As a frequent flyer, there is nothing quite like enjoying a signature cocktail while cruising at 30,000 feet. Each airline has its unique set of in-flight drink concoctions that are carefully crafted to complement your flying experience. And while it is impossible to bring the airplane drink cart to your home, you can quench your travel thirst and add some adventure into your mixology game with these signature airline drink recipes!

The Classic Margarita: American Airlines 🍸

There is nothing quite like the sweet and sour kick of a classic margarita, and American Airlines knows it well. The airline’s in-flight cocktail menu features a traditional margarita recipe, which you can easily create at home. Combine 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of lime juice. Add ice and shake it up, then pour the mixture into a rimmed glass with salt. Finally, garnish with a slice of lime, and voila!

A classic margarita in a rimmed glass with salt.

The Moscow Mule: Delta Air Lines 🍹

Delta Air Lines is reputed for its legendary Moscow Mule, and it’s no wonder why. This in-flight favorite combines vodka, ginger beer, and a splash of lime juice, served in a signature copper mug. To make this cocktail at home, mix 2 ounces of vodka with 3 ounces of ginger beer in a copper mug or highball glass. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a few ice cubes, and stir. For that extra touch, garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint.

A copper mug filled with a Moscow Mule cocktail with lime and mint garnish.

The Sky High Spritzer: Southwest Airlines 🍷

Southwest Airlines offers a unique in-flight drinks menu comprised of wine, beer, and cocktails, including their Sky High Spritzer. This refreshing cocktail is made with a blend of white wine, pomegranate juice, and club soda, making it a perfect drink for those warm summer days. Just fill a glass with ice, add 2 ounces of white wine, 2 ounces of pomegranate juice, and top it up with club soda. Garnish with a slice of lime and a mint sprig, and sip away.

A glass of Sky High Spritzer with ice and a lime slice and mint sprig garnish.

The Champagne Cocktail: Emirates Airlines 🥂

Emirates airlines offer lavish in-flight drinks, including their signature champagne cocktail. To make this exquisite drink at home, pour two dashes of Angostura bitters in a champagne flute, followed by a cube of sugar. Add a splash of cognac and fill the glass with your favorite champagne. Top it off with a twist of lemon peel and celebrate in style, wherever you are!

A champagne flute filled with a champagne cocktail with bitters, sugar, and a lemon twist.

The Violet Beauregarde: Virgin Atlantic Airways 💜

Virgin Atlantic Airways takes in-flight drinks to a whole new level with their signature cocktail, the Violet Beauregarde. Named after the famous character from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, this cocktail features gin, lemon juice, Crème de Violette, and blueberry syrup, making it both sweet and sour. Shake 2 ounces of gin, 1/2 ounce of lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of blueberry syrup, and 1/2 ounce of Crème de Violette with ice. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with a sprig of lavender for an Instagram-worthy cocktail.

A cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, Crème de Violette, and blueberry syrup, garnished with a sprig of lavender.

Conclusion

With these signature airline drink recipes, you can now upgrade your at-home mixology skills and travel the world, one sip at a time. Whether it’s a classic margarita, a refreshing spritzer, or a fancy champagne cocktail, there is always a signature drink recipe waiting for you to try. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s shake and stir our way into an adventure!

A colorful background with an airplane, a cocktail shaker, and a globe, representing the idea of traveling the world through cocktails.