It’s been unanimously decided: flying is the worst. It seems like it’s an activity that was designed for getting drunk. There’s only one problem – the booze selection on most planes is a total bust. Or is it? We decided to get creative and adapt our favorite cocktails into plane-friendly concoctions. No, you don’t have to sneak simple syrup and a shaker onboard; just use basic ingredients like Jack Daniels and house red wine to whip up the drinks of your dreams. All you need is your imagination and a little bit of drink savviness. Now take a journey with us…
1. Margarita
What it normally is: Tequila, Triple Sec, Lime Juice
How we made it: Tequila, Orange Juice, Sprite
Pour in as much tequila as you’d like into a cup with ice, stir in orange juice, and top with Sprite.
2. Kalimotxo
Pronounced kahl-ee-moe-choe.
What it normally is: Red Wine, Cola
How we made it: Red Wine, Coke
If only life were always this easy. Mix equal parts Coke and red wine over ice and stir.
3. Death Of A Ladies’ Man
This was inspired by a drink we loved at a now defunct bar named Elsa.
What it normally is: Scotch, Rye, Maple, Lemon Juice, Tobacco Bitters
How we made it: Scotch, Jack Daniels, Brown Sugar, Tea
Mix equal parts Scotch and Jack Daniels. Pour into hot tea, and stir in a sugar packet. Note: this also doubles as the perfect comfort drink for a cold.
4. Sangria
What it normally is: See here.
How we made it: Red Wine, Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice
Over ice, pour red wine, orange juice, and cranberry juice. Stir and pretend you’re in Madrid.
5. White Russian
Milk builds strong bones.
How it’s normally made: Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, Cream
How we made it: Vodka, Coffee Liqueur (aka Kahlua, feel free to use Baileys), Half & Half
Over ice, mix the coffee liqueur and vodka. Use more liqueur if you want your White Russian on the sweeter side, and more vodka if you want to act more Russian. Pour in the half-and-half. Toast to life.
6. Amaretto Sour
How it’s normally made: Amaretto, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
How we made it: Amaretto, Orange Juice, Sprite
We believe in the power of poetic leeway. Repeat the margarita recipe, but swap the tequila for amaretto.
7. French 75
We like to improvise when it comes to this cocktail.
How it’s normally made: Gin, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Champagne
How we made it: Gin, White Wine, Sprite
Mix the white wine and gin over ice. Top generously with Sprite.
Remember – you don’t have to use the same brands we used: just use whatever is stocked! Feel free to swap out Sprite for seltzer, Jack Daniels for Dewars. The choices are endless – just don’t become so drunk that you pull a Kristen Wig in Bridesmaids.
