As New York celebrated with the priciest Super Bowl party, Moscow introduced the world’s most expensive cocktail, priced at $50,000, to commemorate the launch of its inaugural ice terrace at the Reka Moscow restaurant.
This extravagant drink was purchased by Andrei Melnikov, a regular patron and successful entrepreneur. The cocktail’s exorbitant cost is attributed to the inclusion of three diamonds, each ranging between one and 1.5 carats, courtesy of jewelry sponsor Crivelli.
Debuting on January 31st, the Winter Terrace at Reka Moscow is a marvel crafted entirely from ice by top ice sculptors. They used 200 tons of pure Siberian ice to construct this masterpiece. For those who can’t afford the luxury cocktail, other Hennessy VSOP cocktails are available at a bar designed by BMW designer Chris Bangle, entirely carved from ice. Guests sit on ice stools but stay warm thanks to a special infrared heating system installed in the ice-sculpted venue.
Michel Lombardi, the head chef at Reka Moscow, conceptualized the Winter Terrace to offer Moscow’s elite a novel dining experience. He shared, “I love adventures. My career has been filled with them, including moving to Russia. Adapting to the harsh winters, a new culture, and the kitchen life here was challenging. But now, two years later, I feel completely at home. I believe an ice terrace fits perfectly with Russia, a land of snow and ice. We’ve created something extraordinary that will make Muscovites, who are accustomed to the best, stop and say, ‘Wow, this is amazing!'”