The allure of luxury: Casino cocktails worth trying

Casinos are known for glitz, glamour, and unforgettable experiences. We’ve all seen those iconic casino-themed film scenes where players are dressed to the nines, sipping elegant drinks as the roulette wheel spins. But what exactly are they drinking?

This combination of exclusivity and craftsmanship leads to some of the most expensive cocktails you can imagine. But before we delve into these extravagant creations, you might wonder what to order on your next casino visit.

The best choice is one that suits your taste buds. Whether you prefer something fruity, spicy, or strong, there’s a drink for everyone. And if you’re not a fan of alcohol, don’t worry—mocktails are often available too.

Diamond Is Forever

If you’ve ever wanted to feel like the star of a Hollywood blockbuster, order the Diamond Is Forever cocktail at the Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo. This jaw-dropping drink includes chilled vodka and a splash of lime juice and is adorned with 18-karat gold and a 1-carat diamond, taking luxury to an entirely new level. Unsurprisingly, the cocktail comes with an eye-watering price tag of $22,600.

Despite its exclusivity, only two have been sold to date. The cocktail remains available, waiting for the next daring customer. Just make sure not to swallow the diamond—it’s the real star of the show.

Martini on the Rock

You’ve likely heard of a martini on the rocks, but have you ever tried a Martini on the Rock? This extravagant drink is served at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. True to its name, the “rock” in this martini isn’t ice but a diamond. Yes, you read that correctly.

The Grand Vividus

The Palace Casino in Monte Carlo is home to The Grand Vividus, a cocktail that epitomises excellence. Priced at $8,000, this masterpiece includes vintage champagne, a touch of saffron, and cognac aged for over 150 years. The pièce de résistance? A drop of 24-karat gold dust adds a luxurious flair to every sip.

Served in exquisite crystal glassware alongside edible gold, The Grand Vividus is a testament to the art of cocktail-making. It’s not just a drink but a celebration of opulence.

The Billionaire Cocktail

At the iconic Ritz Hotel in London, you’ll find The Billionaire Cocktail, a drink that truly lives up to its name. Priced at a staggering $4,400, this luxurious mix is a privilege reserved for the select few.

Sipping this drink is an adventure only the wealthiest can afford. One route to creating an ultra-expensive cocktail is by serving it in a jewel-encrusted glass or pairing it with a gold necklace. And The Billionaire Cocktail certainly ticks those boxes.

Original Mai Tai

You’ve probably enjoyed a Mai Tai before, but how about the Original Mai Tai? At the Merchant Hotel in Belfast, you can taste this classic cocktail made from the original recipe using the very same rum as in 1944. The name “Mai Tai” translates to “good”, and there’s no better word to describe this drink.

For $1,270, you can sip on a piece of history, savouring the timeless blend that’s delighted cocktail lovers for decades.

The Old Cuban

While gambling isn’t reserved exclusively for the elite, it’s often the wealthy who splurge on luxurious cocktails. The Old Cuban is a perfect example. Available for $1,000 at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, this cocktail combines vintage rum, Cuban cigars, and a selection of rare bitters.

Enhancing your casino experience

Cocktails undoubtedly add to the glamour of a casino visit, but it’s essential not to overdo it. A carefully chosen drink can help you relax and enjoy the atmosphere, especially if it’s your first time in a casino. Just remember to pace yourself—after all, the goal is to have fun.

Tips from a famous mixologist

Want to make your cocktails at home feel just as luxurious? Here are some tips from a renowned mixologist:

• Ice matters: It’s not just for chilling but also for perfecting the dilution.
• Use fresh ingredients: This ensures vibrant and authentic flavours.
• Select the right glassware: Presentation is key to elevating the experience.
• Get the order of the pour right: This can significantly impact the taste and texture.

The most expensive cocktails served in casinos aren’t just about the taste; they’re about the entire experience. From rare, centuries-old ingredients to the glamour of a world-class casino resort or gambling house, these drinks are crafted to leave a lasting impression.

Their price tags might be steep, but the memories they create are priceless. Luxury and exclusivity, it seems, always come at a cost—but for those who can afford it, the experience is truly unparalleled.

The WOW-tini

If you're wondering if you can enjoy an equally indulgent drink without a hefty price tag, we've got the solution for you.

Enter the WOW-tini! CasinoWow's glamorous original cocktail will bring the sophistication of a high roller's drink right to your table. The WOW-tini feels like a celebration in every sip, but, of course, with a WOW twist. Best of all, all the ingredients are accessible, which makes it a luxurious treat that's easy to prepare at home.

Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the glass by placing it in the freezer for a moment or filling it with ice water. Discard the ice.
2. Mix all the ingredients together (except the glitter and the garnish) in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
3. Shake well for about 15 seconds.
4. Sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter into the glass.
5. Pour your cocktail into the glass without the ice and top it with the fruit wedge.

If you wish to enjoy an alcohol-free version of the WOW-tini, you just need to remove the vodka (or gin) and the orange bitters. In that case, you can top it up with sparkling water to bring out the citrusy taste and add bubbles to your mocktail.