We Hope You Brought Your Wallet
Just when you thought today’s prices were getting out of control! Fancy bars are more than happy to serve vintage spirits and in-house cocktails—so long as you can pony up the dough. For the rest of us, however, we’re more interested in two-ingredient cocktails we can make at home.
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1. Diamonds Are Forever—Japan ($21,000)
If you have a spare $21,000 and a hankering to get serenaded, head to the Ritz Carlton bar in Tokyo, Japan. There you’ll find their infamous “Diamonds are Forever” cocktail, consisting of Absolute Elyx, lime juice—and a one-carat diamond. It’s made tableside and the staff allegedly sing the classic song to you.
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2. Winston—Australia ($13,000)
In 2013, Winston Churchill inspired the then-world's most expensive cocktail aptly titled Winston. It was made with 1858 Croizet cognac, Grand Marnier Quintessence, and Chartreuse Vieillissement Exceptionnellement Prolonge (or V.E.P). Its price clocked in just shy of $13,000.
3. Ono Cocktail—United States ($10,000)
Las Vegas is often touted as the land of luxurious living, a sentiment XS Nightclub takes to heart. Guests can sip a $10,000 cocktail made with 1981 Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie and Louis XIII de Remy Martin Black Pearl cognac. You can also keep the gold cufflinks and necklace it comes with.
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4. Salvatore’s Legacy—United Kingdom ($10,000)
Where would this list be without mentioning beloved bartender Salvatore Calabrese? In 2012, he created the world’s most expensive cocktail and that legacy lives on at the Donovan Bar in London. It’s a vintage cocktail made with 1770 Kummel liqueur, c1860 Dubb Orange liqueur, c1930 Angostura bitters, and 788 Clos de Griffier Vieux cognac.
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5. The Secret Margarita—United States ($5,000)
For that price, we wish this stayed a secret! But for those with a penchant for extravagance, the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in California has the perfect cocktail. Filled with Patron Lalique Extra Añejo and 1985 Salon Cuvee 'S' Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, this cocktail is made for two and served in Versace flutes (which guests can keep).
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6. The Crystal Elite—United States ($5,000)
Well, we can’t say a $5,000 cocktail doesn’t scream elitism. The Baccarat Hotel in NYC offers exactly that for any patron with money to blow and an interest in vintage spirits. This little number is made with Rémy Martin Louis XIII and Bénédictine Circa 1920, but it also comes with fancy add-ons like organic lemon juice and black truffle bitters.
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7. Sazerac—United Kingdom ($5,000)
The American Bar in London has its own collection of vintage cocktails, one of which comes with a hefty price tag. Hailed as the oldest surviving cocktail bar, it’s no surprise their priciest drink is made with 1858 Sazerac de Forge, 1950s Pernod absinthe, and vintage Peychaud’s bitters.
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8. Side Car—France ($3,000)
You might associate Ernest Hemingway with daiquiris but don’t rule out other cocktails so quickly. Bar Hemingway in Paris, France boasts Side Car, the world’s first most expensive cocktail. It’s made with pre-phylloxera grand champagne cognac from 1834 and blended with Cointreau and fresh lemon juice.
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9. Macallan M Lalique—Dubai ($1,650)
Though not exactly a cocktail, the Sky Lounge in Dubai offers The Ultimate Macallan, a 60ml indulgence in Macallan M Lalique worth about $1,600. If you choose to get a bottle, we hope you have $18,500 in your pocket.
10. Kentucky Derby Mint Julep—United States ($1,000)
Compared to some prices on this list, Woodford Reserve’s 2022 milt julep for charity is an odd breath of fresh air! Ranging between $1,000 to $2,500 per glass, they came in specially made gold or silver cups encrusted with a horseshoe made of rubies. Proceeds went to Old Friends Farm.
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Put your credit cards away, though! Now’s the perfect time to dive into affordable cocktails you can grab or make at any time.
1. Mimosa
Spice up the breakfast table with the simplest cocktail on the market. You only need champagne and orange juice for this classic drink, though the jury’s still out on which champagne is best.
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2. Gin and Tonic
Gin, tonic water, and a lime wedge—that’s all you need for this popular cocktail. Ordered for its delicious simplicity and affordable price tag, you really can’t go wrong. It’s also a good choice for those who aren’t big drinkers.
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3. 7 and 7
If you’re looking for something a little richer, a traditional 7 and 7 is right up your alley. Don’t get turned off by whiskey’s classic burn either! That shot of Seagram's 7 Crown Whiskey is more than watered down with 7-Up and ice.
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4. Rum and Coke
If you have rum and Coca-Cola lying around, blend them into a classic cocktail beloved by bar-goers everywhere. You can indulge in light or dark rum and garnish with lime.
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5. Vodka Cranberry
We know it isn’t Christmas yet but there’s no reason you can’t start the party early! It’s a no-fuss cocktail and you likely have everything you need at home—a bit of vodka, cranberry juice, and ice. Even if you don’t bartenders likely do the next time you’re out.
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6. Mojito
Enjoy the summer a little longer with a fresh mojito. It’s an easy cocktail made with just lime juice, sugar, mint leaves, soda water, and white rum. They’re fizzy, they’re fresh, and they’re perfect for warm days.
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7. Long Island Iced Tea
Anyone interested in a serious buzz needn’t go further than a Long Island Iced Tea. That lemon juice and simple syrup doesn’t hold a candle to the tequila, rum, vodka, gin, and triple sec. Sticking to a recipe helps it go down way smoother.
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8. Piña Colada
Piña Coladas bring the tropics to your glass every time. Pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and white rum bring this refreshing blend to life, and it’s only made better with the pineapple and cherry garnish.
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9. Moscow Mule
Attention, ginger lovers! The Moscow Mule is calling your name and it’s filled to the brim with ginger beer, lime juice, and vodka. Served with ice in a copper mug, this cocktail never loses its cool.
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10. Sangria
White or red, it doesn’t matter! Either get mouths watering and both are completely customizable. Loaded with fresh fruit, wine, and brandy, pitchers of sangria are a must for any party.
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