How to Make Your Own Cocktails at 30,000 Feet Using What Airlines Already Offer

Whether you’re settling into a cross-country red-eye or hopping between cities for a weekend getaway, the beverage cart rolling down the aisle doesn’t have to be the end of the story when it comes to your in-flight drink. With a little creativity, some smart preparation before you board, and a solid understanding of what’s allowed, you can mix up surprisingly satisfying cocktails right from your seat — no fancy bar tools required.

Here’s everything you need to know about the art of DIY airplane cocktails, from the rules you need to follow to the recipes that work best in a cramped cabin.

Know the Rules Before You Pour

Before you start dreaming up drink combinations, there’s one important regulation to understand. While you can purchase alcohol from the duty-free section of the airport, you’re actually not allowed to drink it on your flight.

In an article for VinePair, Olivia White explains, “Unfortunately, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits the consumption of any alcohol on board that was not served by the airline, which means you’re stuck choosing from whatever is available in the air.”

That means the bottle of wine or whiskey you picked up in the terminal? It stays sealed until you land. The good news is that most airlines still offer ...