Bar pros share the clever way to make DIY boozy cocktails during a flight…without breaking the rules
BAR experts have revealed how you can make DIY boozy cocktails while on a flight without breaking any rules.
A group of six experienced bartenders and restaurants shared their recommendations for the best mile-high tipples – and the snacks to go with them – with Food & Wine.
Given that most airlines do not have an extensive range of high-quality cocktails, it’s a great opportunity to make your own.
Thankfully, though on-board drinks trolleys generally have a decent variety of spirits and mixers on offer to see you through long flights.
You can enjoy sipping on a classic like a vodka martini or a more exotic beverage like a tequila sunrise all from the comfort of your seat.
Extra ingredients like citrus fruits, spice powders, sauces or sugar cubes to spice up your drink can be brought from home as long as they comply with security and import restrictions.
For example, one cocktail expert recommended bringing some miniature dried Tajin seasoning and travel-sized Tabasco to mix with a measure of vodka and tomato juice to create a Bloody Mary.
Alternatively, you could combine equal parts cola and red wine for a Spanish concoction known as a Kalimotxo.
Or a squeeze of lemon and some sugar together with a bit of gin and soda water gets you a tasty Tom Collins.
Plus, it will likely be better value per drink than the pre-mixed items you can buy from the cabin crew.
Just make sure to drink in moderation, not only for the benefit of other passengers but also because staff decline to serve you or even prevent you from boarding if they deem you to be intoxicated.
Be aware to pace yourself, especially as, according to medics, the low pressure inside the cabin can reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood, meaning you will feel the effects of less alcohol more severely.
Being drunk on an aeroplane is a criminal offence and carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment and a fine of up to £80,000.
Likewise, some airlines have stopped selling alcohol on their flights, including SouthWest and American Airlines.
It comes flight attendants hit back at a stupid new fad among young passengers, describing it as “dangerous and idiotic”.
Seven easy DIY airline cocktails and the snacks to pair them with
- Bourbon Highball (bourbon, soda water) with salted almonds
- Gin and Juice (gin, orange juice, pinch of salt) with an olive mix
- Bloody Mary (vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco, Tajin) with salted pretzels
- Kalimotxo (cola, red wine) with a mini mezze platter
- Tom Collins (sugar, lemon juice, gin, soda water) with salted pretzels
- Mimosa (orange juice, prosecco) with Sunchips
- Tequila Sunrise (tequila, orange juice, cranberry juice, brown sugar) with a breakfast sandwich