Clocking in at €37,500 (US$41,160), the world’s most expensive cocktail has been created by industry icon Salvatore Calabrese, better known as The Maestro.
In honor of crystal maker Baccarat’s 260th anniversary, Calabrese crafted the record-breaking cocktail at the fine dining restaurant and cocktail bar Nahaté in Dubai, UAE. A celebration of luxury, this cocktail exemplifies the intersection of culinary artistry and collectible craftsmanship.
The cocktail features a unique special edition Patrón blend that merges three exceptional aged Tequilas. In addition, it is enhanced by Kina Lillet from 1950 and Angostura Bitters from the 1930s. Such rare additions elevate the drink into a true collector’s item, showcasing an exquisite confluence of history, quality, and taste.
The Tequila blend is aptly named “Nahaté” after the bar in which it was served, and it was exclusively created for this cocktail by David Rodriguez, Patrón’s master distiller. This bespoke creation not only reflects the depth of flavor but also mirrors the meticulous quality associated with the legendary Baccarat Service Leczinska glass of 1937, in which it was presented.
Rich, indulgent notes of caramel, vanilla, butter, and stone fruit characterize this one-of-a-kind Tequila. The glass itself, a handcrafted marvel, embodies the perfect balance between art and innovation, made from crystal of ‘extreme purity’ and molded at high temperatures to achieve an unparalleled elegance.
The Service Leczinska glass pays homage to Queen Marie Leszczyńska, the wife of Louis XV, and encapsulates Baccarat’s royal heritage, since it was King Louis XV who granted permission to establish the Baccarat Manufacture in 1764. It’s noteworthy that these glasses have never been reissued, emphasizing their rarity and the prestige they bring to the cocktail.
Calabrese, known for his previous distinction of creating the world’s former most expensive cocktail priced at £5,500, was an obvious choice for this ambitious endeavor due to his extensive expertise and history in crafting unique cocktails. He holds the title for also creating the world’s oldest cocktail, “Salvatore’s Legacy,” using a blend of ingredients boasting a remarkable age of 730 years.
The €37,500 cocktail was offered during an auction at what was famously dubbed ‘the world’s most luxurious cocktail event’ on 7 April. The winning bid wasn’t just for the cocktail itself; it included a bottle of the rare Patrón blend and the iconic 1937 Baccarat crystal glassware, making it an extraordinary treasure for any aficionado.
After unveiling the cocktail and the bidding process, attendees were treated to an evening filled with exquisite cocktails crafted by Federico Pavan, the director of bar and area director of mixology at The Donovan Bar in Mayfair, London. The event not only celebrated the pinnacle of cocktail culture but also served as a platform for showcasing the artistry behind cocktail creation.
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