Dubai is no stranger to over-the-top luxury. From seven-star hotels to indoor ski slopes and gold vending machines, the city practically defines opulence. This week, it added a new record to its glittering resume: the world’s most expensive cocktail. Served at NAHATÉ, one of Dubai’s buzziest culinary hotspots, the drink sold at auction for an astonishing $41,160 — and it came with a piece of crystal history.
On April 7, 2025, a private crowd gathered at NAHATÉ in the upscale DIFC district for an event that felt part royal gala, part modern spectacle. By night’s end, a new global record had been set, thanks to a collaboration between a high-end nightlife venue, a historic French crystal house, and one of the world’s most iconic tequila brands.
Inside the $41,160 cocktail that made history
This wasn’t just a drink topped with gold leaf. The record-breaking cocktail earned its value by combining ultra-rare ingredients with an equally rare glass. At its core was a custom-blended PATRÓN Tequila, created exclusively for the event by Master Distiller David Rodriguez. The blend drew from three of PATRÓN’s most exceptional aged tequilas; each matured in different types of barrels to coax out notes of rich caramel, vanilla, butter, and stone fruit. Deep, silky, and complex, it was a pour typically reserved for private collectors, not cocktail shakers.
Adding even more rarity to the mix was a Kina Lillet from 1950. This nearly extinct French apéritif (a fortified wine infused with quinine) has fewer than four small known bottles worldwide. The original formula became famous after it appeared in James Bond’s iconic Vesper martini in Casino Royale in 1953. However, Kina Lillet was reformulated in 1986 into the sweeter Lillet Blanc, no longer carrying the intense bitterness that defined its earlier version. The cocktail’s final flourish came from a bottle of Angostura bitters dating back to the 1930s.
Salvatore Calabrese, better known as “The Maestro,” personally mixed the record-breaking drink. A legendary figure in the cocktail world, Calabrese previously held the title for crafting the world’s most expensive cocktail at The Playboy Club in London.
As for the glass, the tequila was served in a 1937 Baccarat crystal goblet, one of only two in existence. Designed by Georges Chevalier, the “Verre à eau service Leczinska” was initially crafted for the International Exhibition of Arts and Techniques in Paris. One remains in the Petit Palais museum; the other just helped make history in Dubai.
An auction that electrified the room
The atmosphere inside NAHATÉ was electric. Dubai radio personality Kris Fade, best known globally for his role on the hit Netflix series Dubai Bling, took the mic as emcee. Phones were raised, champagne glasses clinked, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation as the bidding heated up.
When the gavel finally fell at $41,160, the room erupted. The winning bidder didn’t just secure a cocktail. They walked away with a one-of-a-kind PATRÓN blend and a museum-worthy Baccarat glass.
“We are absolutely thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Baccarat, a brand that has consistently exemplified luxury and innovation,” said Jenya Makeeva, co-founder of NAHATÉ, after the auction. “And we’re incredibly excited to begin this new chapter with PATRÓN Tequila, whose commitment to craftsmanship so perfectly aligns with our vision.”
Baccarat’s enduring legacy
Founded in 1764 under King Louis XV’s royal commission, Baccarat has spent over 260 years perfecting the art of crystal craftsmanship. Its pieces have graced the tables of monarchs, tsars, and design icons alike. Today, Baccarat remains synonymous with precision and elegance.
The Service Leczinska line, named for Queen Marie Leszczyńska, is one of the brand’s most celebrated creations. Crafted with high-purity crystal and blown at extreme temperatures, the glasses shimmer with balance and brilliance.
After the auction: Oysters, caviar, and global stars
The night didn’t end with the record-breaking bid. The celebration continued with cocktails from Federico Pavan, Director of Bar and Area Director of Mixology at The Donovan Bar in London’s Mayfair district. His creations combined old-world European techniques with the bold flavors that define Dubai’s dining scene. Guests sampled black caviar and fresh oysters, danced to a late-night set by DJ Lorenzo, and soaked in NAHATÉ’s sultry, mirror-lined interiors.
Founded by Sam Florentsev and Jenya Makeeva, NAHATÉ has quickly become one of Dubai’s most intriguing venues. Open from Thursday to Saturday, it transforms from an elegant restaurant to a buzzing nightlife spot as the evening progresses.
The venue features a Chef’s Table in partnership with Baccarat, two private members’ lounges, and the world’s first Jacob & Co. Cigar Lounge, all designed to elevate the experience beyond the typical night out.
DIFC: The beating heart of Dubai’s luxury scene
While many visitors associate Dubai nightlife with the marina or Palm Jumeirah, insiders know the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is where the city’s best luxury dining and after-dark action happens.
Initially built as a financial hub, DIFC has evolved into a high-end lifestyle destination with art galleries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exclusive lounges.
NAHATÉ sits on DIFC’s podium level, offering a hybrid experience that blends fine dining, artful cocktails, and a nightlife scene that feels as curated as a private club. Think mirrored interiors, moody lighting, and a design aesthetic that fuses Parisian glamour with Middle Eastern boldness. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend nights when the venue transitions into party mode.
Where to stay: Luxury hotels near NAHATÉ Dubai
If you plan to sip and stay near NAHATÉ, Dubai offers an impressive lineup of luxury hotels within easy reach of DIFC.
The Four Seasons Hotel DIFC is a favorite among high-end travelers. It offers an intimate, boutique-style experience with rooftop pools and skyline views. The location is just steps from NAHATÉ, and it is known for its discreet, personalized service.
Another standout is the Waldorf Astoria DIFC, which channels New York sophistication into its soaring marble interiors. The plush suites overlook Burj Khalifa, and the onsite restaurants are excellent.
For something flashier, Address Sky View delivers jaw-dropping rooftop infinity pools, Instagram-famous skyline vistas, and a lively atmosphere perfect for Dubai’s see-and-be-seen crowd.
Wherever you stay, it’s worth remembering that Dubai’s DIFC is walkable compared to many areas in the city. You’ll find yourself just minutes from art exhibitions, gourmet restaurants, and some of Dubai’s best lounges.
More to explore in DIFC and beyond
While NAHATÉ and DIFC dominate Dubai’s nightlife conversation right now, visitors should leave time to explore nearby attractions. The newly expanded Dubai Mall Zabeel offers luxury shopping and fine dining, while Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, is a must-see, especially for sunset cocktails at At.mosphere Lounge.
Art lovers can check out Opera Gallery Dubai in DIFC, which showcases contemporary masterpieces from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. For a completely different vibe, a quick drive brings you to the historic Al Fahidi District, where restored wind towers and museums offer a glimpse into Dubai’s past.
Whether you’re chasing record-breaking cocktails or rooftop sunsets, Dubai offers endless ways to indulge.
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