The Mixologist Matthias Giroud creates a signature cocktail collection for Air France’s La Première guests

Air France has teamed up with chef mixologist Matthias Giroud to design a new collection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, served exclusively in the La Première cabin. This collaboration allows the airline to showcase the art of mixology and French expertise to its global clientele.

To create this unique collection, specially crafted for La Première customers, Matthias Giroud drew inspiration from Air France’s core values of elegance, pleasure and respect. Made with French ingredients, the cocktails offer authentic flavours that balance tradition with modernity to satisfy even the most refined palates.

The mixologist has designed three signature cocktails – one recipe with alcohol, one with low alcohol content and an alcohol-free version, a first for Air France. Each cocktail is served in-flight by the crew in a new exclusively-designed glass that enhances the tasting experience.

To introduce the new cocktail offer to customers on board, the three signature cocktails are presented in an elegantly-designed, custom-made box -

• Belle Époque: a bitter and zesty alcoholic cocktail, a reinterpretation of the Negroni with orange hydrosol;
• Parfum de France: a sweet and fruity low-alcohol cocktail, inspired by the world of wine (Chardonnay and Muscat) featuring raspberry liqueur and a hint of verbena;
• L’Éveil: a tangy and spicy alcohol-free cocktail, made from cranberry juice infused with mint, lime juice, aromatic leaf bouquet and ginger.

“It’s an honour for me to have been chosen to create this first exclusive collection of La Première signature cocktails. Air France embodies the excellence of French expertise and elegance, taking gastronomy to the four corners of the world. A world of travel that has always inspired me to create unique cocktail experiences”, said Matthias Giroud.

Mixologist Matthias Giroud creates a signature cocktail collection for Air France La Première

This new signature cocktail collection complements the refined dining offer available on board the La Première cabin. The menu is signed by triple Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement and World Pastry Chef and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, Angelo Musa. A selection of French wines, champagnes, beers and spirits is chosen by Air France’s Sommelier, Xavier Thuizat, who is also Head Sommelier of the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel and Meilleur Sommelier de France 2022.

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This summer, La Première is available on departure from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Abidjan, Dubai, Los Angeles, Miami, New York-JFK, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo-Haneda and Washington-DC.

La Première, the highest expression of travel

A reflection of French elegance and art de vivre, La Première has always embodied Air France’s spirit of excellence. Both at the airport and on board, La Première guests enjoy an exclusive and personalized experience. With a seamless and private airport experience awaiting them on arrival at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and new exclusive suites progressively rolled out on board, the airline aims to offer its customers the highest level of service on every trip. Unique and personalized moments curated by dedicated La Première staff, who provide discreet yet attentive service.

Gradually rolled out on a selection of Boeing 777-300 aircraft, Air France’s new La Première suite spans five windows and features a one-of-a-kind concept design. Fully adaptable, it consists of a seat and a chaise longue that converts into a real bed. The seat adjusts to each phase of the flight – take-off, landing, mealtimes, or relaxation. With soft ergonomic foam padding, the seat adapts to the body shape of each passenger for optimal comfort. Facing the seat, a chaise longue allows passengers to rest in their preferred position and stretch their legs while sitting, to read or watch a film. And for a perfect night’s sleep, the chaise longue simply extends to become a true bed measuring two metres in length. Each of the four suites available on board are fitted with a thick curtain for total floor-to-ceiling privacy, providing a cosy atmosphere.

With a vast airport lounge, a private suite on board, three-star cuisine, an expertly curated wine and champagne selection, and peaceful nights at 35,000 feet, every aspect of the La Première experience is elevated to turn travel into an unforgettable experience.

About Matthias Giroud

Matthias Giroud is a world-renowned French chef mixologist. He began his career at the age of 16, in Toulouse, at the Papagayo bar, and subsequently joined the Bar Fly Group in 1998. After four years of seasonal work in France and Europe, he returned to the Group where he was appointed head mixologist of the Buddha Bar, Barrio Latino, and Barlotti. In 2008, drawing on his extensive experience, he was named Global Executive Bar Chef of the Buddha Bar Group. He went on to develop numerous bar concepts around the globe and trained multicultural teams of bartenders in over 32 countries. Nicknamed L’Alchimiste by his peers for his creative talent and his work with basic ingredients, in 2019, he co-founded the L’Alchimiste Group to usher in a new era of liquid gastronomy. His cocktail creations are inspired by his travels. In his workshop, he keeps a collection of over 150 flavours, including herbs, flowers, and peppers from around the world. His motto: “Don’t create for yourself, create for your customers”. An author and lecturer, he works with Michelin-starred chefs and luxury hotels to create unique experiences. He is also committed to an eco-responsible approach, both in his cocktail creations and in sourcing ingredients. He cultivates a zero-waste philosophy, ensuring every part of an ingredient is used in his creations.