London’s vibrant cocktail scene is a playground for mixologists and a haven for discerning drinkers. The city boasts some of the world’s best bars, offering innovative and extraordinary concoctions. However, alongside these exceptional creations comes a hefty price tag. If you’re feeling adventurous and have a penchant for luxury, we’ve compiled a list of the most expensive cocktails in London, where each sip is a journey through time and indulgence.
Velvet By Salvatore Calabrese: A Taste of History
Hidden behind opulent velvet curtains at the luxurious Corinthia Hotel, Velvet By Salvatore Calabrese is a cocktail haven. The renowned mixologist, Salvatore Calabrese, has crafted an innovative menu titled “The Quote Book,” where each drink is inspired by the profound words of historical icons.
The menu features a variety of innovative cocktails, each with a unique story. The zesty “Gabrielle” pays homage to Coco Chanel, while the fruity and fragrant “Whistle While You Sip” draws inspiration from Walt Disney. Alongside these original creations, classic cocktails like the “Breakfast Martini” and “Spicy Fifty” also grace the menu.
The most expensive cocktails at Velvet are priced at £250, showcasing the bar’s dedication to using rare and vintage spirits. The “Jack Rose,” named after French general Jean-François Jacqueminot, features apple jack brandy dating back to 1920 and grenadine from 1930. Other noteworthy cocktails include the rum-based “El Presidente,” linked to Cuban president Gerardo Machado and originating in 1920s Havana, and the “Dubonnet,” a royal favorite from the 1920s, which mixes Booth’s Gin from 1939 and Dubonnet aperitif from 1940.
The Biltmore Manhattan: A Trip Back in Time
The Biltmore hotel in Mayfair is home to The Pine Bar, a haven for discerning drinkers seeking exceptional spirits and expertly crafted cocktails. While the menu offers an impressive selection of fine wines, spirits, cognacs, and expertly mixed cocktails, it’s the specialty menu that truly stands out. This collection features vintage serves crafted with spirits dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.
The “Margarita 1960’s” is priced at £100 and features Jose Cuervo Tequila Blanco (bottled in the 1960’s) and Cointreau Liqueur (bottled in the 1970’s). The “Negroni 1960’s” is another noteworthy offering, priced at £140, and blends Gordons Gin, Cinzano Vermouth, and Campari, all bottled from the same decade. However, if you’re looking for a truly exceptional experience, order the “Biltmore Rye Manhattan,” a luxurious concoction priced at £450. This vintage cocktail features Biltmore Rye from the 1920s and Cinzano Vermouth from the 1960s, taking you on a journey back to the Roaring Twenties.
The Affinity: A Scotch Whisky Classic
The newly opened Raffles Hotel at the Old War Office in Whitehall has quickly become one of London’s most luxurious hotels. With rooms priced at £1,400 per night, it’s clear that this hotel caters to those seeking the pinnacle of luxury. But even if you don’t plan on spending the night, The Guards Lounge offers an equally extravagant experience.
The “Affinity” at £750 is a “scotch whisky classic,” featuring Dewar’s White Label and a 1940s martini. For those who prefer a contemporary twist on a classic, the “Greenpoint” is a vintage take on the modern Manhattan, created by Michael McIlroy in New York in 2006. This £750 cocktail features 18-year-old Sazerac rye and 1945-1951 Cinzano Antica.
The Connaught Bar: A Symphonic Experience
The Connaught Bar is a quintessential London institution, known for its sophisticated interiors, impeccable service, and exceptional mixology. This bar, designed by renowned designer David Collins, embodies elegance and glamour, with vast mirrors, plush seating, and an abundance of champagne.
For cocktail connoisseurs, The Connaught Bar’s “Synergia” menu is a must-try. This carefully curated collection of cocktails distills the feelings, intuitions, and thoughts of human encounters into elegant serves. Within the vintage section, you’ll find a selection of cocktails crafted using the finest vintage spirits.
The classic vintage martini is considered one of the best in London, while the negroni, White Lady, daiquiri, and Old Fashioned are also noteworthy offerings. The “1983 Sidecar” is priced at £1,410 and celebrates the 100th anniversary of the iconic cocktail, featuring Adet 1893 cognac and Cointreau from the 1980s. The most expensive cocktail on the menu, however, is the “Silver Jubilee Rob Roy” at £2,210. Created for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, this cocktail reimagines a drink originally made for her Silver Jubilee in 1977, featuring Macallan Silver Jubilee 1977 whisky, Martini Rosso Vermouth, and angostura bitters from the 1970s.
The Donovan Bar: A Journey of Emotions
Nestled inside the historic Brown’s Hotel, The Donovan Bar is a theatrical cocktail haven created by Salvatore Calabrese alongside Federico Pavan and the hotel’s team of talented bartenders. The current menu, “Evoke,” is a journey of emotions, with each cocktail designed to provoke a unique response through taste, scent, and sight.
The “Adrenaline” combines Old Tom Gin and liquorice, while the “Wonder” offers tasting notes of coconut and raspberry before ending on a chocolatey sweet note. While these cocktails are impressive, it’s the vintage cocktails that truly command attention.
Salvatore’s Legacy, at £5,500, is a cocktail that embodies history. This exquisite blend features some of the world’s rarest spirits and liqueurs, including 1930 angostura bitters, 1860 Dubb Orange liqueur, and 1770 Kummel liqueur, resulting in over 700 years of liquid history and the world’s oldest cocktail. If £5,500 is a little too steep, The Donovan Bar also offers the “Original Daiquiri,” immortalized by Ernest Hemingway in 1896 and featuring Bacardi de Santiago Cuba from 1905, for a mere £1,000.
These extravagant cocktails are not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking a truly unique and unforgettable experience, these bars offer a glimpse into the world of luxury and indulgence. From vintage spirits to carefully crafted concoctions, each sip is a testament to the art of mixology and the enduring allure of a well-made cocktail.
