Top Airlines for Refreshing Non-Alcoholic Beverages

When it comes to sipping drinks in the snug environment of first and business class, the conversation usually bubbles over with talk of alcohol, especially that shimmering, delicate nectar—champagne. But hold your horses; not everyone is lining up for the booze. Some folks either don’t drink or, heaven forbid, are trying to stave off jetlag. Yep, alcohol isn’t everyone’s go-to at 30,000 feet.

So, how about we dive into what the airlines are pouring when it comes to non-alcoholic treats? You’d think they’d be rolling out the carpet for this stuff, too. Nope. Many airlines seem invested in popping those hundred-dollar champagne corks while leaving their non-alcoholic drink menus a sorry state. Let’s change that tune, shall we?

Here’s where I spill my non-alcoholic drink secrets — a gourmand’s guide of sorts for what’s good in the air. Bear with me; this is my hot take, so subjective rulings ahead! I’ve skipped the overpriced yet abundant cappuccinos that scatter across airline menus like confetti, focusing instead on more unparalleled options.

Queen of Blue Royal Blue Tea on Japan Airlines

Buckle up for Japan Airlines’ first-class showstopper: Queen of Blue’s Royal Blue Tea. It’s not just tea; it’s tea that masquerades as luxury, flowing out of what seems like a wine bottle into your wine glass. Don’t dare ask the price—it’s pricier than some airlines’ champagne!

Cathay Delight on Cathay Pacific

Onward to Cathay Pacific and their Cathay Delight. We’re talking ultimate refreshment wrapped up in a mix of kiwi, coconut milk, and mint. It hits just right, walking the line from refreshing to tasty without tripping into overly sweet territory.

Lemon Mint Juice on Qatar Airways

Generally, juices in the sky set off my ‘Ugh, airplane orange juice’ alarm. But, meet Qatar Airways’ lemon mint juice, a standout refreshment that’s a minty-citrus wonder. On those flights, it’s my liquid sunshine.

SKY TIME on Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines dreamed up SKY TIME back in the ‘90s as part of their quest for a signature sip. With a history of flavors like kiwi and yuzu, today’s edition is a tasty blend of peach and grape with a whisper of tea. Available anytime for any passenger—yes, even you folks in economy.

Blueberry Juice on Finnair

Like the Nordic flair for berries? Enter Finnair’s onboard blueberry juice—a traveler’s little hug from Finland. Not fresh-squeezed but also not to be sniffed at, it’s a supermarket sensation back home.

Boba Tea Latte on Starlux Airlines

Oh, boba tea, you sugary fellow! On Starlux Airlines, relive your bubble tea bliss with boba tea lattes. Limited to some flights, this deliciously calorific treat gives a middle finger to your diet plans.

Teh Tarik on Malaysia Airlines

Here’s Malaysia Airlines’ way of saying all sweetness and spice: meet Teh Tarik, a traditional Malaysian-origin milk tea. Available on business-class jaunts, its delightful sweetness is pulled together theatrically, just how it’s made back at home.

Hong Kong Style Milk Tea on Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific takes a page from Hong Kong’s colorful culinary heritage with their in-flight milk tea. Sure, it arrives via powdered mix but expect it to be a creamy, sweet, beverage of indulgence.

Karak Chai on Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways is changing the chai game with their saffron and cardamom-spiked karak chai. Heads up: supplies sometimes dwindle fast; snag one during the first meal service to secure this flavorful cuppa.

Iced Coffee Creations on Austrian Airlines

Austrian Airlines does iced coffee, but oh, does it do more—enter Eiskaffee offerings, which come layered with ice cream, coffee, and whipped indulgence. A sweet, caffeine-rich indulgence for the skies.

Iced Coffee on Royal Brunei, EVA Air, & Starlux Airlines

Can we talk about iced coffee love for a second? Airlines like Royal Brunei, EVA Air, and Starlux bring in business-class love for cold coffee aficionados in a way few others dare.

Cold Brew on United

United Airlines ups the brew game with illy’s cold brew available fleet-wide. In first and business class, consider it a complimentary refreshing perk. Even in economy, it beats regular airplane coffee any day.

Iced Oat Milk Cappuccinos on JetBlue

Transatlantic flyers with JetBlue Mint can bask in the glory of iced cappuccinos and lattes with an oat milk option—because, why shouldn’t plant-based get some love in the sky?

Bottom Line

Sure, airlines may flaunt bottles of expensive champagne in their posh cabins, but why some skimp on equally fabulous non-alcoholic options is beyond me. Feel free to share your own top picks!

Fancy a change of scenery from the skies? Check out the Val Seny ski resort. Who knew, travel buzz doesn’t always need a plane…