Top 6 Nutritious Cocktails to Enjoy While Flying

There’s nothing better than treating yourself to a little cocktail on a long-haul flight.

However, not all cocktails are created equal when you’re in the sky. Flight attendants are often limited by time, space, and even the selection of alcohol. Moreover, your taste buds can be impacted by the high altitude, affecting the enjoyment of in-flight beverages.

If you’ve ever been curious why certain drinks might taste better—or worse—during a flight, you’re not alone. Your taste buds respond differently at high altitudes, so knowing what to order can enhance your experience.

Nutritionist Lauren Grosskopf, MS, LDN, from Chicago, shared insights on which cocktails tend to taste best at 36,000 feet.

“Generally, flying leads to a series of factors that can diminish our sensory experience,” said Grosskopf. The dry air, cabin pressure, and background noise—according to Grosskopf—can make your drinking experience less enjoyable.

“These factors, combined with the new environment and travel-related fatigue, can influence our ability to savor food and drinks,” Grosskopf explained. “Sweetness and saltiness are typically the most affected.”

When choosing your cocktail, consider the flavor ingredients. “Opt for cocktails that have robust flavor profiles—citrus, ginger, and tomato are excellent choices for enjoying a drink on a plane,” Grosskopf advised. However, she cautioned that overly acidic drinks (like those with tomato juice or citrus) could lead to upset stomach or heartburn for some travelers.

Popular choices among frequent fliers include bloody marys, gin and tonics, Moscow mules, and mimosas. If spirits aren’t your preference, a refreshing glass of wine can be an appealing alternative.

Bloody Mary

Flavor profile: tomato, celery salt, spice

The bloody mary is a particularly favored option for in-flight enjoyment. Interestingly, the dry air and altitude can enhance the sweetness of this cocktail, making it a great in-flight choice.

“This is an excellent selection for a flight. The acidity, combined with savory elements, makes it appealing,” Grosskopf noted.

Moscow Mule

Flavor profile: bubbly, sharp ginger, citrus

The Moscow mule is another fantastic in-flight drink. Grosskopf shared that “the flavors are strong and refreshing, while the ginger can assist in relieving stomach unease for those prone to flight anxiety.” The combination of ginger beer and lime makes this drink ideal for sipping, reducing the chances of overindulgence.

Gin and Tonic

Flavor profile: mostly bitter (depending on the gin), citrus, bubbly

If Moscow mules are too potent, a gin and tonic is a straightforward choice for flight attendants to serve while being a cool and calming cocktail. Nevertheless, “subtle” flavors can often come across as bland in-flight. Grosskopf suggested, “A lime garnish can help enhance the flavor.”

Mimosa

Flavor profile: citrus, bubbly, sometimes sweet

While sweet flavors may dull at high altitudes, mimosas with dry sparkling wine and tart juice can create an excellent morning option. Grosskopf mentioned that, similar to the bloody mary, tart or sour flavors tend to taste sweeter in the air.

Rum and Coke

Flavor profile: sweet cola, bitter bite of rum

If you enjoy cold Coke, you might appreciate this spirited twist. While sweet sodas can alter in taste at high altitudes, the “bitter bite” of rum blends well, according to Grosskopf.

As with the gin and tonic, a lime wedge can enhance your rum and coke. It’s advisable to avoid ordering a rum and Diet Coke since diet sodas often exhibit excessive fizziness while flying.

Scotch and Soda

Flavor profile: bubbly, smooth, smokey

The rich flavors of scotch can translate well to high altitudes, making it a fitting option for scotch enthusiasts. Furthermore, if you’re experiencing anxiety or nerves while flying, the effervescence of soda can provide a soothing effect. This drink is beneficial for those preferring lower acidity or sweetness.

While many drinks can be enjoyed in the air, numerous options are often variations on the popular cocktails mentioned above, such as a bloody maria or a gin rickey, or include ingredients that may not be accessible on flights.

For example, asking for a Tom Collins (gin, sparkling water, lemon juice, sugar, cherry, lemon wedge) could be problematic if flight attendants don’t have maraschino cherries or lemon juice. Generally, it’s safer to opt for cocktails with just two ingredients.

Irish coffee could serve as a pick-me-up that also includes alcohol, but the water used for in-flight coffee may be unfiltered and potentially contain bacteria. Stick to bottled beverages for a safer option.

Additionally, because airplane air is often dry and circulated, dehydration can become an issue, especially when consuming alcohol. Therefore, it’s wise to request a bottle of water alongside your cocktail to ensure you remain hydrated and refreshed upon arrival.

Cheers.