Named after Sir Winston Churchill, the legendary British Prime Minister, The Winston is the most expensive cocktail in the world. Created by Joel Heffernan, an award-winning mixologist at Club 23 in Melbourne, Australia, The Winston was originally designed as a one-off for a wealthy client who was looking for a unique and exclusive experience. Today, this cocktail is on the menu for anyone who can afford its staggering $12,500 price tag.
So, what makes The Winston Cocktail so expensive? To start, the cocktail is made with two rare and highly sought-after spirits – Croizet cognac and Grand Marnier Quintessence. Both of these spirits have a long and prestigious history and are known for their exceptional quality. Croizet cognac is a luxury cognac brand that has been producing fine cognacs since 1805. The cognac used in The Winston is a vintage 1858 bottle that was discovered in a family’s cellar in France. A bottle of similar age and quality sold for £200,000 ($275,000) at an auction in 2014. Grand Marnier Quintessence is a limited edition blend of rare and aged Grande Champagne Cognacs, the finest Caribbean rums, and a unique blend of orange essence. The blend is then aged in oak barrels for many years before it is bottled.
The Winston Cocktail is also garnished with a 24-carat gold-plated toothpick that is worth $1,000. The toothpick is designed and crafted by a local jeweler who specializes in creating unique and stunning pieces.
The making of The Winston Cocktail is a ritual in itself. The Croizet cognac is first poured into a mixing glass filled with ice and stirred to chill. The Grand Marnier Quintessence is then added and gently stirred to combine the flavors. The cocktail is then strained into a chilled glass and garnished with a lemon twist. The 24-carat gold-plated toothpick is then inserted into the drink, and voila, The Winston Cocktail is ready to be enjoyed.
While $12,500 might seem like an insane amount of money to spend on a drink, for those with deep pockets and a love for all things extravagant, The Winston Cocktail is the ultimate indulgence. It is not just a drink but an experience that is unlike anything else in the world. The cocktail is not for everyone, but for those who can afford it, it is a symbol of luxury, exclusivity, and prestige.
In conclusion, The Winston Cocktail might be the most expensive cocktail in the world, but it is more than just a drink. It is a work of art, a testament to the creativity and passion of mixologists around the world. It is a luxury item that only a select few can afford, but for those select few, it is an unparalleled experience that they will cherish forever. So next time you are in Melbourne and feeling flush, why not treat yourself to The Winston Cocktail and experience the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity.