Top 10 Most Luxurious Cocktails in the World

The $12,916 Cocktail

Joel Heffernan pouring the Winston
Karon Photography

As of May 2014, the honor for the world’s most expensive cocktail went to the Winston. Created in early 2013 by Australian bartender Joel Heffernan, this extravagant cocktail centers around Croziet cognac, which typically sells for a whopping $6,000 per shot.

The most unbelievable aspect of this drink, which costs more than many automobiles, is that the man who ordered it only took a couple of sips. However, this type of spending is certainly not uncommon among those indulging in fine spirits.

An (Almost) Golden Cocktail in Vegas

Liquid Gold
If this expensive Vegas cocktail isn’t made of liquid gold, you’d certainly think so from its price.

The cocktail named “Menage à Trois,” sold at Tryst nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, has garnered attention not just for its name, but also for its steep price tag. This evocatively-titled drink retails for a cool $3,000 and is served with a straw plated in 24-karat gold, topped with a diamond.

While its components include Cristal Rose Champagne, Grand Marnier 150, and Hennessey Ellipse, one might question whether their actual value justifies such a high asking price. Certainly, while it may not be liquid gold, the price could certainly suggest that it is.

Diamond Martinis?

Cocktails
You better be sure your love burns passionately before ordering the “Diamonds are Forever” cocktail.

Speaking of diamonds, the Menage à Trois is just the beginning of luxurious diamond cocktails around the world. Consider proposing to a partner with the $10,000 “Diamond is Forever” martini at New York City’s Uncorked, or perhaps opting for a more expensive version ($17,500) of the same name at the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo. With prices like these, you certainly want to ensure your marriage lasts a lifetime, or at least, that you don’t max out your credit card!

LA’s $100 Margarita

Wads of Cash
You’ll need to visit the bank – the Federal Reserve Bank! – before ordering this cocktail.

Among cocktails that are as absurd in price as they are luxurious, we have the “Benjamin,” a premium margarita from Los Angeles’ Red O restaurant, which retails for approximately $100. This high price makes more sense considering it’s crafted with three of the finest tequilas in the world, and even has a rim dusted in real gold.

When compared to the other extravagant cocktails on this list, spending $100 may not seem entirely out of reach, certainly, at least from a theoretical standpoint.

Bet You Love Happy Hour Even More Now, Huh?

Happy Hour
Happy hour seems happier now, huh?. Alpha du Centaure via Wikimedia Commons

If this compilation of costly cocktails does not leave you grateful for the reasonably priced drinks at your local bar, then nothing will. Moreover, you might think twice before labeling a drink as “expensive” – unless of course, it’s one of the cocktails featured in this list.


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