Most travelers know airport drinks come with airport prices. One traveler found out that, at least once, they can also come with a very generous pour. In a quick TikTok clip, @beautifullymarinna shows off the mimosa she ordered at an airport bar before her flight, and there is barely a hint of orange juice in it.
Her caption says it all: “99% champagne+1% juice.”
The video runs less than 20 seconds. She tagged it as a pregame, the drink before the trip, and she sounds more delighted than upset. Looking at the glass, she can hardly believe it. “No way. No way,” she says, laughing. “This is funny.”
For anyone used to a mimosa that looks like a glass of orange juice with a few bubbles, the difference is easy to see. Hers looks a lot more like a glass of sparkling wine that someone waved an orange near.
@beautifullymarinna
What Is Actually in a Mimosa?
The mimosa is one of the simplest cocktails there is: sparkling wine and orange juice, served in a tall flute. There is no single official recipe, which is part of why the drink can look so different from one place to the next.
Many bartenders start with equal parts sparkling wine and juice. Others use two parts wine to one part juice for a drier, more festive drink. At brunch spots with bottomless deals, mimosas often lean heavily toward juice. A glass that is almost all bubbly, like the one in this video, is on the far end of the scale.
It is also worth knowing that “champagne” is often used loosely. True Champagne comes only from the Champagne region of France and is expensive. Most bars, airport bars included, use a more affordable sparkling wine such as Prosecco from Italy, cava from Spain or an American sparkling wine. That is not a trick. It is standard practice, and many people prefer the fruitier taste in a mimosa anyway.
If you like your mimosa a certain way, simply ask. “Light on the bubbly, please” or “extra juice on the side” are common requests, and most bartenders are happy to oblige. You can also order a glass of sparkling wine and a small orange juice and mix it yourself.
Drinking Before a Flight
A drink at the gate is a travel tradition for plenty of people, and a strong one can feel like a bonus. Before you order a second, though, a few things are worth keeping in mind:
- You may feel it more in the air. Airplane cabins are pressurized to the equivalent of a high altitude, which means slightly less oxygen in your blood. Many people find that alcohol hits them harder at cruising altitude, especially when combined with an early wake up and an empty stomach.
- Cabin air is dry. Alcohol adds to the dehydration that flying already causes. Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink and keep a bottle with you after security.
- Eat something. A sandwich or snack alongside your drink slows how quickly the alcohol is absorbed and can help prevent headaches on the plane.
- Airlines can turn you away. Federal rules prohibit airlines from boarding passengers who appear to be intoxicated. Gate agents and flight attendants have the final say, and being denied boarding means rebooking at your own expense.
- Mind your medications. Many people take sleep aids, anxiety medication or motion sickness pills for flights. Mixing them with alcohol can cause heavy drowsiness or worse. Check the label or ask your pharmacist before you combine them.
- Your own bottle stays in the bag. Federal rules also prohibit passengers from drinking alcohol on board that was not served by the airline. Mini bottles bought at a duty free or airport shop cannot be opened in your seat.
Getting More for Your Money at Airport Bars
Airport food and drink prices are famously high, so a few smart moves can make the most of your money:
Check the menu before you sit. Prices are usually posted, and some airport bars offer happy hour specials, even early in the day.
Split a bottle. If you are traveling with a companion and both want mimosas, ask whether the bar sells sparkling wine by the bottle with a carafe of juice. It can work out cheaper than two or three individual glasses.
Look for lounges. If you fly often, a lounge membership or a credit card that includes lounge access can include drinks and snacks for no extra charge. Some lounges also sell day passes.
Tip the bartender. Airport bartenders work long shifts serving a constant stream of travelers in a hurry. A dollar or two per drink, or about 20 percent, is customary. Bartenders tend to remember the travelers who are pleasant and patient during a rush, and a good attitude costs nothing.
Watch the clock. Bars near the gate are convenient, but boarding doors close earlier than many people expect. Pay your tab before boarding begins so you are not rushing down the concourse with a half finished glass.
Whether this traveler’s bartender was being generous, heavy handed or just having a busy morning, she seemed to take it as a happy start to her trip. Just maybe not the kind of mimosa you would want to order twice before boarding.
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