An inside look at the exclusive cocktail now available in Cathay Pacific’s First class lounges

A quarter-century is worth celebrating with a drink – and that applies if it’s a milestone birthday, or the 25th anniversary of the oneworld airline alliance. In honour of the occasion, oneworld has partnered with Ago Perrone, Director of Mixology at the storied Connaught Bar in London, to create The 25 – a limited-edition cocktail and mocktail to be served at selected First class lounges around the world. 

As a founding member of oneworld, we’re excited to be bringing this exclusive creation to our First class lounges in Hong Kong and London until mid-June. Here’s an inside look at The 25. 

“It was important to create a cocktail which caught the essence of travel and blended with the personality of the oneworld alliance passengers,” says Perrone, who has headed up the Connaught Bar – number 5 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list – since 2008. 

The 25 is an updated take on the classic negroni – celebrating its Mediterranean character, but with a global touch that evokes the essence of international travel. London dry gin, sweet vermouth, a dash of bitters and a touch of mezcal are stirred with ice until well-chilled, served in a rocks glass over a large ice cube, and topped off with a spritz of Orange Grove essential oil – an addition that’s unique to the collaboration with the Connaught Bar. The result is a bright, elegant drink that’s the perfect start to your next flight.  

Perrone says that his own travels often inspire his creations, and The 25 is no different. “Just one sip of it takes you on a journey that starts from the Mediterranean before landing in Mexico, then going through London to the U.S.”

Those looking for a non-alcoholic option can opt for The 25 mocktail: alcohol-free gin, cranberry juice, Mediterranean tonic and Orange Grove essential oil combined over ice. It’s refreshing, surprising and just as redolent of travel.

You’ll find The 25 served exclusively in Hong Kong at The Pier, First and The Wing, First in Hong Kong International Airport, and also at our First class lounge in London. The drinks will also be available in participating First class lounges across the oneworld network, as well as in the recently opened oneworld branded lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and Incheon International Airport. 

And if you’re embarking on a cocktail tasting tour of London’s West End, the creation will be served at the Connaught Bar on request.

The alliance has also released a special digital cocktail companion chronicling member airlines’ signature drinks from around the world – including our very own Cloud Nine and Cathay Delight creations.

The Cloud Nine cocktail features a sweet and zesty mix of vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice and Sprite, and is completed with a sugar rim – making for a refreshing pre-flight pick-me-up. Meanwhile, the Cathay Delight mocktail is equally as flavoursome: a delicious combination of coconut milk, milk, kiwi juice and mint. Both drinks are available at our Business and First class lounges.

The 25 is a fitting creation to mark a happy occasion for the alliance, which will see the addition of its 14th member airline this year. Don’t miss your chance to try the exclusively crafted beverage, available until mid-June. Join us at our First class lounges in raising a toast to oneworld – and your next journey.

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