• by Teresa Buyikian , March 12, 2025

Coffee, tea or Espresso Martini? As the ready-to-drink market continues to grow, airline travel is one place where a premade cocktail seems a perfect fit. Now Chicago’s Crafthouse Cocktails are available on United Airlines, marking the first time United has offered canned cocktails on domestic flights.

The new canned drink line-up, which was created with United, consists of an Espresso Martini, Mai Tai, Moonlighter and Pineapple Daiquiri options. The beverages were crafted by Charles Joly, who is a James Beard Award-winning mixologist, and are made with the same premium spirits typically found behind the bar.

For example, the RTD Espresso Martini contains premium vodka, coffee and Angostura bitters, while The Moonlighter has vodka steeped with chamomile and lavender with Brovo Spirits' Pretty Bianco Vermouth

“As we continue to evolve our onboard food and drink menus, companies like Crafthouse Cocktails are helping us deliver more on-trend options and variety to our customers," said said Aaron McMillan, United’s managing director of hospitality programs, in the releasee.

The Espresso Martini and Moonlighter are available on United domestic flights of 300 miles or more, and the  Mai Tai and Pineapple Daiquiri will be (appropriately) offered on flights between the continental U.S. and Hawaii. Of course, the new drinks are free for United Businessand United First classes, and available for purchase in United Economy for $12.

The brand is promoting the United Airlines partnership on Instagram and other social media platforms.

Fortune Business Insights recently reported that the global ready-to-drink beverages market size was valued at $766.69 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from $804.87 billion in 2025 to $1,227.81 billion by 2032, so it’s no surprise (and probably a huge relief for cocktail-weary stewards and stewardesses) that airlines have begun offering the premade cocktails.