The Watering Hole: United Flight 6273The Atmosphere: No drinking space has a more contradictory ambiance than an airplane. Travelers are excited about arriving at their destination–possibly offering a chance to visit with rarely-seen family members or a night of casual sex at a business conference. But they are also exhausted after surviving long lines at the baggage check and the groping hands of a TSA agent. That’s why there are few places more likely to elicit the phrase “God, I need a drink” than the interior of a plane.The Barkeep: Katie and Donna are the day’s flight attendants. With several open seats and no kids on a Thursday hop from Spokane to Seattle, they have a little more time to chat with passengers about favorite in-flight beverages.Katie gets the First Call treatment first. Unfortunately she doesn’t drink herself and hasn’t given the cocktail service much thought. Donna claims to not drink much either, but fesses up to enjoying a gin and tonic. “But I don’t have lemons or limes on this plane; it’s too small,” Donna adds. Damn.She ponders the question a little longer.Sitting next to three screaming kids on the flight back home? Don’t worry, Katie (left) and Donna are here to help.The Drink: “Maybe a vodka and cranberry,” Donna decides. It’s holiday-appropriate, she has all necessary components on board, and it has booze in it, essential for any in-flight beverage.The Verdict: Donna returns with a mini bottle of Finlandia vodka and a can of cranberry juice. You mix the ‘tinis yourself on board. I pour the entire bottle and a splash of the sugary juice into a plastic cup filled with ice and take a sip.It isn’t what you might call “tasty”–most airplane liquor isn’t top shelf. Finlandia has that distinctly Windexy taste of the kind of vodka that goes on sale for $15 a liter at your local liquor store. But the vodka does its very important job of making the seat back in front feel not quite so uncomfortably close and the woman behind’s perfume just a little more tolerable. Combined with the cranberry, it even inspires a little holiday cheer.