Why do some bars seem to charge such exorbitant prices for drinks? Cities typically feature bars with high markup, expensive entertainment and luxurious wait staff – often coupled with waiters who look down their nose at customers – while coastal locations tend to feature idyllic beach settings and breathtaking beach views with spectacular beachfront locations and great ocean views – yet paying $15+ could leave you demoralized about what awaits.
Here are The World’s 10 Most Expensive Bars
10. The American Bar at The Savoy Hotel, Mayfair
The Savoy’s American Bar opened its doors for customers to indulge in classic American-style beverages all the way back in 1893, making it the country’s oldest still-operating cocktail bar – not particularly old by British standards but old enough to justify charging an exorbitant $150 price tag per White Lady cocktail, composed of Cointreau, Gordon’s Gin, and lemon juice.
Of course, the pianist who entertains diners every night – rain or shine – with jazz tunes might also play an influential role. His tunes pay homage to The Savoy Songbook cocktail menu in which every drink bears the name of a well-known song.
9. The Icebar at The Ice Hotel, Jukkasjärvi
Sweden was home to the birth of the ice bar trend, and no ice bar compares with The Icebar at The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi. Thanks to artists from all over the globe and collaboration of bar staff from The Ice Hotel itself, every year the inside is transformed by these artistic collaborations into one giant work of ice art! Your drink will be served within one piece; no need for separate rocks orders! Drinks cost approximately 115 SEK ($11), making this not too pricey either – plus all that ice comes directly from The Torne River!
8. Subsix Underwater Bar, the Maldives
Subsix Underwater Bar in Maldives offers outdoor dining at its finest; accessible only via boat with its magnificent staircase that invites diners into its depths. It sets new standards of luxury dining.
Underwater journey is truly captivating from an aquatic standpoint. Enjoy watching parrot fish, damselfish, eels and Hawksbill turtles swim past as you sip $22 cocktails (the most costly item being Hennessy cognac for PS312) from the clam-shaped bar while your back is lovingly massaged.
7. XS Nightclub, Las Vegas
At XS Nightclub in Las Vegas, XS Ono costs at least $10,000–that comes out to roughly $1,000 per drink! But why? With Charles Heidsieck Champagne Charlie 1981 and Louis XIII de Remy Martin Black Pearl cognac being part of its formula, one might say this is truly a royal affair.
Not a bad present, considering it also features an 18k white-gold necklace for women and silver cufflinks for men. But can it hold up against an investment of $10k? We don’t know for certain; therefore we wouldn’t advise taking your date there to impress them.
6. The Peak Bar, Tokyo
The Peak Bar, Tokyo One of Tokyo’s busiest pubs, The Peak Bar provides breathtaking views of Nishi-Shinjuku buildings from across its terraced rooftops. One drink may cost as much as 4,000 plus tax and service ($40), so paying more for views than drinks alone; but live DJ music makes for fun entertainment throughout the week!
5. Playboy Club, Mayfair
Playboy Club in Mayfair stands out as an unparalleled experience due to the unfaltering luxury it provides its customers. Salvatore Calabrese, a master mixologist, created Salvatore’s Legacy which has become one of the world’s most expensive drinks.
This bar boasts ingredients dating back to 1788: cognac from 1788, kummel from 1770, and orange curacao produced in 1860 – all set for consumption and costing $7,000. You don’t want to miss this chance to sip something that made Guinness World Records!
4. The Coccaro Beach Club, Puglia
Coccaro Beach Club offers the ideal setting for relaxation in the evening with refreshing cocktails while basking under the final rays of Italian sun on an idyllic Italian beach.
The most expensive alcoholic beverages start at $8 for a glass of wine; salads costing $17 per plate are even more pricey! Even with its lavish gazebos and beach-inspired drinks, however, this novelty is costly; we suggest packing lunch and heading home instead.
3. Detroit’s Bad Luck Bar
Motors and sports arenas may be synonymous with Detroit; upscale bars may not. That may just be because you haven’t discovered its best-kept cocktail secret: the Bad Luck Bar. Since reservations aren’t possible, simply drop by or call in advance if desired.
The Admiral cocktail costs $80 a glass and features an intricate blend of fiery-flavored rums. It is the most expensive offering from this bar.
2. New York City, A Duvet
New York City offered New Yorkers an ideal setting to daydream about dressing up. Though now closed, this pub deservedly earned a place on this list because one of its distinct beverages – Platinum Passion bottle cost $6,000 each – became so sought-after by patrons.
1. The Hemingway Bar of the Hôtel Ritz Paris
Ernest Hemingway was known for his penchant for imbibing alcohol freely, making the Hotel Ritz-Paris his go-to spot. A cocktail popular during Hemingway’s Parisian days of 1920 is still sold today at one of his bars – and this tradition continues today with their namesake bar selling The Sidecar cocktail!
However, this Sidecar was built using champagne Cognac from 1830-1870 allegedly hidden during WWII from nosy Nazi soldiers – with each glass costing approximately $1,670.