Luxury in a glass: Inside India’s most expensive cocktail

Grandeur is nothing new in India's luxury dining industry, but this new invention represents a whole new level of indulgence. India's most costly cocktail has emerged, redefining grandeur in a nation where gourmet dining and haute mixology are developing at an explosive rate. At an eye-watering price, this opulent mixture is more than just a beverage—it's an art form, an experience, and the very image of exclusivity.



Offering aficionados a chance to drink in history, craftsmanship, and pure opulence, this cocktail has earned its place at the top of India's list of the most opulent in the world. However, what precisely is so remarkable about this cocktail? 

We reveal the secrets of India's most expensive drink, complete with edible gold, rare liquor, and a presentation fit for a king or queen. 

LUXURY MEETS INNOVATION

Every masterpiece requires the ideal setting. This drink, no short of being one, is served at the five-star hotel bar, Tansen, situated in Hyderabad, owned by Ohri’s group, which serves the elite of high society, one of India's most prestigious locations. 

Yangdup Lama, a world-class mixologist and a master at creating sensory-engaging experiences, is behind this liquid luxury. He has combined creativity and tradition with a keen eye for detail, extensive knowledge of spirits, and international training. The goal was to create something that was more than simply a drink; it was an occasion to remember, inspired by India's rich history and the worldwide trend of ultra-luxurious mixology. 

THE COST OF LUXURY

What is the price of this ultimate indulgence? One may ask, but one may not know until the first sip. Although the cost of the drink is still a secret and only available to its most affluent customers, insiders say it is more costly than any other cocktail offered in India, roughly around 10,000 rupees, easily ranking among the priciest beverages in the world.

The question that arises now is, is it really worth it?

Like every luxury experience, the privilege of drinking this cocktail should not be consumed in isolation. Each component, like the ingredients, ambiance, presentation, and overall experience. Every element is carefully chosen to transform the drinking experience into something genuinely remarkable.

The ingredients: A symphony of luxury

The ingredients in this drink, each selected for their uniqueness, history, and capacity to produce a sensory explosion, are the key to its astounding price tag.

Rare spirits: The main ingredient in this cocktail is a combination of the finest and oldest liquors available worldwide. Consider a very aged single malt, a century-old cognac, or a Japanese whiskey that is almost difficult to get. Each drop has a history, a tale, and an unparalleled smoothness.



Gold and precious elements: Without a little shine, what would be a luxury drink? Every taste feels regal as edible 24k gold flakes swirl through the beverage. A genuine collector's dream, some even include ice cubes filled with gemstones or gold flakes on the ice cube.



Exotic flavours: Handcrafted bitters from all over the world, including Madagascar vanilla, Italian truffle essence and Iranian saffron, enhance the cocktail even more. These components not only improve the drink's flavour but also increase its exclusivity. 





Signature presentation: The drink itself is an artwork, presented in a custom hand-cut crystal glass. To make the experience as memorable as the cocktail itself, several versions include a smokey, aromatic reveal or even a personal tale told by the mixologist.

The experience: More than just a drink

Luxury is always about the experience rather than the tangible product; and that's exactly what this drink promises. Every aspect of the experience, from placing the order to the last taste of the cocktail, is intended to transport the visitor to a realm of decadence.

Sometimes, it's made theatrically at the table, with swirls of liquid nitrogen, a flame-kissed finale, or an infusion process that takes place right in front of the guests. Others provide a more personal experience, with each cocktail being specially created depending on the tastes of the customer.

You can't just go in and order anything off the menu, though. Only the most elite customers can enjoy its grandeur because it is not a drink for the general public and requires reservations in advance.

So even though the luxury is subjective, this drink is worth it with every drop. 

India’s rise in the global luxury cocktail scene

India is reinventing pleasure with the emergence of Michelin-starred restaurants, ultra-luxury bars, and custom cocktail lounges. This cocktail is just one more example of how India is becoming more and more influential in the global luxury industry. The customers for such ostentatious services? Billionaires, famous people, tourists, and those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Whether it's the Winston ($12,000) in Melbourne or the Diamonds Are Forever Martini ($18,000) in Tokyo, expensive drinks have long made a statement on a global scale. India has now joined this exclusive group with its candidate, demonstrating that it is prepared to compete with the most opulent drinking places in the world.

The story this cocktail tells, the experience it creates, and the statement it makes are ultimately more important than its cost. One thing is for sure, whether you drink it in person or watch it from afar: India's luxury cocktail culture has formally entered a new era, and we're toasting to it!

Text by Aliza Noor

Edited by Sabrina Mathews