A bloody mary is the perfect in-flight drink with a kick.

Flying can be stressful, and while airplane food has seen improvements, the drink choices remain fairly traditional: beer, wine, and a basic rum and Coke. However, with a little creativity, the small bottles and limited mixers available at 35,000 feet can be transformed into something more enjoyable.

Whether you’re looking to make your confined seat a tad more comfortable or wish to impress your seatmate, here are a few cocktails you can easily mix mid-flight with what’s available.

There’s something about being in the air that makes a bloody mary taste even more delightful. It’s a cocktail that seems tailor-made for airplanes—savory, satisfying, and simple to put together. Most airlines carry tomato juice and vodka, and if you’re fortunate, you might even get a splash of hot sauce or a pepper packet. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients you will require:

Instructions to prepare:

And there you have it, a refreshing bloody mary to enjoy while soaring in the sky.

Even if you don’t have grenadine for a complete tequila sunrise, you can effortlessly blend tequila with orange juice for a straightforward, sunny refreshment that truly satisfies.

Essential Ingredients:

Preparation Steps:

This refreshing cocktail boasts a vibrant citrus flavor, perfect for sipping while you’re in the air.

If you’re in the mood for something rich and satisfying mid-air, give the white Russian a try. Even though fresh cream isn’t available on flights, you can substitute it with coffee creamer packets that airlines commonly provide.

Ingredients required:

Instructions for preparation:

This concoction is akin to a delightful dessert beverage that you can savor while soaring through the skies.

For those who appreciate beer but are eager to try something different, consider crafting a invigorating shandy. Combine beer with a splash of lemonade or soda for a light and refreshing alternative that’s perfect for times when you’re craving something beyond regular beer.

Essential Ingredients:

Preparation Steps:

This refreshing beverage introduces a delightful sparkle and a hint of sweetness, enhancing your typical beer experience.

For a refined and comforting option, consider blending your in-flight coffee with a small serving of cognac or brandy. This choice is ideal for extended journeys when you’re looking for an extra boost in flavor.

Ingredients Required:

Preparation Steps:

This unique blend is ideal for sipping after a meal or to ease the discomfort during a long flight.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail that delivers a satisfying kick yet can be effortlessly prepared while traveling, consider a whiskey ginger. Ginger ale is commonly available on flights, and securing a small bottle of whiskey is quite simple. This timeless pairing is perfect for occasions when you desire something straightforward yet impactful.

Required Ingredients:

Preparation Steps:

This beverage offers a refreshing taste with a slight kick, perfect for those lengthy flights.

If you find yourself yearning for a taste of the tropics while on a long-haul journey, a homemade rum punch can infuse some vacation spirit into your limited seat area. Most airlines tend to have orange juice on hand, possibly some cranberry juice, and of course, rum. By mixing these ingredients, you can whip up a fruity, punchy drink that stands out from the usual selections.

Ingredients you’ll require:

Steps to prepare:

While you may not be at the beach, you can still enjoy a refreshing drink from your seat in coach.

This one takes a little imagination, but you can successfully create a DIY old fashioned even when you’re soaring at 35,000 feet. If you’ve brought along some sugar packets and can snag a mini whiskey, you’re already on your way. Just include a dash of water or club soda and give it a stir.

Essential Ingredients:

Preparation Method:

While it may not be flawless, this is a commendable effort to craft a classic cocktail in an unusual environment.

Creating drinks while flying requires simplicity. With limited ingredients and basic tools, a bit of creativity can transform your in-flight experience from a mundane soda or beer to something more enjoyable. Keep in mind that moderation is important; there’s nothing worse than landing at your destination feeling unwell due to overindulging in cocktails during the flight.

The next time you’re on a flight, take a moment to explore what’s on offer and think outside the box. You may discover that your seat feels a bit cozier with a homemade cocktail in your hand!

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to express your ideas.

Our community thrives on connecting individuals through open and meaningful discussions. We encourage our readers to voice their opinions and share ideas and facts in a welcoming environment.

To maintain this atmosphere, please adhere to the posting guidelines outlined in our site’s Terms of Service. We’ve highlighted some of the essential rules below. In short, please keep the discussions respectful.

Your submission may face rejection if it appears to include:

User accounts could be suspended if we observe or suspect that users are involved in:

So, what does it take to become a power user?

We appreciate you taking the time to read our community guidelines. For a complete overview of posting regulations, please refer to our site’s Terms of Service.

Flying can be an anxiety-inducing experience, and while the quality of airplane meals has improved, the beverage choices in the air remain quite conventional: beer, wine, and the ever-reliable rum and Coke. However, a bit of ingenuity can turn those small bottles and limited mixers into a much more delightful treat at 35,000 feet.

Whether you’re aiming to make your tight space more pleasant or simply wishing to impress the person sitting next to you, here are a few cocktails you can easily mix together mid-flight using what’s available.

There’s something special about enjoying a Bloody Mary while soaring through the skies. It’s a drink practically designed for flights—rich, enjoyable, and simple to put together. Most airlines offer tomato juice and vodka, and if you’re fortunate, you may also receive a dash of hot sauce or a pepper packet. Here’s what you’ll require:

Essential Ingredients:

Preparation Steps:

Congratulations, you now have a refreshing Bloody Mary to enjoy while soaring high in the sky.

Even if you can’t find grenadine for a classic Tequila Sunrise, you can still create a delightful drink by blending tequila with orange juice for a bright and satisfying beverage.

Ingredients required:

Preparation steps:

This cocktail offers a refreshing citrus flavor, perfect for sipping while flying high in the sky.

If you’re craving something rich and smooth during your journey, consider sipping on a White Russian. Although fresh cream isn’t available on airplanes, you can use coffee creamer packets commonly found on most airlines for a tasty alternative.

Ingredients required:

Preparation steps:

This is a delightful dessert drink perfect for savoring while soaring at high altitudes.

If you appreciate beer but are looking for a change, consider crafting a revitalizing Shandy by blending beer with a splash of lemonade or soda. It’s a light option that’s perfect for moments when you crave something beyond standard beer.

Ingredients Required:

Preparation Instructions:

This beverage offers a refreshing twist, introducing an element of sparkle and sweetness to your typical beer.

For a more refined, comforting drink, blend your in-flight coffee with a mini bottle of cognac or brandy. This is an ideal choice for lengthy journeys when you seek a boost alongside your caffeine fix.

Ingredients Required:

Preparation Steps:

This intriguing blend is ideal for refreshing yourself after a meal or winding down during a late-night flight.

If you’re looking for a cocktail that’s both strong and convenient to whip up, the Whiskey Ginger is an excellent choice. Ginger ale is commonly available on flights, and it’s easy to pick up a small bottle of whiskey. This timeless pairing is just the right option for those moments when you want something straightforward yet satisfying.

Ingredients required:

Preparation steps:

This drink is invigorating, with just the right amount of zest to energize you on those lengthy journeys.

When the tropical spirit hits, but you find yourself on a cross-country flight, a homemade Rum Punch can transport you to a beachside getaway, even in your tight seat. Most airlines carry orange juice, occasionally cranberry juice, and rum. When mixed together, these ingredients create a delightful, fruity concoction that serves as a refreshing alternative to the standard beverage selections.

Ingredients Required:

Instructions:

While it may not be an actual beach bar, it certainly brings you a taste of one while you’re confined in coach.

This recipe requires a bit of ingenuity, but creating a DIY Old Fashioned at 35,000 feet is entirely feasible. If you’ve stashed away some sugar packets and can snag a mini whiskey, you’re nearly set. Just mix in a splash of water or club soda, and give it a good stir.

Essential Ingredients:

Preparation Steps:

While it may not be flawless, it represents a commendable effort to create a classic cocktail in an unusual environment.

When mixing drinks while soaring high in the sky, simplicity is paramount. With limited ingredients and basic tools at your disposal, a touch of creativity can significantly enhance your flying experience, making it more enjoyable than just sipping on a regular soda or beer. Keep in mind, moderation is essential—there’s nothing worse than arriving at your final destination feeling unwell due to excessive in-flight libations.

The next time you find yourself in the skies, take a moment to explore the options available to you and think outside the box. You may discover that enjoying a homemade cocktail can enhance the comfort of your seat!

One Community. Many Voices. Create a complimentary account to express your opinions.

Our community is dedicated to fostering connections among individuals through open and thoughtful dialogue. We encourage our readers to voice their perspectives and share ideas and information within a respectful environment.

To facilitate this, please adhere to the posting guidelines outlined in our site’s Terms of Service. We have highlighted some of the primary rules below. In short, please remain respectful.

Your submission may be declined if it is found to include:

User accounts may be suspended if there is evidence or suspicion of involvement in:

So, what steps can you take to become a proficient user?

We appreciate your attention to our community guidelines. For a comprehensive overview of our posting regulations, please consult the complete list located in our site’s Terms of Service.

Actor Jason Momoa and fashion designer Blaine Halvorson set out on a journey across different continents in search of the ideal vodka. Were they able to achieve their goal?

Blaine Halvorson (left) and Jason Momoa crafted Meili Vodka specifically to be enjoyed as a sipping vodka.

Before offering me a taste of his Meili Vodka, Jason Momoa encourages me to compare it to one of the leading vodka brands on the market. He sets the Meili bottle aside and hops behind the bar. We are at a private venue within Kyma restaurant and bar, located in New York City’s Flatiron district, where I have the opportunity to meet Momoa along with his Meili Vodka co-founder, fashion designer Blaine Halvorson.

Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa at the Meili Vodka event in Florida.

The actor, standing at 6’4″ and clad in black with a cowboy hat, returns holding a bottle he has requested I keep nameless, a critically acclaimed vodka from outside the U.S. He begins by pouring this vodka into a glass, followed by some Meili.

“Take a whiff of this one, then our Meili,” Momoa suggests.

The comparison vodka has hints of both alcohol and a cleaning product scent, while the Meili delights the senses with its richer, fuller aroma. As Momoa has presented this other vodka for evaluation, I take a sip. It offers a solid flavor with minimal alcohol burn and a smooth, clean aftertaste, much like many vodkas that aim to blend seamlessly with any mixer.

Next, I grab the sample of Meili Vodka and take a sip.

* * *

Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson engage in conversation with Erik Ofgang at Kyma in New York City, on September 8, 2024.

The history of vodka in the United States is quite peculiar. Back in the early 1930s, the first vodka distillery in the nation was established in Connecticut by a Ukrainian immigrant named Rudolph Kunett. He had acquired the name and recipes from a Russian vodka brand that was virtually unknown in the U.S., which happened to be Smirnoff. However, Americans initially struggled to appreciate what they considered to be just a clear and tasteless form of whiskey. Consequently, Kunett had to shut down his distillery and sell the business. The sales for Smirnoff only began to flourish once the new owners promoted it as a flavorless, odorless cocktail mixer—essentially a spirit designed to blend seamlessly with other beverages.

I had the opportunity to share this narrative in an episode of the History Channel’s “Food That Built America,” a tale that is familiar to both Momoa and Halvorson, and served as partial motivation for their own vodka creation.

“When vodka first arrived, it wasn’t something people were excited about, so it ended up becoming just an ingredient,” says Halvorson. “We decided to reimagine what it could truly be.”

“Vodka has been constantly evolving,” adds Momoa. “Our goal was to create a vodka that can be sipped and appreciated as a true spirit rather than just another mixer.”

Founded by Blaine Halvorson and Jason Momoa, Meili Vodka has already received numerous accolades.

Their journey began nearly ten years ago, long before Momoa took on the role of Aquaman. Halvorson is a renowned fashion designer celebrated for his work with brands such as Junkfood Clothing and Madeworn. Known for his dedication to handmade, intricately crafted products, he and Momoa connected through Momoa’s former spouse, Lisa Bonet, leading to a strong friendship and collaborative partnership. Halvorson has contributed creatively to many of Momoa’s film projects. “It was a beautiful bond formed between two creative souls, united by a shared passion for craftsmanship,” Halvorson reflects.

Jason Momoa samples Meili Vodka at Kyma in New York City on September 8, 2024.

Nine years prior, a collaboration to create a spirit was envisioned, yet vodka was not initially part of their plan.

“We did not enjoy vodka. It wasn’t something we drank,” Halvorson recalls. However, as he delved into the history of vodka, he became fascinated with how the spirit had drifted from its artisan origins. Halvorson recognized an opportunity to restore its craftsmanship. Upon discovering that vodka is composed of 60% water, he proposed the concept to the environmentally conscious Momoa. Initially, the actor thought he was being pranked, but he soon aligned with the idea. “Once he laid it out for me, it made complete sense,” Momoa states.

The duo embarked on a significant journey to find the purest water source possible for their vodka. Their travels took them to Antarctica and remote parts of Greenland. However, the waters they discovered either didn’t meet their standards or couldn’t be utilized on the scale required. According to Halvorson, most vodka brands disregard the source of their water because they strip away its minerals. “Our aim was to embrace the water, preserving its beauty and character,” he emphasizes.

In the meantime, Halvorson’s father shared tales of a water source nestled in the mountains of Montana. Initially, the pair didn’t take the idea seriously, but Halvorson’s father’s unwavering enthusiasm convinced them to explore it. Upon their arrival in Montana, they discovered a natural spring with a consistent temperature, reminiscent of legends surrounding the fountain of youth.

“It was 20 below, and it felt like something out of ‘Avatar.’ You could look into the water and see flowers blooming,” Halvorson recounts.

The duo successfully located their water source, leading to the launch of Meili vodka in 2023. This unique water serves as the foundation for Meili Vodka, complemented by a gluten-free grain blend featuring grains from Montana.

The vodka’s packaging is equally intriguing and environmentally friendly, as one would expect from a brand created by a fashion icon and movie star. Each bottle is crafted entirely from recycled glass, showcasing a captivating green tint. Notably, no two bottles are exactly the same.

* * *

By the time I finish my sip of Meili, I find myself among its admirers. The vodka boasts a silky flavor, with a subtle warmth from the alcohol and hints of vanilla on the aftertaste, making it one of the few vodkas I enjoy savoring neat — although it also serves as an excellent mixer. As noted in a previous Forbes article, Meili was recognized as the world’s best vodka by the TAG Global Spirits Awards, and it secured a gold medal at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Momoa and Halvorson are not taken aback by the enthusiastic response and high ratings the vodka has garnered. This was precisely their goal. They aspire to reshape people’s views of vodka and restore its reputation as a drink appreciated for its intrinsic qualities.

Meanwhile, Momoa explains that his partnership with Halvorson in creating this brand feels like a seamless continuation of his filmmaking endeavors.

“What I cherish the most is storytelling,” he shares. “Our quest to discover these water sources and to comprehend the dynamics of our environment, I work with the UN, allowing me to grasp the issues surrounding water, climate change, and the communities adjacent to these vital resources. Crafting narratives about these topics is truly remarkable.”

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to express your opinions.

Our community focuses on uniting individuals through open and insightful discussions. We encourage our readers to voice their perspectives and share knowledge in a secure environment.

To facilitate this, please adhere to the posting guidelines outlined in our site’s Terms of Service. We have highlighted some of the essential rules below. In essence, maintain civility.

Your submission may be denied if any of the following conditions are met:

User accounts may face suspension if we observe or suspect involvement in:

So, what does it take to become a power user?

We appreciate your time in reviewing our community guidelines. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to the complete set of posting regulations available in our site’s Terms of Service.

When discussing the intricacies of taste and fragrance, few spirits garner as much admiration as whiskey (or whisky, missing the “e”). This appreciation brings along the complexities of savoring those distinct notes. If you’re savoring whiskey through a mixed drink such as a highball cocktail, you can expect it to be crisp and refreshing. However, when enjoying your preferred dram either neat or over ice, the temperature plays a vital role in its taste. Whiskey consumed at excessively cold or slightly warm temperatures might not showcase the flavor profile intended by the distiller. While this may not necessarily be negative based on individual preferences, the ultimate approach to enjoying whiskey, or any spirit, is simply how you find it most pleasurable.

That said, it’s beneficial to understand how the spirit’s flavor evolves with varying serving temperatures. To fully appreciate the diverse range of flavors and aromas in your whiskey, you’ll want to avoid letting it get too cold, as this can mute those distinct flavors. We spoke with Anna Axster and Wendelin von Schroder, the co-founders of Lodestar Whiskey, to learn about their whiskey drinking habits and what one could miss by consuming brown spirits at too low a temperature.

Explore further: You’re Probably Making One Big Mistake When Using A Menu

Whiskey at room temperature (roughly 60 degrees Fahrenheit) showcases its intricate notes more effectively than when it’s chilled. While this is advantageous for exploring whiskey’s delicate flavors, it can also mean that more robust alcohol and oak characteristics may become overpowering. Therefore, slightly chilling your whiskey could enhance its taste and make it more enjoyable to sip.

“We’re all about whiskey neat or on the rocks — both bring out different sides of a whiskey,” Wendelin von Schroder explains. “When you sip it on the rocks (with ice), the alcohol’s intensity is softened, and the melting ice (water) helps release more aromas while altering the taste. On the other hand, chilling whiskey without ice doesn’t reduce the bite as effectively, but it does diminish the aromas.”

Colder drinks generally tend to emit fewer aromas, which can lessen their flavor; however, this can benefit those who are new to whiskey. Interestingly, lower temperatures may also be more suitable for younger or less-aged whiskeys. The barrel aging process introduces flavors of vanilla, caramel, and oak, which can be muted if the whiskey is too cold. Thus, a well-aged whiskey is best savored closer to room temperature, while a younger variety can be enjoyed chilled without significant loss of flavor. For a unique experience, why not try the unconventional yet science-backed blend of whiskey and pickle juice? This allows you to enjoy the spirit at room temperature, while alternating each sip with some chilled, tangy pickle juice.

For more insights, check out the original article on Foodie.