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Lifestyle

Make These 11 Cocktails During Your Next Plane Ride, Because Traveling Drunk Is Infinitely Better Than Traveling Sober

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at UVA chapter.

Summer is the time for traveling. Whether you’re on your way to the beach with your friends or just headed home after classes end, chances are good that you’ll be on a plane at some point. And once you are, you’re going to want to know how to get drunk in-flight.

Forget the idea that the fun only starts once you get to where you’re going. With these 11 cocktails, you can start the party even before you land.

All you have to do is pack a few airplane bottles in your carry on. Once you’re on the plane, mix up these drinks using the free beverages that most flights offer.

Here are 11 first class cocktails to get you started:

1. Burnett’s Cherry Limeade vodka and tonic water

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Light, refreshing and delicious enough to down three or four without even knowing it. Simply empty your airplane bottle of vodka and add a splash of tonic.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Pro Tip: Pack an extra airplane bottle of your favorite gin so no leftover tonic goes to waste.

2. Jose Cuervo tequila, St. Elder elderflower liqueur and lemon lime soda

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

This unique taste packs a real punch (it is tequila, after all). Pour in half of the tequila, half of the elderflower liqueur and a splash of sprite. Chug and repeat.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Pairs especially well with a direct flight to Cancun.

3. Fireball cinnamon whisky, Rum Chata and apple juice

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Warm your soul with this creamy concoction of cinnamon-y goodness. Empty the bottle of Fireball, half of the Rum Chata and a generous splash of apple juice.

Drink the leftover Rum Chata on the rocks for a nice, sweet finish.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Important note: Rum Chata is cream-based so it will curdle. This problem is solved by chugging the drink fast enough to bypass this step or sipping on the cocktail while not looking too closely. Either way, taste will not be affected.

4. UV Blue vodka and pineapple juice

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Tastes just like the islands. Empty the bottle of UV Blue and top off your glass with pineapple juice.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Equally as delicious as it is beautiful.

5. Deep Eddy sweet tea vodka and lemonade

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

This is what an Arnold Palmer should taste like. Pour in the entire bottle of vodka and top off with lemonade.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Best consumed during a flight headed somewhere south.

6. Burnett’s Pink Lemonade vodka, champagne and lemonade

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Keep it classy with this sweet glass of bubbly. Empty out the vodka, add a splash of lemonade and a generous splash of champagne.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Now toast to your success. You’ve managed to get drunk 30,000 miles in the air.

7. Pearl vodka, tomato juice and light beer

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

In case you have a morning flight. Empty in your vodka, half of the tomato juice and a splash of beer for this makeshift Bloody Mary.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Upon completion, chug the rest of your beer (because by then it will be five o’clock somewhere).

8. Absolut Apeach vodka, Dr. McGillicuddy’s peach liqueur and champagne

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Cheers to this crisp, fruity and dangerously alcoholic cocktail. Empty out your peach vodka and the peach liqueur, then top with champagne.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Warning: one of these babies will have your 747 rocking like a G6.

9. Watermelon Pucker schnapps and pineapple juice

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

In case your grandparents are waiting to pick you up at the airport and you still need to act somewhat coherent. Empty your bottle of watermelon schnapps and top with pineapple juice.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Easily throw back two or three with no problem.

10. Saint Brendan’s Irish cream liqueur, Kahlua coffee liqueur and coffee

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

The best option for a European flight headed back to the States. Order a cup of dark roast and pour in both bottles of Irish cream liqueur and coffee liqueur.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Stay awake to beat the jet lag and get tipsy in the process.

11. Burnett’s Mango Pineapple vodka, Parrot Bay coconut rum and orange juice

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

This tropical cocktail will instantly transport you to paradise. Pour in the bottle of vodka, half of the coconut rum and a generous splash of orange juice. Even better if you can score one of those tiny drink umbrellas.

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Photo by Stephanie DeVaux

Mix the leftover coconut rum with pineapple juice for an equally tropical drink. You’ll be dreaming of palm trees and beaches in no time.

So next time you’re in the air, mix up one (or more) of these quick and easy cocktails to start your vacation early.

Bonus: Before long, you won’t even notice the crying baby two seats over.

Check out these related articles for more tips on how to get drunk (as if you really need any):