Guinness World Records has announced that a drink sold at the Ritz hotel in Paris, France has been recognised as the most expensive commercially available cocktail in the world.

Called The Sidecar and costing EUR400 or £277.25 a glass, the drink is served on the menu at Bar Hemmingway within the Hotel Ritz.

It contains guaranteed Ritz Fine Champagne 1865 Cognac that has been inside the Ritz for over 100 years and managed to survive the 1870 Paris siege plus two world wars.

It is understood that The Sidecar was invented by the Paris Ritz’s head barman, Frank Meier, in 1923, when it was sold for the equivalent of £1.09. It also contains Cointreau and lemon juice.

A bottle of vintage1830 Ritz Paris aged and guaranteed Champagne Cognac can also be bought at the Hemmingway bar, for EUR14,815, which is around £10,268.70. Details: www.guinnessworldrecords.com