For some, a cocktail is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Around the world, elite bars and luxury hotels serve up extravagant cocktails with price tags that rival fine jewelry. But what makes these drinks so expensive? Let’s take a closer look at the world’s most lavish cocktails and the rare ingredients that justify their cost.
1. The Winston – $12,970
📍 Club 23, Melbourne, Australia
This record-breaking cocktail is a masterpiece featuring Cognac Croizet 1858 Cuvee Leonie, one of the world’s oldest and rarest cognacs. It’s mixed with Grand Marnier Quintessence, Chartreuse V.E.P., and Angostura bitters, then elegantly served with a luxurious garnish.
2. Diamonds Are Forever Martini – $18,000
📍 Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
This ultra-exclusive martini includes chilled Grey Goose vodka and a splash of lime juice. But what makes it worth a small fortune? The cocktail is served with a one-carat diamond at the bottom of the glass, making it a drinkable piece of jewelry.
3. The Ono Champagne Cocktail – $10,000
📍 XS Nightclub, Las Vegas, USA
Served with extravagant flair, this cocktail blends Charles Heidsieck Champagne 1981, Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl cognac, and fresh orange juice, garnished with 24-karat gold flakes. The drink also comes with a pair of Mont Blanc cufflinks and an 18-karat gold necklace, making it as much a luxury gift as a cocktail.
4. Salvatore’s Legacy – $8,316
📍 Salvatore at Playboy, London, UK
Crafted by legendary bartender Salvatore Calabrese, this drink is made from some of the oldest spirits in the world, including 1778 Clos de Griffier Vieux Cognac, 1860 Dubb Orange Curaçao, and early 1900s Angostura bitters. The age and rarity of the ingredients make it a one-of-a-kind experience.
5. The Sapphire Martini – $3,000
📍 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut, USA
This luxurious martini gets its price tag from the stunning sapphire and diamond earrings that come with it. The drink itself is made with Bombay Sapphire gin, blue curaçao, and dry vermouth, elegantly served in a chilled glass.
Why Are These Cocktails So Expensive?
- Rare and vintage spirits – Many of these drinks feature centuries-old cognacs and whiskies, which are nearly impossible to find.
- Luxury garnishes – From gold flakes to diamonds, these cocktails are often paired with high-end jewelry or collectibles.
- Exclusive experience – Some of these drinks are served in VIP settings, making them a status symbol rather than just a beverage.
These extravagant cocktails are designed for those seeking the ultimate indulgence, blending mixology with wealth and exclusivity. Would you ever splurge on a drink like this, or do you think luxury cocktails are just a marketing gimmick?
