A couple of days ago, we asked the question:” What would you pay for a special cocktail?” We don’t know what your answer was, but one person in Dubai has let the world know in no uncertain terms. The answer? €37,500. That was the highest bid at the “world’s most luxurious cocktail auction event” in Dubai on the 7th of April.
Salvatore “The Maestro” Calabrese, known as one of the best bartenders in the world, mixed the cocktail that, at the end of the auction, became the most expensive ever. If you missed the original story, here’s a summary of what’s in the record-breaking cocktail.
A special blend of premium tequila made by popular brand Patron specifically for the event (never before sold), Kina Lillet from 1950 (007 fans will be familiar with this as it’s an ingredient in James Bond’s preferred drink, the Vesper Cocktail), and 1930 Angostura bitters for an additional bit of history.
But more impressive than any of the ingredients is the crystal glass used to serve it. It was made back in 1937 (only two of these exist) by world-renowned French crystal glass and barware company Baccarat for the International Exhibition of Arts and Techniques in Modern Life in Paris.
Baccarat was commissioned with the permission of King Louis XV (aka Louis the Beloved) in 1764 and has been making world-class crystal glasses since. The brand is the ultimate symbol of French luxury, and its products are used in some of the best fine dining establishments and bars across the globe. Nothing else would be fitting for such a special drink.
Of course, if you’re paying that kind of money for a cocktail, it has to come with a special receipt, and this one won’t fit in the winner’s pocket.
The event was hosted by Australian/Lebanese radio personality Kris Fade at the NAHATÉ Dubai, one of the top fine dining/nightlife spots in the ‘City of Gold.’ NAHATÉ boasts of a very exotic menu which includes delicacies like Foie Gras Terrine, Australian Wagyu steak, Tomato Tartare, and multiple caviar dishes.
They also know a thing or two about cocktails as they have an impressive list with creative names, including Dessert Whisper, Floating Mirage, Dewy Oasis, and Mandarin Sgroppino.
This night, Dubai was the ‘City of a Special Cocktail,’ and the venue was packed with guests who were treated to music by DJ Lorenzo and gourmet finger foods, like black caviar and oysters. Since the night was about a cocktail, Federico Pavan, the Director of Bar & Mixology at The Donovan Bar in London, was on hand to make delightful cocktails. Small consolation for those who didn’t get a chance to sip on “The Maestro’s” special cocktail.
On your next trip to Dubai, you may want to consider stopping by the place where cocktail history was made.
