A martini typically comes with an olive. But what about a smoked tomato -- or a diamond necklace?
That's what you'll find on the menu at a popular Chicago restaurant, and it comes with a hefty price tag.
With a price tag of $13,000, it's the "most expensive martini in the U.S.," the release said.
The diamond-studded cocktail is part of a collaboration between the restaurant and Marrow Fine, the jewelry shop located just beneath it, the release said.
The pairing features a martini and a piece of jewelry -- a 9.00ctw diamond tennis necklace, with 150 diamonds in 14k gold, paired with a "smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini" created by Adalina's Colin Hofer, who in 2022 was named "Sommelier of the Year" by the Michelin Guide, the release said.
Marrow Fine's founder Jillian Sassone in the release said she suspects the pairing will "make for a few very memorable evenings."
Photos of the cocktail show a glittering, golden martini, with a red tomato and diamond necklace inside and a smoking cloche above.
The martini is made with clarified tomato water, Ancho Reyes Chili Liquor and Mezcal, and is garnished with a cherry tomato, a spokesperson said. The Marrow Martini is similar in some ways to the Mezcaltini, a $150 drink currently on the cocktail menu at Adalina, but is a different build and incorporates more luxury ingredients.
As of Sept. 9, the drink was on Adalina's menu, a spokesperson said. It's expected to remain on Adalina's menu "indefinitely," a spokesperson added.
Why a $13,000 Martini?
You might be wondering, why is this martini so expensive? It's not just the ingredients. It's also the experience.
The restaurant, Adalina, is known for its high-end Italian cuisine. The restaurant was created by Top Chef alum Soo Ahn, and has been a hot spot in Chicago since it opened in 2023. The restaurant is located in a trendy area of Chicago, and the atmosphere is sophisticated and stylish. The restaurant has a Michelin-starred chef, and the food is praised for its innovative and delicious flavors.
The Marrow Fine jewelry brand is also known for its luxury and high-quality products. The jewelry is made with ethically sourced materials, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. The jewelry is designed to be timeless and elegant, and it's no surprise that the brand has a loyal following. The jewelry brand's location below Adalina makes the pairing feel perfectly aligned.
The combination of these two luxury brands creates a unique and unforgettable experience for customers. The "Marrow Martini" is more than just a drink; it's a statement about luxury, exclusivity, and the desire for something truly special. It's an experience that is designed to appeal to a select group of customers who are willing to pay a premium for a one-of-a-kind experience.
More Than Just a Drink
The "Marrow Martini" is not just a drink; it's an experience that combines luxury, exclusivity, and a touch of theatricality. The smoked heirloom tomato mezcal martini is already a complex and flavorful cocktail, but the addition of a diamond tennis necklace elevates the drink to a whole new level. It's an experience that is designed to appeal to a select group of customers who are willing to pay a premium for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The drink is served in a glass cloche that is filled with smoke, adding a dramatic element to the presentation. The drink is then presented to the customer alongside the necklace. The combination of these elements creates a truly unforgettable experience.
While the "Marrow Martini" is certainly not for everyone, it's a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of the cocktail scene in Chicago. The drink is a reminder that cocktails can be more than just a drink; they can be a work of art, an experience, and a symbol of luxury.
What's Next for the Martini?
The "Marrow Martini" is a sign of the times. The cocktail scene is becoming increasingly sophisticated and creative. Bars and restaurants are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with cocktails, and they're willing to experiment with new ingredients and techniques. The "Marrow Martini" is a prime example of this trend.
It's likely that we'll see more innovative and creative cocktails emerge in the coming years. We might even see more cocktails that are paired with luxury items. Who knows what the future holds for the world of cocktails? Only time will tell.
But one thing is certain: the cocktail scene is constantly evolving, and it's exciting to see what's next.
