Beauty Elixir

At Beauty & Essex Los Angeles, an opulent 10,000-square-foot playground in Hollywood, this cocktail stands out for its simple, refreshing elegance. The Beauty Elixir cocktail features gin, brut sparkling wine (cava, to be exact), strawberry purée, cucumber-infused water, lemon juice and simple syrup, served in a coupe glass and garnished with a dehydrated lime wheel. This drink is incredibly refreshing—some might say it goes down a bit too easy—and is as post-worthy as its name indicates. While the Beauty Elixir is an excellent choice year-round, it’s particularly satisfying in warmer weather (just be sure to pace yourself, especially in higher temperatures).

Originally, this picture-perfect cocktail debuted in 2010 at the grand opening of Beauty & Essex in New York City, and it’s now served at both locations as well as in Las Vegas on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan, an iconic (and aesthetically fitting) resort on the Strip. The Beauty Elixir has remained on the menu for over a decade, which is somewhat rare, but is unsurprising given the drink’s visual and flavor appeal. It’s especially a favorite in Hollywood, where the temperate weather and multiple outdoor spaces set the perfect scene for sipping a round or two.

When making your own Beauty Elixir, fresh is best, as with almost any other cocktail—however, fruit purée is generally an exception as you can find some great ones at the store (the bartenders at Beauty & Essex use the Funkin brand). When it comes to the cucumber and lemon, however, nothing compares to the real deal fresh from the produce aisle. Here’s how to concoct it at home.