Oct. 08--Chicago-based United Airlines will offer free booze on a few flights Thursday evening.
The airline is trying to up its drink game, announcing Thursday that it would expand its selections to include Chicago-based Crafthouse Cocktails' Moscow Mule, a vodka and ginger beer premixed cocktail, on United-operated flights in North and Central America.
It will also add Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey on flights worldwide.
Passengers can buy a 200-milliliter bottle, enough for two servings, United says, of Crafthouse's Moscow Mule for $12.99. A 50-milliliter miniature bottle of Buffalo Trace will be complimentary in premium cabins and $8.99 in economy class.
However, the Moscow Mule is free Thursday for customers on four flights from O'Hare Airport -- to Denver, Washington, D.C. (Dulles), Newark and Houston. All flights depart about 6 p.m. Thursday.
Crafthouse co-founder and mixologist Charles Joly will join customers on United Flight 1127 from Chicago to Denver to bartend in first class, the airline said.
The drinks will also be available in many United Club airport lounges, it said.
Besides serving wine, United also offers Tito's Handmade Vodka and Goose Island Beer Company's Goose IPA on flights worldwide, as well as prosecco sparkling wine in premium cabins on United-operated flights in North America.
gkarp@tribpub.com
