NYC's 5 Best Spots for Spa & Beauty Cocktails
We're bringing you some spa- and beauty-inspired cocktails. Of course, no one knows if drinking will actually improve your complexion, but they will certainly help you relax. By Selena Ricks-Good.
Beauty Bar
231 E. 14th St.
New York, NY
(212) 539-1389
thebeautybar.com/New_York
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This old time beauty parlor-turned-bar is known for its $10 drink-and-manicure happy hour deal (Mondays through Fridays from 6-11 p.m. and weekends from 7-11 p.m.). A DJ spins '80s tunes while the (mostly female) crowd sips sweet, strong drinks while their nails dry.
The Yard at Soho Grand
310 West Broadway
New York, NY
(212) 965-3000
sohogrand.com
More: NYC's 6 Best Spas
One of the more refreshing cocktails at this Soho oasis is The Spa (Hendrick's Gin, pureed cucumber, lime juice, mint and simple syrup). Although it might smell like a face mask, this twist on the typical vodka drink or rum mojito will rejuvenate with its mix of hydrating cucumber and invigorating mint. The laid-back vibe at this patio bar doesn't hurt either, but in cooler weather, you can also order the drink at the hotel's indoor bar.
Provocateur
18 9th Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 929-9036
provocateurny.com
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Featuring a cocktail menu created in collaboration with Borba (a line of skin-enhancing water), drinks at this exclusive Meatpacking District club are geared toward the primping set. To counteract any sweat breakouts from dancing, try the Sweet Enchantment, a purportedly skin-clearing combination of vodka, kumquats and special vitamins and minerals. Located in the Gansevoort Hotel, Provocateur is inspired by Madonna's 1985 "Virgin" tour and is decked out with black lace walls, purple banquettes and oversized Egyptian phoenix wings.
Apotheke
9 Doyers St.
New York, NY
(212) 406-0400
apothekenyc.com
The cocktail menu at this Chinatown speakeasy is divided in "prescriptions," including aphrodisiacs and pain killers. Try the healing properties of the Guava Mama (vodka, Cognac, Mexican guava, anise, allspice and lime juice) or the Heart of Gold (passion fruit puree, vodka, vanilla Cognac and ground vanilla bean) from the health and beauty selection.
Beauty & Essex
146 Essex St.
New York, NY
(212) 614-0146
beautyandessex.com
This glamorous, sprawling restaurant certainly knows how to please the ladies -- complimentary rose Champagne is served in the women's restroom. For further pampering, try the Golden Peacock (Junmai sake, Hangar One Cucumber Vodka, granny smith apple, pineapple and mint) for its calming effects, or the B & E Pink Lady (Oxley Gin, housemade pomegranate grenadine, applejack and lemon juice) for a burst of antioxidants.
Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.