This $800 Cocktail is Aspen’s Most Outrageously Priced Drink

Would you ever spend this much on a drink?

Nello Balan, the publicity-loving NYC restaurateur whose cuisine was once described by the New York Times as “diner food at champagne prices,” has just unveiled one of America’s priciest cocktails at his Aspen outpost Nello Alpine, which opened in December.

Like the $1,200 margarita we told you about recently and the $450 High Roller at Roberto Cavalli’s Miami eatery, this latest stunty libation is made with Rémy Martin’s super exclusive Louis XIII Cognac, and was created by the restaurant’s bar director Costin Tarsoaga. He tells Vanity Fair that “this cocktail is a tribute to kings. It is smooth and refreshing, just what a king would drink.” 

According to a rep for the restaurant, no one has bought a “Nelly Royal” yet, but Aspen being Aspen we’re sure it’s only a matter of time. 

In case you want to try whipping one up yourself, here’s the recipe:

Nello Royal
1.5 oz. Louis XIII Cognac
.5 oz. Grand Marnier Cent Cinquantenaire
.5 oz. demerara sugar
.5 oz. lemon juice (Madagascar lemons, if possible)
Orange peel

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker over ice. Stir (do not shake) and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.