Sipping the Riviera: Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez’s Mai Tai is Summer in a Glass

Photo Credit: Nikki Beach Hospitality Group

Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez turned the page last season with a head-to-toe transformation, redefining its spot on the legendary sands of Pampelonne. After an award-winning renovation, the iconic beach club is back for another unforgettable summer — where barefoot luxury meets world-class entertainment in the heart of the French Riviera.

This year brings an extra dash of culinary excitement with Chef Vincent Broggi — 2023 French Sushi Champion and 2024 World Sushi Champion — who has created an exclusive sushi menu just for Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez. Available all season long, it’s the ultimate upgrade to seaside dining.

Photo Credit: Nikki Beach Hospitality Group

What began as a private home and then a small local restaurant with no beach became, in 2002, the glamorous European flagship of the Nikki Beach empire. Founder Jack Penrod discovered the location after countless Miami Beach regulars begged for a Saint-Tropez outpost — and he delivered with one of the most talked-about opening parties the Riviera has ever seen.

For over two decades, Nikki Beach Saint-Tropez has been the crown jewel of the brand’s global expansion. Sun-seekers from around the world — along with Riviera locals — return summer after summer for its signature all-white décor, shimmering pool, inventive cocktails, elevated dining, top-tier DJs, and that indefinable “place to see and be seen” energy that could only happen here.

Which is why our cocktail of the week selection didn’t need to be splashy — Nikki Beach is already a scene. So we’ve gone on their take on a classic.

Photo Credit: Nikki Beach Hospitality Group

Says head mixologist Charles Livaldi of the drink, “Our Mai Tai is pure sunshine in a glass. We start with Eminente’s 7-year-old dark rum for depth and their 3-year-old amber rum for a lighter, brighter kick. Then we add pineapple and orange juice for that fresh, tropical vibe that instantly makes you feel like you are on holiday. Velvet Falernum adds a warm spice from ginger, lime, almond, and cloves, and the grenadine and orgeat add just the right touch of sweetness to balance it out.” 

He adds, “A Mai Tai doesn’t solve everything, but it is a great start. For me, it’s the kind of cocktail that makes people slow down, smile, and feel like they’re exactly where they’re meant to be. Whether you are sitting at the bar, lounging by the pool, or sinking your feet into the sand, it’s that moment when the sun hits just right and you realize you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

 How to Make the Nikki Beach Saint Tropez Mai Tai

Photo Credit: Nikki Beach Hospitality Group

Eminente 7-year-old dark rum
Eminente 3-year-old amber rum
Pineapple juice
Orange juice
Velvet Falernum (tropical spiced liqueur with ginger, lime, almond, and cloves)
Grenadine syrup
Orgeat syrup

Photo Credit: Nikki Beach Hospitality Group

Photo Credit: Nikki Beach Hospitality Group

Nikki Beach St. Tropez is located at 1093 Chem. de l’EPI, 83350 Ramatuelle, France