Luxe Bar

There might be edgier places to further your cocktailian education at and whatever, but edgy isn’t – and nor has it been – Luxe’s thing. Since opening its doors in 2001, this swank lounge has earned a reputation not only for cocktails, but also its clientele of beautiful women in dainty couture and strappy heels (and, by extension, men who appreciate such females). Looks-wise, the name says it all, the combination of autumnal hues and rich textures equal parts retro-glam and cutting edge smarts. There’s substance, too, to match the style: certainly in the fresh squeezed juices, handsomely stocked shelves and other hallmarks of thoughtful bartending. Having said that, the list is populated primarily by fruity, new school combinations rather than Prohibition-era drinks, so unless you ask for a traditional gin and Noilly Prat team-up, martinis are likely to be of the Hendricks-powered and freshly muddled mint and cucumber persuasion. Or maybe the bar’s signature Espresso martini, available with Russian Standard vodka, Hennessey VS cognac or Patron Café XO tequila as a base spirit. Elsewhere, pineapple and blood orange juice lend a squeeze of tropical sweetness to the Blood Orange Zombie, Luxe’s twist on a Tiki staple mixed using Appleton VX, Havana Club Reserva and Captain Morgan rums. As the crowd demands, celebratory bottles of Champagne rule the cellar while the jazzy, feel-good house soundtrack is more mood setter than party starter. Want some fresh air? bamBOO, Luxe’s outdoor amphitheatre, is a destination in its own right.