced with a hint of elderflower. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 83% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Signature Inflight Mixology:** Airlines are turning premium cabin beverage menus into branded hospitality experiences through chef-led cocktails that differentiate long-haul travel beyond seating and service. - **Heritage Cocktail Reinvention:** Classic regional drinks are being reformulated with contemporary flavor profiles, creating room for nostalgic products that feel exclusive, premium, and culturally rooted. - **Cabin-class Beverage Personalization:** Tiered cocktail offerings across business, premium, and economy cabins suggest new value models where tailored food and drink experiences enhance perceived service quality. ### Who This Affects Most - **Air Travel:** Long-haul carriers can use curated onboard beverages as a competitive service layer that strengthens loyalty and premium positioning. - **Spirits and Liqueurs:** Cognac, vermouth, cassis, and bitters producers gain new relevance through airline partnerships that introduce travelers to destination-linked drinking rituals. - **Hospitality Services:** Chef and mixologist collaborations in transit environments expand luxury hospitality into settings traditionally defined by operational efficiency rather than sensory experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Premium Inflight Cuisine](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelin-designed-dining.md) - [Luxury Travel Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/af001.md) - [Inflight Alcohol-Free Wines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alcohol-free-sparkling-rose.md) - [Designer Airline Pajamas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jacquemus-pajamas.md) - [Airline Loyalty Program Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flying-blue.md) - [Hotel-Grade In-Flight Mattresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-france-and-sofitel.md) - [Revamped Business Class Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-france-business-class.md) - [First-Class Airline Suites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-premire-suites.md) - [Flight Rewards Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reminder-for-flying.md)