The Best In-Flight DIY Cocktails

Cocktails in the sky are pretty simple. Of course, some airlines have their own ‘signature’ mixes – Delta has the ‘Sky Breeze’ and Virgin offers Daiquiris in Upper Class – but, generally speaking, most trolleys will offer you mini spirit bottles, a mixer and not much else. But that doesn’t mean you can’t kick your holiday off in style by making your own concoctions while cruising at 30,000ft. And that’s what brings us to this: here are six of the best in-flight DIY cocktails…

INGREDIENTS: Vodka, tomato juice, lemon (and Worcestershire sauce, if you can get it)

Scientists reckon the Bloody Mary is the best-tasting cocktail in the air. It’s something to do with the Worcestershire sauce tickling our tastebuds, combined with the enduring flavour of tomato at altitude. In fact, even if you don’t usually like the drink, chances are you may change your mind when flying because of the enhanced flavour. Whatever the science behind it, it’s also one of the simplest cocktails to make onboard.

INGREDIENTS: Tequila, orange juice, Sprite

Having a Margarita is the perfect way to start your holiday – especially if you’re en route to Mexico. This in-flight version isn’t quite as potent as the original as it doesn’t feature an orange-flavoured liqueur like Cointreau, but it’s still pretty tasty.

INGREDIENTS: Rum, coke and lime

Truly the easiest cocktail to mix in-flight; the hardest decision you’ll have to make with a Cuba Libre is which brand of rum you want to go for (provided there’s a choice available of course), and whether you go for Coca Cola or Pepsi. The lime will be the most difficult ingredient to get hold of onboard, but if there isn’t a slice or at least some cordial available, feel free to substitute it with a dash of the lemon and lime-infused Sprite.

INGREDIENTS: Red wine, orange juice, cranberry juice

Undoubtedly one of the most loved drinks of the summer, there’s no better way to get in the holiday spirit than with a glass of Sangria. Okay, so it won’t be served from a punch bowl, infused with myriad wine-soaked fruits, but it’ll still give you a flavour (literally!) of this Spanish beverage. Add a splash of ginger ale if you prefer your Sangria more sweet than sour.

INGREDIENTS: Rum, Sprite, Lime

No need for crushing up fresh mint here or using any fancy cocktail-making tools. The Faux-jito – our low-maintenance version of the Mojito – just calls for rum, sprite and some lime. It’s also pretty low calorie too, so you can feel less guilty when you disembark your flight, arrive at the hotel, and chow down on that five-course lunch.

INGREDIENTS: Baileys, coffee, vodka

Coffee bean garnish aside, the ingredients for an Espresso Martini are fairly straightforward – especially when creating a Baileys-infused version. Mix Baileys with vodka, a shot of coffee and you’re done. It’s the perfect concoction if you need to be awake, alert and hit the ground running when you reach your destination.