Ah, the eternal question for the thrifty and well-prepared traveler: can you be your own in-flight bartender? The answer is a delightful "yes," but with a very stern, finger-wagging "no" attached.
You can absolutely bring your collection of mini liquor bottles in your carry-on luggage. The TSA views them as just another liquid, so they must bow to the all-powerful 3-1-1 rule. This means each bottle must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less and all of your little liquid friends must fit comfortably inside a single, quart-sized, clear zip-top bag. Since most mini bottles are about 1.7 ounces (50ml), they're perfect candidates for your exclusive liquids party bag.
Now, for that buzzkill of a caveat. While you can transport your mini-bar to your destination, federal regulations from the FAA strictly prohibit you from consuming your own alcohol on the plane. You can only drink the booze served by the flight crew. Trying to stealthily spike your ginger ale is a time-honored but very bad idea. Flight attendants have seen every trick in the book, and getting caught can lead to some seriously unpleasant consequences that are far more expensive than an in-flight cocktail.
If you're more interested in stocking up for your destination, you can pack larger quantities in your checked bags. There are no limits on beverages under 24% alcohol, but you're capped at 5 liters per passenger for spirits between 24% and 70% ABV. So, think of your carry-on minis as precious cargo for your hotel room, not a DIY drink kit for 30,000 feet.
