6 DRINKS YOU SHOULD BE ORDERING ON YOUR NEXT FLIGHT

Due to the lack of humidity, lower air pressure, and background noise, everything tastes different up in the air. This could explain why even your favorite coffee roast or regularly-ordered cocktail might taste funny at 35,000 feet. We have rounded up some of the best beverages from a number of airlines that can be enjoyed in-flight.

COFFEE

Onboard coffee doesn’t have to taste like bland dirt. Some airlines do make it possible to enjoy a nice brew. While Delta and Alaska Airlines offer Starbucks (a widely-loved favorite), Singapore and American Airlines offer options for those with high coffee standards (illycaffe Monoarabica and espresso, respectively).

WINE

For professionally curated wine lists, travelers can look to Emirates (Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon 2011), Singapore Airlines (Dow’s Ten-Year-Old Tawny Port), Qatar Airways (Taittinger Prestige Rosé, 2007), American Airlines (G.D. Vajra Barbera d’Alba 2012), and Etihad Airways (Cederberg Private Cellar Chenin Blanc 2013).

BEER

Not only can you find well-known names like Dos Equis and Sam Adams (American Airlines), but craft beer has found its place in the sky too! You can find 21st Amendment’s Brew “Free! Or Die IPA” on Virgin America or enjoy a Goose Island “312 Urban Wheat Ale” on United. Southwest also serves up the reliable New Belgium “Fat Tire.”

LIQUOR

Those little bottles of liquor can actually be quite fancy. United passengers can enjoy Glenfarclas single-malt Scotch or Courvoisier cognac, while guests flying with American can enjoy a bit of tonic with their Beefeater Gin. Fun fact: Air France remains the only airline to offer complimentary champagne in all cabins—pinkies up for all!

COCKTAILS

Did you know that some airlines are making their own specialty drinks? Southwest’s “Whoa Coco” and Delta’s “Jack and Joe” are similar, mixing Jack Daniels with hot chocolate or coffee. While on the other end of the flavor spectrum you can enjoy a “Koloa Rum Punch” cocktail on Hawaiian Airlines or Singapore Airlines’ take on the “Singapore Sling.”

NON-ALCOHOLIC

There are even exciting options for non-alcoholic beverages! Japan Airlines offers Royal Blue Tea, while Malaysia and Hawaiian Airlines serve chilled tropical juices like guava and pineapple.


6 Drinks You Should Be Ordering On Your Next Flight