Top 5 Cocktails to Avoid When Flying and What You Should Order
Most of us like a drink to help settle into or celebrate a flight but did you know that your choice of alcoholic beverage could be affecting your mood and mental state while traveling?
Some drinks, while enjoyable, are actually harmful to those who are susceptible to fear of flying. And both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks can cause negative side effects for some.
For a lot of air travelers, the thought of stepping onto an airplane can bring about feelings of fear and anxiety. This fear, known as aerophobia, affects millions of people around the world and can make flying a daunting experience.
Maybe you’ve seen that older lady clutching her rosary beads or that toddler screaming right before take off, but a study shows that aerophobia is most common in people between the ages of 17 and 34 and, according to experts, may worsen for some individuals with the consumption of certain drinks.
With in-flight options ranging from cocktails to soft drinks, it can be tempting to indulge in a beverage while flying, but not all drinks are created equal, and some may increase negative feelings.
Cocktail expert and spokesperson for The Whisky Masters Daniel Ufland recommends to stay away from five specific drinks if you actually want to feel better when you fly.
“To help those who struggle with aerophobia and to ensure a more comfortable flight, my team and I have narrowed it down to the top five drinks to avoid when flying if you want to avoid worsening your fear of flying.”
Top 5 drinks to avoid when flying and explains how to make your next flight more enjoyable:
1. Red Wine
The high levels of tannins and histamines in red wine can trigger allergic reactions and headaches making an already bad time worse for those with aerophobia. Opt for a glass of cranberry juice to decrease aerophobia and general discomfort. Cranberry juice has been shown to have a calming effect on the body and can help reduce anxiety.
2. Vodka Red Bull
While it may seem like a good idea to mix a stimulant like Red Bull with a depressant like vodka, this combination can cause your heart rate to increase and make it difficult to calm down during the flight. Red Bull and other energy drinks can contain over 3 times the amount of caffeine found in a can of Coke. “Stick to plain water or a non-alcoholic, low-sugar energy drink without the added caffeine and alcohol,” suggests Daniel. And we say, save the Red Bull for when you hit the tarmac and need to go, go, go.
3. Champagne
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate with a glass of bubbly on a flight, but the high carbonation levels can cause bloating, discomfort, and perhaps worst of all – anxiety. “The traditional method of making champagne involves adding a mixture of sugar, yeast, and wine to the bottle and letting it ferment for several weeks,” says Daniel. “This can create exacerbated feelings of anxiety for those with aerophobia.” And might we add, if you are an actual sparkling wine lover, you may notice it can taste less vibrant and may even feel “flat” on a plane due to the reduced pressure impacting its bubbles.
4. Bloody Mary
The iconic drink was created in the early 1920s by famed bartender Fernand Petiot, who originally named it after a server named Mary who worked at a saloon bar called The Bucket Of Blood in Chicago. The high levels of sodium and MSG in a Bloody Mary – particularly with pre-made mixes – can lead to dehydration and increased anxiety, both of which can exacerbate symptoms of aerophobia.
“On your next flight, skip the Bloody Mary and try just tomato juice with a couple of drops of Worcestershire sauce. This savory drink can help calm nerves without the negative effects of alcohol,” suggests Daniel. Although we might add that a small can of tomato juice can be a sodium bomb, so be aware of that if you have sodium issues and stay hydrated.
5. Coffee
Many won’t want to hear this, but those with aerophobia could experience physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and rapid heart rate when drinking coffee on a flight. Coffee contains high levels of caffeine, which can heighten one’s physical and emotional state.
Coffee is also a diuretic, meaning it increases the need to urinate. This can be problematic on a flight as it can lead to multiple trips to the airplane lavatory, causing further discomfort and anxiety. If you crave a warm beverage, try non-caffeinated tea or even just hot water with lemon.
So, what is good to have if you want to honor happy hour in the air? Next time we fly, it looks like we might be asking for a white wine spritzer or a vodka cranberry and soda, or a good old-fashioned gin and tonic. And, of course, plain seltzer with lemon is a good alternative to having any booze at all. Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry, apple or orange juice could be just the ticket for those wanting something cheerful that won’t worsen aerophobia.
Daniel Ufland, spokesperson for The Whisky Masters, says: “Drinking certain beverages on a flight can increase symptoms of aerophobia and other mental health conditions for a variety of reasons. Alcohol is a depressant, which can dampen inhibitions and may lead to irrational behaviors in those who are skittish about flying.
“Caffeine is known to increase heart rate and can cause feelings of restlessness and anxiety in people who are sensitive to its effects. Individuals should be mindful of their beverage choices and stay hydrated while flying, especially if they have a fear of flying or a preexisting mental health condition.”
About The Whisky Masters
The Whisky Masters is a premier online whisky retailer offering a curated selection of fine and rare whiskies. Catering to both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers, the company provides an extensive range of products from renowned distilleries worldwide. Their collection includes limited editions, rare collectibles, and exclusive releases, all aimed at enhancing the whisky-tasting experience. The Whisky Masters prides itself on exceptional customer service and reliable nationwide delivery across the UK.
