By Olivia Cuccaro
Cinque Stelle at Montage Laguna Beach
- 1.5 oz The Balvenie 40
- 1 oz Disaronno Riserva Amaretto
To create this cocktail of the week, place a hand-chipped large cube of ice in a cut crystal double rocks glass. Add measured liquors and stir gently.
For a taste of Laguna Beach luxury this weekend, look no further than the Lobby Lounge at Montage. Its latest upscale cocktail, featuring The Balvenie 40 single malt Scotch whisky and Disaronno Reserve Amaretto, uniquely fuses two high-end spirits in a rocks glass — at a cool $1,000.
“The key to a luxury cocktail like this is to select the best quality ingredients and present them as simply as possible to allow them to shine,” said Troy Smith, Montage Laguna Beach Beverage Manager, in speaking to Elite Traveler. “In this case we’ve taken a relatively obscure classic cocktail, the Godfather, and simply sourced the best quality base ingredients. We’ve substituted the drink’s usual blended Scotch with Balvenie 40-year-old single malt and Disaronno Riserva Amaretto.”
The Cinque Stelle’s $1,000 price certainly makes it the most extravagant beverage on the menu, but those who order it will be cocktailing for a cause. The Montage Laguna Beach will donate $500 of the proceeds to a local charity of guests’ choice.
“We decided to tie in philanthropy to our cocktail program because supporting our local community through various charities is a core value at Montage and tying in philanthropy directly into the menu is a great way to highlight that,” added Smith.
After sipping the expensive cocktail, it’s only fitting that you should return to a suite that’s just as opulent. A true California beach retreat, the 2,800 sq ft Catalina Suite overlooks the ocean and nearby Catalina Island from floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a 700 sq ft balcony. The suite comprises a Craftsman-style two-sided fireplace, dining table for eight, kitchen, dressing area with dry vanity, his and hers marble bathrooms with intricate marble flooring, a deep soaking tub and separate showers.
Montage Laguna Beach is located at 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 9265. For more information, please visit montagehotels.com. Click to see more Elite Traveler picks of whisky cocktails.
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