Chances are that, if you've ever enjoyed an evening out at a fancy then you'll have at some point guarded your beverage fiercely against the threat of jostling elbows to avoid a single drop being spilt.

Imagine then the experience of being seated at Tokyo's Ritz-Carlton, enjoying a glass of the luxury establishment's Diamonds Are Forever Martini—aka the most expensive cocktail in the . At £18,000, a single sip of this tipple would cost the majority of Brits a month's wages—a very strange aftertaste indeed.

While many of us are partial to a weekend treat the enormity of this price tag - the equivalent of a house deposit in many parts of the country - is difficult to fathom. After all, how extraordinarily delicious could it possibly be?

With this in mind, the spoke with a professional mixologist about why the famous Diamonds Are Forever cocktail is so very expensive and whether those on a budget would shake up a dupe version for a fraction of the price.

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The decadent drink takes its name from the classic 1971 James Bond movie of the same name; this smooth-as-can-be martini is mixed with chilled Absolut Elyx vodka and a splash of fresh lime juice - so far, so ordinary. The third glittering ingredient - a one-carat diamond nestled at the bottom of the martini glass - is the main reason why you'll likely have to be a Bond villain with your own private island to afford it.

Aoife Taylor, Head Mixologist and of Bars at Rockwater, Hove and Branksome, told the Mirror: "This one-carat diamond that comes with the cocktail makes an expensive garnish! As well as the show of it all, old school glamour!"

Of course, this beverage is most definitely all about the experience, which the 5-star Ritz Carlton offers and then some. Located on the 45th floor of the hotel, the bar's floor-to-ceiling windows allow for breathtaking views of Tokyo's iconic skyline. Those who order the bar's opulent martini will also be serenaded by a rendition of Shirley Bassey's Diamonds Are Forever.

According to the website, which features the Diamonds Are Forever Martini in the 'most indulgent cocktails' section: 'Whether shaken or stirred, it always sparkles. Treat your special loved one to a refined yet extravagant Martini. Prepared tableside along with the perfect song, Diamonds Are Forever. Absolute Elyx Vodka, Lime Juice, One Carat Diamond.'

Aoife remarked: "People love theatre; the cocktail comes to you whilst a band plays Diamonds are forever; talk about glamour! Data is showing us that people are being selective with what they would like to spend their money on, and dining out is becoming more of an occasion; guests are spending more on fewer purchases of premium products, opting for a glass a top-end wine versus ordering two of a different, or upgrading their spirits to something they know they’ll love.

"Whilst the cocktail comes in grandeur and show; a live band and a one-carat diamond as an extravagant garnish, the cocktail remains close to a classic. You aren’t going to mess with a classic, cocktail or diamond."

The Mirror also spoke with Adrian Gonzalez Parrondo from the K Bar at the Kensington hotel, who delved a little into the history of theatrical cocktail experiences - which date back to the era of the Speakeasy. Adrian, who is set to introduce a gemstone-inspired cocktail menu at the K Bar, told the Mirror: "Bars are constantly trying to capture the attention of their guests on different levels. From the early days of cocktail bars—where pharmacies mixed bitters and tonics as medicinal cures—to the speakeasy era, where jazz and martinis were served behind secret doors, to the molecular mixology movement we experience today.

"Some bars take a different approach, striving to stand out by creating cocktails with rare or discontinued spirits, such as "Sazerac de Forge et Fils Cognac". This particular cognac inspired the classic Sazerac cocktail in New Orleans but ceased production after phylloxera devastated nearly all the vines in Cognac.

Is having a Sazerac made with original "Sazerac de Forge et Fils Cognac" better than one made with a premium cognac available today? Probably not, but the appeal of being able to say you’ve had one is a story in itself. It makes people feel special or seen—similar to ordering a Matusalem bottle of Armand de Brignac with sparklers in a nightclub."

He continued: "But is a cocktail made with Absolut Elyx, lime juice, and a one-carat diamond worth it? What if a band plays Diamonds Are Forever from the James Bond soundtrack while you sip? Still no? What if it costs £18,000? Be careful—the diamond is placed at the bottom of the glass, and you might accidentally swallow it. Absolut Elyx is a premium vodka from Sweden, retailing for around £50, and a double shot in a five-star hotel rarely exceeds £20. It’s safe to assume that the bulk of the price tag comes from the diamond itself.

"Ultimately, guest satisfaction is every bar’s priority. If guests are happy, then expectations are met. If they’re willing to pay and leave with a smile—whether with a diamond in their pocket or in their belly—why not offer such a unique experience on the menu?"

Although you may not be able to dig out a diamond or live band from your kitchen cupboard, you may be able to whip up a homemade batch of Diamonds Are Forever, if you feel like adding a touch of sparkle to your Saturday night. Aoife advised: "You can easily make one of these for yourself at home, rather than using Absolut Elyx, you can use Absolut, a splash of fresh lime juice, I would say 10ml, shake over ice, fine strain into a martini glass. Diamond is optional!"

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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