When you’re part of the 0.01%, even your beverages become a status symbol. From gilded cocktails to rare vintages, the world’s elite are raising glasses filled with more than just liquid; they’re drinking history, craftsmanship, and bragging rights. Here’s what the super-rich are sipping while the rest of us nurse our lattes.
Champagne, but Make It Vintage
Champagne has long been the unofficial drink of the rich, but not just any bubbly will do. The ultra-wealthy opt for rare vintages from top houses like Dom Pérignon or Krug, with bottles aged to perfection and priced in the thousands. For them, it’s not just about the bubbles—it’s about exclusivity. Limited editions, such as those celebrating collaborations or milestones, are as much a statement as they are a drink. When billionaires toast, they don’t just pop bottles; they make history fizz.
Cognac Aged Like Fine Assets
Among the wealthiest, cognac is experiencing a renaissance. These deep amber spirits, often aged for decades, are seen as investments as much as indulgences. Take Louis XIII by Rémy Martin, for example—a bottle can cost upwards of $4,000, thanks to its craftsmanship and decades-long maturation process. Sipping cognac is a ritual for the elite, where every pour whispers of heritage and unhurried luxury.
Exotic Cocktails with a Side of Extravagance
In luxury bars worldwide, the mega-rich are ordering cocktails with price tags that rival some people’s monthly rent. These aren’t your average mojitos; they’re crafted with rare spirits, bespoke mixers, and sometimes literal gold dust. In London, the Treasure Chest cocktail at The Mahiki is served with Champagne and gold leaf, setting patrons back thousands of dollars. The rich don’t just drink cocktails; they commission them.
Japanese Whisky: Liquid Gold
Japanese whisky has become a favorite among affluent drinkers, with its refined flavors and scarcity driving demand. Brands like Yamazaki and Hibiki are sought after, with rare bottles fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction. For the wealthy, it’s not just about the smoothness—it’s about the story of dedication and craft behind every bottle.
Water Worth Its Weight in Gold
Yes, even water can be a luxury. The ultra-rich are trading tap for rare waters like Svalbarði, sourced from melting Arctic icebergs, or Acqua di Cristallo, sold in 24-karat gold bottles for $60,000. It’s hydration with a side of extravagance, because nothing says "I’ve made it" like sipping liquid diamonds.
Wines of Unattainable Vintages
The rich are also diving into the world of rare and legendary wines. Whether it’s Château Lafite Rothschild or Screaming Eagle, these vintages can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands per bottle. Owning such wines is as much about prestige as palate, with some collectors displaying their bottles like fine art.
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