It’s the holidays, so there’s a good chance you’re going to be flying somewhere. Maybe you’re flying home to celebrate with your family around your childhood hearth, or maybe you’re flying in the opposite direction to celebrate with friends around an apres ski bar at the bottom of a snowy resort. We’re not here to judge. Whichever direction you’re flying, you’re going to need a drink. Or two. Because it’s the holidays, and you have a designated driver (the pilot). In one of the most tangible signs of evolution in modern history, the drink menu on major airlines within the United States has blossomed into something far more palatable than the macro beer and gin and tonic fare from just a few years ago. From craft beer to local spirits, we found the best drinks in the sky. Safe travels.
1 of 8
If you're lucky enough to be flying to Hawaii for the holidays, your luck just got better. Not only does Hawaiian Airlines carry Maui Brewing Company, they offer a free Mai Tai to all passengers over 21.
2 of 8
We all know United Airlines carries Goose Island, but they also partner with Chicago-born Crafthouse Cocktails, makers of legitimate bottled cocktails. Try the Moscow Mule, which is big enough for two drinks.
3 of 8
Alaska Airlines is all about supporting local. They serve beer from Alaskan Brewing (get the Amber), but also a variety of spirits from Sun Liquor, a Seattle-based distillery. Get the airline's signature cocktail, The Ginger Sunrise, which has local vodka, rum and gin.
4 of 8
Because it's the 150th anniversary of Jack Daniel's, Delta is serving a lot of Jack Daniel's. They have a signature cocktail, the Jack and Joe, which is a combo of Baileys, Jack Daniel's Honey and coffee. But they also have mini bottles of Jack Daniel's Single Barrel.
5 of 8
Southwest Airlines wins for the cheapest cocktails--$5 for cocktails with Finlandia Vodka, Jack Daniel's, Sauza Gold Tequila…And they have New Belgium's Fat Tire for beer drinkers. Also only $5.
6 of 8
Frontier Airlines also leans heavily on the local booze. They do these cool snack packs that include two items of booze, a soda and a snack. The bar is stacked with Colorado-made goodies, like Breckenridge whiskey and vodka, Fat Tire and Oskar Blues Pinner and Infinite Monkey Dry Hopped Pear Cider and Chardonnay.
7 of 8
I've never flown Sun Country Airlines, but now I want to because they serve Surly Brewing on their flights to Minneapolis.
8 of 8
Okay, if all else fails, you need to carry a few of these Carry On Cocktail kits, which give you all of the key ingredients to make really good craft cocktails. Go with the Old Fashioned, or the Moscow Mule.