This is a single-serve cocktail, not a weeknight dinner, and the five-minute time omits the serious prep cost of making xanthan simple syrup from scratch. Cognac and demerara rum are available at any Walmart or Food Lion liquor section, but xanthan gum itself requires a trip to Harris Teeter's specialty baking aisle or ordering online—a real friction point for a casual drink. The per-drink cost runs $8–12 in spirits alone before you factor in the xanthan gum, bitters, and orange, so this lands as an occasional indulgence rather than a budget option. It's a clean, one-glass format with no leftovers to manage, and the technique is straightforward once you have the xanthan syrup ready, making it solid for a special evening rather than a quick weeknight pour.