4 Most Expensive Cocktails in the World

Consuming cocktails is a daily part of nearly every person's life who is over the age of 21. Traditionally, cocktails can be purchased for anywhere from $5 to $15 depending on where the person is and what type of alcohol is in the drink. Just because this is the typical range for a drink does not mean that every cocktail is priced the same. If enjoying expensive liquor at a happy hour San Diego is a priority and one has the cash to burn, then trying one of these exorbitant concoctions should be on their bucket list.

Gigi's in London, England

Cross the pond for the opportunity to enjoy one of the world's most expensive drink at an estimated $14,000. Created to honor the actress and singer Grace Jones who once appeared in a James Bond Film, the drink uses 1990 Cristal and 1888 Samalens Vieille Relique Vintage Bas Armagnac brandy. The decadent cocktail is topped with golf leaf, sugar and Angostura Bitters. Because the drink is so expensive, anyone wishing to order it will want to call at least three days in advance.

The Ritz-Carlton in Tokyo, Japan

Available for the paltry sum of only $18,200, this drink is the most expensive cocktail in the world. While the liquor in the drink is impressive - Grey Goose vodka - what makes this cocktail truly one of a kind is that it has a 1-carat diamond at the bottom of the glass. Available shaken or stirred, the drink contains vodka and just a smidgen of fresh lime juice.

Club 23 in Melbourne, Australia

Until 2013, Club 23 held the honor of having the world's most expensive drink at more than $12,000. Named after Winston Churchill, the "Winston" contains two shots of 1858 Croizet Cognac that are each valued at $6000. Still not enough? Garnish the drink with additional shots of Grand Marnier Quintessence or Chartreuse V.E.P.

Diamond is Forever Martini

Available at Uncorked in New York City, what better way to propose than with a diamond ring in the bottom of a martini glass.

Because the cocktail costs $10,000 anyone thinking of proposing in this manner will want to make sure the girl says yes - no refunds are given.

The Four Seperate Types of Tequila

Visitors to Southern California are often impressed as well as slightly mystified by the tequila choices they're given while enjoying happy hour San Diego. Proximity to Mexico means that restaurants and bars situated in Southern California cities often have dazzling arrays of the planet's best tequilas. Here are four of the distinct tequila types that the average visitor to Southern California can expect to find: 

 
Tequila Blanco

As its name suggests, tequila blanco is light, clear tequila. It's often prized for use in fruity cocktails because of its pure, clean bouquet, and it is also excellent when enjoyed straight from a shot glass. Unlike more complex tequilas, tequila blanco is only aged for about two months in oak barrels. 

 
Tequila Añejo

More complex than tequila blanco, tequila añejo is typically aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year. It's got layers of vanilla, almonds, and wood, and its bouquet even contains whispers of chocolate. Sweet and soft, it's excellent in coffee drinks or sipping straight by the fire.

Tequila añejo that has been aged for three or more years is exceptionally smooth, with well-blended layers of flavors and a dark, almost coffee-colored hue. This is probably the most expensive of the tequila types, but connoisseurs claim that it's worth every dime. 

 
Tequila Reposada

Spicy and fruity, medium-bodied tequila reposado is a perfect balance between tequila blanco and tequila añejo. It's typically aged less than one year but more than two months. As the most versatile tequila, it can be used in many ways, including in traditional margaritas and as straight shots with salt and lime, but it's got enough body to stand up well in coffee drinks.

Tequila Oro

One of the most popular and well-known tequila varieties, tequila oro is the gold tequila found in bars and restaurants all over the United States. Generally used in mixed drinks or straight with lime and salt, tequila oro is a young tequila that generally hasn't been aged over two months.

Tequila liqueurs and cremes have also become popular beverage choices, and tequila-flavored soft drinks exist for those who love the taste of tequila but don't care for the alcohol content. Although many of these products are authentic, consumers should always check the label to make certain that the products have been made with 100 percent agave tequila.

The Components of a Perfect Margarita

Many restaurants these days offer a happy hour specials, especially in the bustling city of San Diego. This indicates a specific hour (or, in some cases, several hours) out of the day where restaurants offer discounts--often on drinks and appetizers. One of the most popular happy hour beverages--especially at area Mexican restaurants--is the margarita. Below are a few secrets to making the perfect margarita at home; no need to wait until happy hour at a favorite restaurant.

Proportions Are Everything Anybody who's ever had a bad margarita knows just how "off" a margarita can taste if it's not made properly. Furthermore, it should be noted that the proper method for making a margarita can vary depending on the type of margarita. This article will explain the making of a perfect margarita on the rocks, which is a pretty standard choice. The proper proportion of ingredients is the most important factor when it comes to making an excellent margarita on the rocks. Too much or too little of one ingredient can throw off the taste of the entire beverage. Specifically, the three main ingredients of a great margarita include tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. For the best results, two-thirds of the margarita glass should be filled with 100% blue agave tequila (the best kind).

Of course, ice should be added first. Oh, and if salt is preferred on the rim (a preference among many margarita-lovers), this should be done before anything is added to the glass, as it requires that the glass be turned upside down. From there, the remaining 1/3 of the margarita glass should be a split between the Cointreau and the lime juice. When it comes to lime juice in a margarita, there's no other way to go than fresh-squeezed. Store-bought lime juice often gains more acidity in its packaging and can lead to an off taste. Always use fresh-squeezed limes whenever possible. From there, all that's left to do is mix up the drink and serve it. Adding a fresh-cut lime wedge on the edge of the glass is also a great way to make the presentation more appealing. For those who can't wait for happy hour san diego at their favorite restaurant to enjoy a margarita, using these tips to make one at home is always a great option. Just be sure to invest in some quality tequila and fresh limes.

Learning to Unwind

Learning to Unwind

It appears that in spite of -- or because of -- all the technology available to the world today, people are busier than ever. A moment sitting alone with ones thoughts can quickly be replaced with an urgent sense that something should be accomplished. There was a time when cell phones were a product of someone's imagination. When a person left home, they also left behind the ability to chat on the phone, and they certainly had no access to 24/7 Internet capabilities. Time spent in the car might have sometimes felt boring, but it was also quiet, and an opportunity to contemplate the day ahead.

Just a few short years ago it would have been unthinkable to sit at dinner with one person while carrying on a conversation with someone in another room. And yet, that is precisely what is happening as people choose to accept calls on their cells phones, check their email, listen to voicemail, and otherwise remove themselves from the real life that is going on around them. There are those who claim that the problem is generational and that the younger the individual, the less likely he is to be able to look someone in the eyes ad carry on a real life conversation. Whether or not that observation turns out to be accurate, there seems to be a longing from people of all ages to turn the clock back a bit, and to revisit a time when relaxing meant truly relaxing.

No one is suggesting that tech-lovers go cold turkey. Perhaps they can start small, like with a happy hour san diego. Everyone knows how great the cuisine is in this city located so near the Mexican border, and yet some people go through life without really experiencing it. It is not enough to drink and snack while sneaking a look at their smartphones. Anyone truly serious abut regaining the simple pleasures in life needs to practice turning that phone off and leaving it in the car if the need be.

They ought to order a cold drink, sit back, and people watch until they are met by a friend who is equally enthusiastic about re-learning the art of relaxation. One happy hour is not going to suddenly offer peace of mind or break anyone of the habit of logging in when they really should be logging out, but is a pretty good place to start.

San Diego's Vast Array of Happy Hours

With its tremendous variety of restaurants and bars, San Diego provides countless happy hours to choose from. They offer discounts on items ranging from well-known American beers to seaweed salad and fried zucchini. The city's proximity to Mexico influences many of its happy hour options.

Beverages

Beer, wine, sangria, cocktails and liquor are available at heavily discounted prices during happy hour. Many local eateries sell bottles and pints of beer for $1 to $2 less, according to the San Diego Reader. House wines frequently cost around $5 per glass, but some bars charge as little as $3.50 or $4 for this drink.

Numerous happy hour san diego feature discounts on martinis, margaritas and other mixed beverages. As of 2014, it's not uncommon to order these drinks at prices under $6. Low-priced mai tais and other cocktails remain somewhat harder to find. Two of the more exotic drink choices include sake and Greek beer.

Snacks

San Diego's happy hour appetizers are even more eclectic. Visitors can find low-cost sushi rolls, garlic toast and calamari at different establishments. One local bar even offers dates wrapped in bacon, according to the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Several restaurants charge 50% less or offer $2 discounts.

Foreign eateries in this part of southern California sell assorted Central American, Asian and European appetizers at reduced prices. They range from stuffed grape leaves to garlic edamame. Mexican restaurants tend to offer substantial discounts on nachos, flautas, tostadas or small tacos.

Meals

Fewer San Diego eateries provide special meal prices at happy hour. Nonetheless, there are a number of appealing items that cost under $10. They include various potpies, hamburgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and pizzas. People who desire healthier options can find discount salads at a few cafes and restaurants.

An alternate approach is to make a meal by putting together multiple appetizers. For example, one might combine drinks, a slider and fries or onion rings to create an adequate lunch. A problem is that some restaurants' happy hour snacks are smaller than the standard appetizers on their menus. Small-town residents may think of this hour as an event that only happens on Fridays or during the late afternoon. However, it's possible to find happy hour in San Diego at almost any time or date. It often occurs between two o'clock and midnight, but some bars start as early as 10 a.m.

Los Tres Amigos of Happy Hour

Happy hour is one of those phrases where the words come together to paint a picture all its own. Mention happy hour and everyone will have a vision of that flexible hour .....or two....... or three between late afternoon and dinnertime.

It's not necessarily an hour but, thanks to special drink prices and free snacks, partakers are happy. But where did the name come from?

Green Hour

Contrary to popular thought, the concept originated in France, not the U.S.A.., and it's not a new one. It crystallized in the 1700s when a Dr Pierre Ordinaire claimed that absinthe, a strong alcoholic mixture of fennel, wormwood, and green anise was guaranteed to cure whatever ailed you. Absinthe, because of its alcohol content ( two to three times as strong as brandy or whiskey) soon became the non-medicinal drink of choice. Due to its strength, drinking more than one was frowned upon and since it was also believed to stimulate the appetite, it became customary to have a pre-dinner aperitif between the hours of five and seven. The French so looked forward to their green cocktail that the pre-dinner period became known as l'heure verte or the green hour.

The American Version

Like absinthe, Happy Hour in America was not initially associated with drinking. It was a post-World War I naval term referring to a period of time set aside each day for sailors to let loose and partake in boxing, wrestling matches or other athletics that would boost their morale and break the monotony of life at sea. Meanwhile in civilian life, Prohibition ruled - or not. Those intent on drinking were not deterred. They resorted to gathering in speakeasies or homes for a pre-dinner cocktail and Happy Hour became the code word.

The term went unused for a few decades before being revived by the bar industry in the 1970's to signify its present incarnation - drink specials, often 2-for-1 deals and free finger food. While happy hour san diego to the Jersey Shore and many places in between, it's not allowed everywhere. Twenty-three states have laws in place against offering fixed price drinks during a specified period of time. But this has not taken away from the ubiquity of the word. Perhaps encouraged by Jimmy Buffet and his lost days in margaritaville,a popular t-shirt worn by true believers proclaims "It's Always Happy Hour Somewhere".