Whales Enjoy $125 Cocktails at Private Social

From Eater Bartender of the Year Rocco Milano of Private Social, a whale of a tale about a high-roller who created his very own special cocktail:

While at Private Social I was explaining to a guest details about an amazing rum called Black Tot... how it's a blend of three different styles of rum and dates back to Black Tot Day, July 31, 1970 when the British navy issued its last ration of rum. It's been stored in demi-johns [large glass bottles traditionally used to age wine] for 40 years. Less than 1,000 bottles exist. He said he would take it and I poured some in a snifter for him to swirl and sip and enjoy. He took a sip and said how nice it was and how complex.

I went into the back to start my evening paper work when one of my bartenders came to me and said, "Wow... after sipping that $125 a glass rum, he asked us to take it and make a White Russian with it." There are a number of problems with that statement to start with but of all things to add half and half and Kahlua to, that is by far the craziest request. At the end of the day though, if a guest wants a $125 "White Russian" then a $125 "White Russian" the guest shall have!

Barman Rocco Milano shakes up drinks for the city's high-rollers. [Photo credit: Private Social/Facebook]