In-Flight Drinks & Cocktails Notes
In-Flight Drinks & Cocktails: Mastering Service at Altitude
Objectives:
Understand in-flight drinking effects on passengers.
Identify common in-flight beverages and brands.
Learn basic cocktail preparation and responsible service.
Managing Beverages at Altitude: Elevating Service in the Skies!
Unique physiological impacts are due to cabin pressure, dryness, and reduced oxygen.
The effects of alcohol can be amplified.
Focus on hydration and smart choices.
Familiarizing with popular choices and simple cocktail creations.
Most Popular Inflight Drinks
Non-Alcoholic
Water
The most crucial offering for passenger hydration.
Encourage regular intake.
Juices
Orange Juice
A frequent request, often paired with breakfast service.
Apple Juice
A common and versatile option.
Cranberry Juice
Popular for mixing and as a standalone.
Tomato Juice:
Surprisingly popular inflight, often preferred by passengers experiencing motion sickness.
Soft Drinks or Sodas:
Coca-Cola/Pepsi
Diet Coke/Pepsi Max
Sprite/7UP
Ginger Ale
Club Soda
Sparkling Water
Tonic Water
Coffee & Tea
Spirits
Vodka
Various Brands: Absolut, Tito's, Smirnoff, Grey Goose, Ketel One
Versatile for many mixes.
Gin
Various Brands: Gordon's, Tanqueray, Plymouth, The Botanist
Primarily for Gin & Tonic
Whiskey
Canadian Club, Seagram's Seven Crown, Jack Daniel's
Often requested with Coca-Cola, 7up, or ginger ale.
Bourbon
Jim Beam (various types: Black, Peach, Apple, Devil's Cut, Double Oak)
Bourbon is a specific type of American whiskey.
Scotch
Scotch is a specific type of whisky made in Scotland.
It can be served either neat or on the rocks.
Rum
Various Brands: Bacardi, Diplomatico, Angostura, Don Q, Flor de Cana
Mostly for Rum & Cola
Dark Rum
Often preferred for sipping neat or on the rocks, as well as in cocktails where a richer rum flavor is desired.
Brandy
For a refined, post-meal offering; can be neat or on the rocks.
Cognac: a type of brandy that originates from the Cognac region of France.
Liqueurs
Baileys Irish Cream
Cream liqueur, often requested with coffee or on ice.
Disaronno Amaretto
Almond-flavored liqueur, suitable for after-dinner.
Kahlúa
Coffee liqueur, popular for coffee-based drinks.
Grand Marnier
Orange-flavored cognac liqueur, often served neat or on ice.
Drambuie
Scotch whisky liqueur, known for honey and herb notes.
Crème de Cassis
A dark red, sweet liqueur made from blackcurrants (cassis).
Wine
Red Wine
Merlot
Body: Typically medium-bodied
Origin: Native to Bordeaux, France
Cabernet Sauvignon
Body: Generally full-bodied
Origin: Originated in Bordeaux, France, and is widely planted globally.
Shiraz
Body: Full-bodied and rich
Origin: Believed to originate from the Rhône Valley in France but gained significant popularity in Australia
White Wine
Chardonnay
Flavor: diverse, ranging from crisp citrus to rich butter/tropical fruit.
Body & Acidity: fuller-bodied with moderate acidity
Texture: often has a creamy, velvety texture
Sauvignon Blanc
Flavor: typically more overtly herbaceous and citrusy with strong "green" notes.
Body & Acidity: lighter-bodied with higher, more pronounced acidity.
Texture: crisper and zesty.
Sparkling Wine
Champagne
A type of sparkling wine that can only be produced in the Champagne region of France.
Prosecco
A type of sparkling wine that comes from the Veneto region of northeastern Italy.
Beer
Lager
Most frequently served beer.
Light Beer
Available for those preferring a lighter option.
Simple In-Flight Cocktails: Practical Mixology for Cabin Crew
Vodka Cola
Spirit: Vodka
Mixer: Coca-Cola or Pepsi
Garnish: lemon/lime wedge
Vodka Soda
Spirit: Vodka
Mixer: Club Soda
Garnish: lemon/lime wedge
Vodka Tonic
Spirit: Vodka
Mixer: Tonic Water
Garnish: lemon/lime wedge
Cape Cod
Spirit: Vodka
Mixer: Cranberry Juice
Garnish: lemon/lime wedge
Screwdriver
Spirit: Vodka
Mixer: Orange Juice
Garnish: lemon/lime wedge
Bloody Mary
Spirit: Vodka
Mixer: Tomato Juice
Additional Ingredients: Salt, Pepper, Tabasco
Garnish: lemon/lime wedge, (celery stick from meal service if available)
Gin & Tonic
Spirit: Gin
Mixer: Tonic Water
Garnish: lime wedge
Rum & Coke
Spirit: White Rum
Mixer: Coca-Cola (or Pepsi)
Preparation: Serve with ice
Jack & Coke
Spirit: Whiskey (Jack Daniels)
Mixer: Coca-Cola (or Pepsi)
Preparation: Serve with ice
Scotch & Soda
Spirit: Scotch Whisky
Mixer: Club Soda
Preparation: Serve with ice
Bourbon & Water
Spirit: Bourbon Whiskey
Mixer: Water
Preparation: Serve neat
Whiskey Ginger
Spirit: Whiskey
Mixer: Ginger Ale
Garnish: lime wedge
Preparation: Serve with ice
Seven & Seven
Spirit: Whiskey (Seagram's 7)
Mixer: 7up (or Sprite)
Garnish: lime wedge
Preparation: Serve with ice
Mimosa
Ingredients: Sparkling Wine & Orange Juice
Specialty In-Flight Cocktails: Airline Specific
Singapore Sling (Singapore Airlines)
Gin, Grand Marnier, & pineapple juice
Blue Hawaii (Hawaiian Airlines)
Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice
Mai Tai (United Airlines)
Rum, juices (orange, guava, pineapple)
Kir Royale (British Airways)
Crème de Cassis and Sparkling Wine
Bellini (Delta)
Peach Puree and Sparkling Wine
Crew Responsibilities: Ensuring Passenger Safety and Well-being
Hydration First
Actively encourage water consumption, especially between alcoholic beverages.
Pacing & Observation
Serve alcohol slowly and constantly observe passengers for signs of intoxication.
Remember effects are amplified at altitude.
Recognize & Refuse
Be trained to identify signs of intoxication (slurred speech, impaired coordination, argumentative behavior).
It is your duty to refuse service to intoxicated passengers.
Know Your Limits
Adhere strictly to airline policies regarding alcohol quantities and service cut-off times.
Professional Demeanor
Maintain a polite but firm approach when discussing alcohol limits or refusing service.
Mitigate Issues
Be aware that carbonated drinks can cause bloating; offer alternatives if a passenger expresses discomfort.
No Outside Alcohol
Strictly enforce the policy that passengers cannot consume alcohol not served by the flight crew.
Report violations according to procedure.