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The World’s Most Expensive Cocktail: A Blend of Artistry and Exclusivity

A glance at the highest-priced cocktails around the globe reveals that extravagant garnishes or luxurious components often drive the cost rather than the beverages themselves. In many instances, patrons find jewels or gold objects accompanying their drinks, elevating the price beyond just the liquid within the glass.

Recently, a remarkable new cocktail has been unveiled, claiming the title of the most expensive mixed drink in the world. Priced at €37,500 (approximately $41,160), this exclusive offering was served at the restaurant and nightclub Nahaté in Dubai. However, unlike many of its pricey counterparts, this cocktail emphasizes the craft and innovation of its creator: Salvatore Calabrese, a renowned mixologist known as “The Maestro,” who works at the acclaimed Donovan Bar in London.

Calabrese brings over four decades of experience to the art of mixology and is celebrated for his adventurous approach to rare and vintage spirits, specifically old cognacs that have become collectors’ items.

One notable creation of his is “Salvatore’s Legacy,” a cocktail that showcases ingredients dating back to the 18th century. It features an 788 Clos de Griffier Vieux cognac, 1770 Kummel liqueur, circa 1860 Dubb orange liqueur, and circa 1930 Angostura bitters—earning it the title of “the world’s oldest cocktail.” Available at the Donovan Bar for £7,500 ($9,949.13), this drink stands as a testament to Calabrese’s extraordinary skill.

In a bold move, Calabrese has now possibly set a new high bar with the Nahaté cocktail, specifically crafted for the Dubai venue. The cocktail begins with an exclusive blend of Patrón tequila, developed by master distiller David Rodriguez.

The precise varieties of tequila in this unique concoction are closely guarded secrets known only to Rodriguez. However, Andrei Bolshakov, Nahaté’s marketing and beverage director, describes the tequila blend as “incredibly refined, deeply aged, intensely woody, and remarkably dry on the palate,” enriched by notes of chocolate, caramel, and vanilla.

Calabrese added two other historic components to the cocktail: 1930s Angostura bitters and 1950 Kina Lillet. This vintage aperitif, famously referenced in Ian Fleming’s original Casino Royale, has a complicated history as its formula underwent significant changes in 1986. Fewer than four bottles of the original Kina Lillet are believed to still exist, adding to its allure among collectors.

Bolshakov highlights the unique characteristics of the original Kina Lillet, describing its distinctive bitterness stemming from its quinine content, which set it apart from other aperitifs. The rarity of its vintage bottles has made them highly sought after among cocktail enthusiasts and historians alike.

The cocktail is served in rare Baccarat glasses, designed in 1937 and originally not meant for practical use. Bolshakov elaborates on the expertise involved in creating these glasses, stating that their delicate design and hollow stem—crafted through a unique hand-blowing technique—distinguish them from standard glassware. Weighing only 100 grams (around 3.5 ounces), these glasses are significantly lighter than typical Baccarat products, adding an additional layer of luxury to the experience.

Unveiled during the World’s Most Luxurious Cocktail Event organized by Nahaté’s owners, Jenya Makeeva and Semyon Florentsev, and co-sponsored by Baccarat and Patrón, the Nahaté cocktail drew attention for its exclusivity. The auction winner not only enjoyed the drink artfully mixed by Calabrese himself but also received a bottle of the unique tequila blend and the exquisite Baccarat glasses—only two of which exist.

Without a lavish diamond garnish, the cocktail and its accompanying glassware still embody a form of luxury that some may argue surpasses traditional embellishments. The artistry and historical significance embedded in this drink make it a noteworthy highlight in the world of high-end mixology.

Source
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