You’ll Never Guess the Price of the World’s Most Expensive Cocktail

Cocktails

Cocktails are a common alcoholic beverage for those who enjoy combining their favorite flavors.  Originally definedin 1806 by The Balance and Columbian Respistory’s editor Harry Croswell, a cocktail was said to be “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters—it is vulgarly called bittered sling, and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, in as much as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head. It is said, also to be of great use to a democratic candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow any thing else.”

Over the years, cocktails have been developed to include a wide array of flavors, consistencies, and last but certain not least, prices.  On average, cocktails can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars; however, a London restaurant has recently introduced a cocktail that most people will consider completely out of their price range.

Gigi’s Italian Restaurant’s new cocktail,  which marks the restaurant’s grand opening and was created in  honor of the legendary Grace Jones, has officially become the world’s most expensive cocktail with its $14,430 price tag.  Gigi, as the drink has been appropriately named, represents the best in fine dining.  The cocktail’s high price can be attributed to its rare ingredients which include “vintage, Cristal champagne circa 1990, and 1888 Samalens Vieille Relique Vintage Bas Armagnac, an rare Armagnac that pre-dates the Boer War.” The lavish cocktail is also served topped with edible gold leaves and according to the restaurants manager,  Cesare Papagna, the drink tastes like “liquid gold.”

While this new cocktail will definitely bring the restaurant much attention, Gigi’s Italian Restaurant says that the drink won’t actually appear on the menu.  The Gigi will only be served to the restaurant’s A-list diners, and must be paid for in advance.

Gigi’s rank as the world’s most expensive cocktail officially dethrones Australia’s “the Winston” (named for Winston Churchill), which previously held the record with its price of $12,500.

(Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for HELPS Teas)

Written by Camille Moore

Camille has a master's degree from Saint Joseph University's Writing Studies program, and she currently works as the Writing Center Assistant Director at a small university in western Pennsylvania. Camille's writing has been published on several websites, and she enjoys writing articles and short stories in her spare time. You can follow Camille on Twitter @CamealAshley.