What Is a Rich Girl Drink? Luxe Cocktails, Iconic Sips & Elegant Favorites

Picture this: you’re at a rooftop bar where the menu reads like a Paris fashion catalog. Ice cubes clink in crystal glassware, gold flakes swirl in champagne coupes, and there isn’t a plastic straw in sight. The “rich girl drink” isn’t just about the booze—it’s about the whole vibe. But what exactly counts as a rich girl drink? Is it just the price tag, or is there a deeper, maybe even cheekier, meaning behind these lavish libations?

It’s not always what you think. Sure, there’s the signature flute of Dom Pérignon, but it goes beyond that. Sometimes it’s a playful pink cocktail—think Cosmopolitans sliding across white marble—or a crystal-cut tumbler packed with artisanal ice, rare gin, and hand-clipped herbs. The thing all these drinks have in common? A sense of self-confidence and a drop of fun. The world watches what “rich girls” order, from the classic Hollywood era (Audrey Hepburn, anyone?) to today’s A-listers posting poolside spritzes on Instagram. Let’s be honest: they’re setting the trends, whether that’s Saint-Tropez aperitifs or LA’s organic watermelon martinis. Drinks matter as much as the dress, and picking the right one can say something.

But let’s break that down, too. Are we talking strictly about the most expensive things on the menu—those Louise XIII Cognac pours, for example, where each sip practically costs as much as your car payment? Or is it about drinks that just look and feel expensive? Those instagrammable Godiva chocolate martinis, or a “Glitter Bomb” that lights up the club? Maybe it’s about owning your order without apology, even if it’s simply a glass of Whispering Angel rosé—no caviar necessary. Come on, at heart, a rich girl drink is about making the ordinary feel extraordinary, with a tongue-in-cheek wink to extravagance.

The Essence of a Rich Girl Drink

You can’t pin it to just one cocktail, because “rich girl drink” isn’t a strict recipe. It’s a moving target—almost a personality in a glass. But if you really want to trace the roots, it often starts with what looks elegant, tastes refined, and gets people talking. Blame the pop culture powerhouse: think of every Carrie Bradshaw Cosmo, every glass of Moët splashed at a yacht party, or those endless hashtagged “rosé all day” photos. These drinks aren’t just sipped; they’re broadcasted.

What really separates these drinks is that sense of occasion and drama. It’s never the plastic pitcher of sangria or the cheap vodka soda on tap. Instead, it might be a diamond-clear vodka martini with blue cheese-stuffed olives (yes, those exist), or something customized—bartenders now invent “off-menu” secret spritzes for VIPs. People will fly bottles of 50-year-old Scotch across oceans, just for a birthday toast. Chateau Lafite Rothschild? Check. A margarita with Don Julio 1942, topped with gold salt? That’ll work.

But the ingredients themselves tell part of the story. Quality spirits, small-batch liqueurs, and rare mixers show up everywhere. Ever seen someone order a Negroni Sbagliato “with prosecco, darling”? That catchphrase went viral after a single interview clip, sending bars scrambling to keep up. Customization is key—whether it’s an addition of a fresh flower, an edible gold rim, or sparkling water sourced from the Swiss Alps. The point isn’t snobbery; it’s intention. A rich girl drink is curated, mostly for pleasure, sometimes for performance.

Let’s not pretend it’s all high-dollar though. Sometimes, rich girl drinks can be aspirational. That iconic Aperol spritz, for example, pops up everywhere from Milan to Miami, mixing $20 prosecco with the $25 view. The real signature is that sense of ease—with every color, garnish, or coupe, it’s about making something enviable seem just within reach. Even Starbucks jumped on the trend, selling the “pink drinks” that got famous on TikTok—proof that you don’t need an Amex Black Card to channel that energy.

Drinks That Defined the Luxe Life

The Cosmopolitan is a forever favorite, thanks in part to the cultural blast of Sex and the City. Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime—served in a martini glass—became the drink for anyone channeling their inner city glam. Even today, order one in Manhattan and bartenders won’t blink: it’s a drink that still signals you know what you want, even if it leans a bit retro-chic. Carrie Bradshaw may have done more for cranberry sales than Ocean Spray’s entire marketing department.

Champagne, naturally, is the OG rich girl drink. Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon—the names alone have party guests checking the bottle for labels. But the bubbles have gone further, adding twists like Chambord (for a Kir Royale) or floating gold leaf in each glass. That party scene with Jay Gatsby? The champagne tower wasn’t just set dressing—it was a cultural marker of excess and glamour. On modern menus, you might see high-end grower Champagnes or bottles labeled “Brut Nature”—meaning no added sugar, just pure, steely finesse.

Rosé has had its pink moment too. Whispering Angel practically owns every patio on the French Riviera, and Hamptonites guzzle cases every Fourth of July. Behind the light color and pretty bottle, though, you’ll usually find serious winemaking: Provence’s pale, dry, refreshing rosés can run $30 a bottle or up to $100 for a magnum at beach clubs.

Margaritas have also had a glow up. No longer just tequila and mix, a “rich girl” Marg is built on top-shelf tequila (Don Julio 1942 is a status symbol on its own), Grand Marnier, and agave nectar—with sea salt or Tajin rimming the glass. Some bars layer in muddled fresh fruits, making them look as good as they taste. Expect jewel-like garnishes, frosty glassware, and photos snapped before the first sip.

Fancy vodka sodas and spritzes have edged into the luxe scene too. Think Belvedere or Grey Goose with artisanal tonic, a twist of Meyer lemon, or even lavender syrup. The “Glitter Bomb”—yes, it’s real—is made from edible shimmer dust for extra sparkle. People order these not just for the taste, but for the way they stand out in a crowd. Bartenders sometimes drip rare liqueurs like St-Germain (elderflower) or Italicus (bergamot) into the mix for extra, selfie-ready color and aroma.

If you want to go all the way, there’s always the outlandish: cocktails spritzed with atomized fragrances, ice cubes frozen with rose petals, or a $1,500 “Diamond Is Forever” martini (served with a real diamond at Tokyo’s Ritz-Carlton). Hollywood’s film premieres and elite New York penthouses love to show off these OTT drinks—the more dramatic, the better.

Espresso martinis deserve their place, too. They’ve exploded in popularity in LA and London—Belvedere, crème de cacao, cold brew, even topped with gold foam or caramel art. They announce you’re there to party, and you’ll be doing it all night.

Tasting Rich: Tips and Tricks for Luxe Drinks at Home

You don’t need a yacht—or a credit card limit most can only dream about—to build your own version of a rich girl drink. Sometimes it’s more about the ritual and the presentation. Start with glassware: swap your regular glass for something hefty, even vintage. Look for coupe glasses, gold-rimmed martini glasses, or those hefty crystal old-fashioneds. You’ll be amazed at how much just the right glass can dress up a simple gin and tonic.

Consider your ice. Giant, crystal-clear cubes melt slower and look luxurious—drop one in your cocktail and it’ll feel straight out of a rooftop bar. Molds for large square or round ice cubes are cheap and easy to find online.

Now, think about your mixer upgrades. Swap regular club soda for a craft tonic, like Fever-Tree or Q Mixers; they’re lightly flavored and made for mixing with high-end spirits. Squeeze fresh citrus—lemons, limes, or even blood oranges—rather than pre-bottled stuff. Add a sprig of fresh herbs (think mint, rosemary, or basil) or a handful of berries as garnish. Sliced cucumber adds instant spa vibes to gin or vodka.

If you want some color and drama, try edible flowers (available at many grocery stores or farmer’s markets), a twist of grapefruit peel, or even a tiny drop of edible glitter. Serve your cocktails with a story—“This is my Amalfi Spritz, inspired by my fantasy of sipping in Positano”—and people will be charmed.

When it comes to spirits, you don’t need to splurge on the highest shelf every time. There are tons of “hidden gems”—brands that look beautiful and taste great without breaking the bank. A well-chosen bottle of rosé, a decent craft vodka, or a boutique gin can amp up the luxury feel. Many rising spirit brands make limited edition bottles—look for collabs with artists or fashion houses for that collector’s aura.

Don’t forget, mocktails can have just as much style. Cucumber and mint lemonade, elderflower spritzes, or a dragon fruit punch look gorgeous when topped with bubbles and a clever garnish. Pick a catchy (maybe slightly cheeky) name for your creation and feel instantly on-trend—no alcohol necessary.

Finally, play the soundtrack: luxury is about engaging all the senses. A playlist of modern jazz, vintage pop, or Euro beach club tunes goes a long way. You’re not just drinking at home—you’re staging an experience. The right drink isn’t just about what’s in the glass; it’s who you are that night. So whether you’re sipping Dom or mixing up a sparkling strawberry soda in your kitchen, you’re part of the “rich girl drink” club. Attitude and ambiance are what really set these drinks apart. Raise your glass, snap a photo, and enjoy.