Upscale drinks can turn any gathering into a special occasion. These fancy cocktails go beyond the usual mixed drinks, offering unique flavors and eye-catching presentations. You’ll find 16 classy options to impress your guests and elevate your next party or night out.
From classic cocktails with a twist to modern creations, this list has something for every taste. You’ll discover drinks made with top-shelf spirits, fresh ingredients, and expert techniques. Whether you prefer something fruity, savory, or spirit-forward, you’re sure to find a new favorite among these upscale options.
Belvedere Vodka is a premium Polish vodka that can elevate your cocktail experience. Made from rye and pure artesian water, it offers a smooth taste perfect for sipping or mixing.
You can enjoy Belvedere in classic cocktails like martinis or try it in fruity summer drinks. A popular option is the Fahrenheit 555 Watermelon Martini, which blends Belvedere with fresh watermelon and lime juice.
For a simple yet refined cocktail, mix Belvedere with dry vermouth and Lillet Blanc. This light, refreshing drink is great for warm evenings or parties.
When choosing a high-end vodka for your next gathering, Belvedere is a solid choice. Its versatility allows you to create a wide range of upscale drinks to impress your guests.
Hendrick’s Gin stands out as a premium choice for upscale drinks. This Scottish gin has a unique flavor profile with notes of cucumber and rose.
You can enjoy Hendrick’s in classic cocktails like a gin and tonic or martini. It also shines in more creative concoctions.
Try a Hendrick’s Gin cocktail with elderflower liqueur and fresh cucumber for a refreshing summer drink. Or mix it with vermouth and bitters for a sophisticated Martinez.
The versatility of Hendrick’s makes it perfect for experimenting with new recipes. Its smooth taste works well in both simple and complex cocktails.
Don Julio 1942 is a premium tequila that stands out in the world of upscale drinks. This añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of two and a half years, giving it a smooth and rich flavor profile.
When you sip Don Julio 1942, you’ll notice hints of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It’s best enjoyed neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its complex taste.
If you prefer cocktails, try the 1942 Encore. Mix Don Julio 1942 with agave nectar and fresh lime juice for a simple yet elegant drink. You can also use it in classic tequila cocktails for a luxurious twist.
Don Julio 1942 is often served in exclusive bars and nightclubs. Its sleek bottle design makes it a statement piece for any home bar collection.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a luxurious Scotch whisky blend. It’s known for its smooth taste and complex flavors. You can enjoy it straight to fully appreciate its richness.
Adding a small amount of water can bring out more aromas and tastes. Be careful not to add too much, as it may weaken the whisky’s unique qualities.
You can also use Blue Label in cocktails for special occasions. Try mixing it with cranberry juice and lime for a fruity twist. Or combine it with orange juice for a sweet and citrusy drink.
Blue Label is pricey, often costing over $200 per bottle. It’s best saved for celebrating important moments or impressing guests.
Krug Grande Cuvée is a luxurious champagne that stands out among upscale drinks. It’s made by blending over 120 different wines from more than 10 different years.
This unique process creates a champagne with complex flavors and aromas. You’ll notice hints of citrus, toast, and dried fruit when you sip it.
Each bottle of Krug Grande Cuvée is aged for at least six years. This long aging process gives the champagne its signature richness and depth.
The champagne is a mix of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. This blend creates a balanced and full-bodied taste that wine lovers appreciate.
When you drink Krug Grande Cuvée, you’re enjoying a champagne that’s carefully crafted to be consistently excellent year after year.
Patrón Extra Añejo is a premium tequila aged for at least three years in oak barrels. This aging process gives it a rich, complex flavor profile.
You can enjoy this luxurious spirit neat to fully appreciate its smooth taste and aroma. Sip it slowly to savor the notes of vanilla, citrus, and dry fruits.
For a twist on classic cocktails, try using Patrón Extra Añejo in place of whiskey. It works well in an Old Fashioned or other sophisticated drinks.
When serving, use a snifter or tulip glass to enhance the tequila’s aromas. Pair it with dark chocolate or aged cheese for a decadent experience.
Louis Roederer Cristal is a top-tier champagne known for its luxury and quality. Created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II, it remains a symbol of opulence.
This champagne comes from the prestigious Champagne region in France. It’s made with a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from the best vineyards.
Cristal is known for its fine bubbles and complex flavors. You might taste notes of citrus, white fruits, and light toastiness.
The 2016 vintage is set to hit stores soon. It’s expected to be a good year for Cristal, with balanced flavors and aging potential.
When you drink Cristal, you’re tasting history and craftsmanship in every sip. It’s a special treat for big celebrations or when you want to impress.
Château Margaux 2015 is a top-tier wine from Bordeaux, France. This vintage is highly regarded by critics and wine enthusiasts alike.
The 2015 release marks a special year for the estate, celebrating 200 years of its iconic buildings. It’s a memorable wine crafted by Paul Pontallier, who managed the château from 1990 to 2016.
You’ll find this red wine has earthy notes of leather and smoke. It’s made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, typical of the Médoc region.
Wine experts suggest waiting to drink this vintage. For the best experience, you should let it age until at least 2027.
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame is a top-tier champagne that pays tribute to Madame Clicquot. This luxurious bubbly is made mostly from Pinot Noir grapes, giving it depth and elegance.
The 2015 vintage offers a mix of power and finesse. You’ll notice complex flavors and a precise taste profile. It’s a champagne that can be enjoyed now or aged for later.
When you sip La Grande Dame, you’re tasting a piece of champagne history. It’s a great choice for special events or when you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Grey Goose VX is a unique spirit that blends vodka with Cognac. It contains 95% Grey Goose vodka and 5% Cognac, creating an interesting flavor profile.
When you smell Grey Goose VX, you’ll notice hints of honey, raisin, and chocolate. The taste combines the smoothness of vodka with subtle Cognac notes.
This drink works well on its own or in cocktails. You can sip it neat to appreciate the nuanced flavors. Or try it in a classic vodka cocktail for an elevated twist.
Grey Goose VX comes at a premium price point. You’re paying for the blend of high-quality vodka and Cognac in one bottle.
Clase Azul Reposado is a premium tequila that stands out for its taste and presentation. You’ll find it in a beautiful hand-painted blue and white ceramic bottle.
This tequila is aged for 8 months in oak barrels. It has a smooth taste with hints of caramel, vanilla, and spice.
To enjoy Clase Azul Reposado, serve it at room temperature. This lets you fully experience its flavors and aromas. You can sip it neat or pair it with sweet foods like peach cobbler or lemon tart.
While it’s not the cheapest option, many tequila fans think it’s worth the price. You can expect to pay around $160 for a bottle.
Dom Pérignon is one of the most prestigious champagne brands in the world. It’s made by Moët & Chandon and named after a Benedictine monk.
This luxury champagne is only produced in the best vintage years. The grapes come from top vineyards in the Champagne region of France.
Dom Pérignon is known for its complex flavors and fine bubbles. You’ll often taste hints of almond, citrus, and white flowers.
Some of the best vintages include 1996, 2002, and 2008. These can age for decades and improve over time.
When you open a bottle of Dom Pérignon, you’re tasting a piece of champagne history. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a gift for wine lovers.
Historical Background
Upscale drinks have a rich history spanning centuries. Their evolution reflects changing tastes and cultural shifts, shaped by innovative mixologists and bartenders.
Evolution of Upscale Drinks
Cocktails emerged in the early 19th century as a way to mask the harsh taste of spirits. The Sazerac, born in New Orleans in the mid-1800s, was one of America’s first upscale drinks. It combined rye whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
By the late 1800s, cocktails gained popularity among the upper class. Bars in luxury hotels became hubs for creative mixology. The Martini and Manhattan, still popular today, originated during this time.
Prohibition in the 1920s forced cocktail culture underground. Speakeasies became hotspots for innovative drinks using homemade liquors and creative mixers.
Influential Mixologists
Jerry Thomas, known as the “father of American mixology,” published the first cocktail recipe book in 1862. His work laid the foundation for modern bartending.
Ada Coleman, head bartender at the Savoy Hotel in London, created the Hanky Panky cocktail in the early 1900s. She paved the way for women in the industry.
In the 1980s, Dale DeGroff revived classic cocktails at New York’s Rainbow Room. He emphasized fresh ingredients and precise techniques, elevating the craft of mixology.
Today, mixologists like Audrey Saunders and Tony Conigliaro continue to push boundaries. They blend science, art, and history to create unique upscale drinks.
Ingredients and Flavor Profiles
Upscale drinks rely on premium ingredients and unique flavor combinations to create memorable experiences. These cocktails blend top-shelf spirits with carefully chosen fruits, herbs, and other elements.
Premium Spirits
High-end cocktails start with quality base spirits. You’ll find top-shelf vodkas, gins, whiskeys, and rums as the foundation for many upscale drinks.
Aged spirits like cognac, scotch, and bourbon add depth and complexity. Small-batch or artisanal spirits are prized for their unique flavors.
Some recipes call for rare or limited-edition liquors to create truly special concoctions. Premium spirits elevate the taste and perceived value of a cocktail.
Exotic Fruits and Herbs
Upscale drinks often incorporate exotic fruits and fresh herbs to create intriguing flavor profiles. You might encounter tropical fruits like passion fruit, dragonfruit, or lychee.
Herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme add aromatic notes. Edible flowers like lavender or hibiscus bring visual appeal and subtle flavors.
Many high-end bars now focus on sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients. You’ll see seasonal fruits and herbs featured in rotating cocktail menus.
House-made syrups, bitters, and infusions allow for unique flavor customization. Some bars grow their own herbs or partner with local farms for fresh produce.
Eco-friendly practices extend to garnishes and straws. Edible garnishes reduce waste. Reusable metal or glass straws replace single-use plastic ones.
These sustainable choices add value for environmentally-conscious customers while maintaining the quality expected in upscale drinks.
Techniques in Upscale Mixology
Upscale mixology uses special methods to create unique, high-end drinks. These techniques take cocktails to the next level through careful infusion, artistic garnishing, and professional equipment.
Infusion Methods
You can infuse spirits with flavors to make custom cocktail ingredients. Try adding herbs, fruits, or spices to liquor and letting it sit for a few days. For faster infusion, use a whipping siphon. It forces the flavors into the alcohol in just minutes.
Another method is fat-washing. Mix a spirit with a flavorful fat like bacon grease or coconut oil. Chill it so the fat solidifies, then strain it out. This leaves behind subtle flavors and a silky texture.
Tea-infused spirits are popular too. Steep tea in room temperature liquor for a few hours. The result adds depth to many cocktails.
Garnishing Techniques
Garnishes do more than look pretty – they add aroma and flavor. Try expressing citrus oils over a drink by twisting the peel. This releases fragrant oils onto the surface.
Flamed garnishes create a toasty scent. Hold a citrus peel near a flame and squeeze it over the drink. The oils ignite briefly, adding a smoky note.
Edible flowers make elegant garnishes. Use pansies, violets, or nasturtiums to add color and subtle flavors. Always make sure flowers are food-safe before using them.
Advanced Mixing Equipment
Pro bartenders use special tools for precise mixing. A centrifuge separates liquids by density, creating clear juices and flavored oils. This makes drinks with bold flavors but a clean look.
Sous vide machines heat ingredients in sealed bags. This method infuses flavors quickly and consistently. It’s great for making syrups and bitters.
Liquid nitrogen creates instant ice cream or sorbets for cocktails. It also chills glasses in seconds. Be careful though – it’s dangerously cold and needs proper safety gear.
Rotovaps distill liquids at low temperatures. This preserves delicate flavors that would be lost with regular distilling. You can make flavor extracts or remove alcohol from drinks.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
