The Most Expensive Cocktails Worth Trying In LA
Rare. Vintage. Limited edition. These are just a few of the special qualities that go into the making of an expensive cocktail. If you appreciate fine spirits and a perfectly executed libation, we've picked the best to whet your whistle.
Pour Vous
5574 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 871-8699
www.pourvousla.com
Experience Parisian charm and allure at Pour Vous. The cocktail lounge, hidden behind an unassuming façade on Melrose Avenue is one of the top spots in LA with expensive cocktails. Made with Last Drop 1950 Cognac, Pernod Absinthe, Peychaud's bitters, superfine sugar, and lemon peel oil, a Last Drop 1950 Sazerac goes for $153 and will surelybe savored to the literal last drop. Grab a seat at the bar and request one today!
Last Drop 1950 is an exceptional vintage brandy from the Petite Champagne region. Distilled in an old-fashioned alembic and bottled after six decades in French oak casks, it is extremely rare. Just how rare is it, exactly? Let's just say there were only 478 bottles of this rare liquid treasure released. Don't miss your chance to taste the magic.
The Powder Room
1606 N Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 469-5001
www.powderroomla.net
Offering a list of premium cocktails and spiked shakes in the heart of Hollywood, The Powder Room is the Willie Wonka of cocktail factories. For a spiked sweet tooth that craves a shot of pure extravagance, order their infamous $500 Velvet Goldmine Shake by award winning mixologist Adrianne Biggs. The drink comes presented in a gorgeous Waterford crystal goblet (available to take home for an additional $100). This dessert in a glass is chock full of decadently delicious ingredients meant for indulging every sense including custom made dark chocolate ganache, Bacardi Reserva Limitada (a spirit once exclusively available in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Aruba), D'USSE VSOP Cognac, tailor made organic honey, English lavender split black bean Tahitian vanilla ice cream, and Ghirardelli chocolate caramel fudge. This dream dessert is topped with fresh whipped cream and edible 23-carat gold flakes for good measure. Since you'll want a piece to take home with you, the shake is served with a Swarovski Crystal Nirvana ring, a token of the bliss this shake represents.
If you've got a hankering for more, pick a premium truffle off the sterling silver "Truffle Tree" that comes paired with this sinfully sweet treat. Giving in to this tempting luxury also gets you a place in the Velvet Goldmine circle, opening doors to a member's only exclusive event just for you and fellow Velvet Goldminer's.
Hakkasan
233 N Beverly Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 888-8661
www.hakkasan.com/beverlyhills
The newest installation of this chic Cantonese hot spot has landed in Beverly Hills. Sporting sleek design and a lively scene to enjoy while sipping on something special, Hakkasan is one of the newest hot spots in L.A. In the mood to open up your wallet? Order the Black Walnut Armagnac for $178. It's made with 2oz Armagnac Laubade 1967, Tahitian Vanilla Bean infused into Vermont Maple Syrup, grated nutmeg, black walnut bitters, and orange zest, served on a Hakkasan signature logo ice ball in their crystal glass.
Chateau De Laubade is arguably one of the finest producers of Armagnac in France. Vintage Armagnac is distilled from the grape harvest of one year, slow aged in black oak barrels to develop their own distinct personality, complexity, and flavor nuances.
£10
225 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 860-5808
www.montagebeverlyhills.com
This exclusive lounge hidden inside the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills is a whisky connoisseur's paradise. Boasting the most comprehensive collection of Macallan single malts in the nation, the lounge offers rare, coveted and vintage selections with some aged as long as 64 years.
The bartenders here know all about the fine art of serving up the perfect whisky experience as well to ensure you drink, taste and fully appreciate every drop. The lounge is a place full of refined details like the ice spheres made with water imported from the Scottish Highlands and Lalique crystal glassware.
Although technically not a cocktail, you can get a dram of an ultra rare Macallan 64 year old that goes for a cool $64,000. It's the oldest Macallan ever released by the distillery and it's also the only mini-bottle of its kind, touting a hand-printed label and locked up for safekeeping. For the bucket list enthusiast willing to part with an average annual salary in exchange for what heaven must taste like, you're in the right place.
Red O
8155 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-5009
www.redorestaurant.com
You know what they say; it's all about the Benjamin's, baby. And if you find yourself at Red O, they've got a drink for that. Aptly named The Benjamin, you can get your hands on one for $100. Inside you'll find a generous ounce of carefully selected extra anejo tequilas, including Patron Burdelos, Herradura Selection Suprema, and Partida Elegante. With that comes limited edition Gran Marnier Cuvée du Cent Cinquantenaire, fresh lime and 100% organic agave syrup before it is shaken and poured over house made lime sorbet ice spheres and topped with a Louis XIII Cognac float. The finishing touches are nothing short of fancy, completing this drink with house made blood orange caviar, a golden kosher salt rim and served on a silver platter with a stainless steel straw.
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Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.
