Although the cocktails served during flights may not rival those prepared by top-tier bars, illuminating tips from renowned bar experts can help passengers fly experiencing richer tastes crafted by pairing in-flight cocktails and snack options.
Experts recommend soothing restorative drinks ranging from highballs to refreshing spritzes made with what is available at 30,000 feet for especially long-haul passengers to make the most of their flights.
The experts, however, underline the significance of complementing the drinks with the right snacks on the plane and suggest salty options including pretzels, almonds, and Sunchips that usually pair well with various cocktails.
Below are the cocktail tips that will elevate your in-flight drinking experience.
Alon Shaya, the award-winning chef who owns many restaurants across the world -and hence spends many hours in the air, prefers bourbon and soda with salted almonds, and recommends adding two lime wedges in the highball.
“It’s a drink that works well with watching a movie and taking my mind off of work for a bit plus, it’s soothing on a late-night flight,” Shaya says.
Ivy Mix, the co-owner of multiple renowned bars, frequently travels for work. She recommends gin and juice as her preferred in-flight beverage. She adds a pinch of salt for extra flavor and suggests pairing the drink’s botanical notes with a plate of olives.
Lynnette Marrero, a leading mixologist and business owner, favors the Bloody Mary as her go-to in-flight cocktail. She recommends enhancing the classic with premium mixers and personal touches like Tajin and Tabasco.
“I like to bring some travel-size Tajin to add some extra zing and some baby Tabasco to add more spice,” Marrero says. “I ask for a lemon or lime to rim the glass with Tajin, then squeeze it into the cocktail. I love pairing these with pretzels.”
Tess Posthumus, a renowned bartender, also champions the Bloody Mary for its savory qualities and suggests alternative spirits like gin or tequila as an alternative to vodka.
Kalimotxo + Mezze Platter Ivy Mix is also a fan of the Kalimotxo, a simple yet satisfying Spanish cocktail made with equal parts red wine and cola. She suggests pairing this refreshing drink with the typical in-flight mezze platter for a delightful combination.
Seasoned hospitality expert Drew DeLaughter favors classic cocktails for air travel. He recommends a Tom Collins paired with mini pretzels, offering a creative solution to in-flight cocktail limitations by repurposing a purchased lemonade.
Ian Alexander, a renowned bar manager, is a fan of the in-flight Mimosa. He recommends combining orange juice and prosecco for a customized experience, and pairs the drink with salty snacks like almonds or Sunchips.
Isai Xolalpa Blake, a seasoned bar expert, adapts his in-flight drink to the time of day. For morning flights, he creates a Tequila Sunrise using readily available ingredients, substituting brown sugar for grenadine. Later in the day, he opts for the simpler Ranch Water.
: cocktail • drink • flight • travel