The Russian Twist

Greetings, Body Bar Mixer Challenge Participants and friends! I know, I know. The Body BarTender is a day late. I hope you will accept my sincerest apologies. I have been spending so much time at the Bloomington Body Bar filling up my Mixer Card, that time simply got away from me.

This week's reward for all of your hard work is the Russian Twist. This is an easy-to-make cocktail using ingredients that are readily available. The key to making it really sing, is that one must throw one's obliques into the shaking process, as if you were doing...you guessed it...Russian Twists!

The Russian Twist

2 oz. Russian Vodka (truth-be-told, it doesn't have to be Russian)

• ¾ oz. fresh lime juice (FRESH is a must)
• ¾ oz. unsweetened cranberry juice
• ½ oz. agave nectar or simple syrup (use less if you wish)
• Orange twist or fresh cranberries, for garnish 

Have ready a chilled coupe or cocktail glass. Combine all ingredients except for the garnish in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.  Sit on the floor, or on your home rower or BOSU ball, hinge back and move the shaker from side to side in the style of the Russian Twist exercise. Just do it more quickly than is done in class. If your lower back starts to hurt, remember to be safe by squeezing your glutes, or by reducing your hinge angle.  When the drink is thoroughly chilled (or your obliques are very tired, whichever comes first), strain the cocktail into your drinking vessel. Garnish as desired. 

Give yourself a toast for your dedication to fitness. Enjoy!

The Barrebon Old Fashioned

The Barrebon Old Fashioned

Greetings, Mind Body Workout Champs. Congratulations on a week of hard work at the Bloomington Body Bar!  As a reward for your work, and in keeping with the theme of balance in our lives, I offer you the Barrebon Old Fashioned. Don't fret if your dance card did not include a Barre class this week. You can still enjoy this smooth, relaxing take on the classic Bourbon Old Fashioned. If you think that don't like bourbon, try it anyway.  What is life about if not to try new things?

This is a simple drink to craft, even for the novice. But, before you start on the recipe below, here are some tips and tricks.

1. Use a decent "Barrebon". It makes up most of the drink, so it is important.

2. If you don't want an entire bottle of St. Germain, Big Red has teeny little bottles for sale that should make a drink or two. Start with 1/4 ounce and work up if you like your drink sweeter.

3. Use a maraschino cherry if you must, but if you can find something better, such as a Luxardo Cherry (or if you are lucky enough to know the supermodel/rocket scientist author of the blog, one of her house-made cocktail cherries.)

4. This is a boozy cocktail, meant for sipping. Make one when you have time to relax and reflect on how wonderful you are and how happy you are to be part of the BBB community.

The Barrebon Old Fashioned

2.5 ounces good bourbon

1/4 - 1/2 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur 

2-3 generous dashes of bitters ** 

Wide slice of orange peel

Best quality cocktail cherry you can get

**Angostura, Peychauds, or Regan's Orange Bitters No. 6, or your favorite

Put some ice in an old fashioned glass. One large cube is optimum, but several small ones are okay. In a mixing glass filled with ice (I use a 16 oz mason jar),  pour bourbon, St. Germain, and bitters. Mix until drink is thoroughly chilled. Strain into the old fashioned glass. Squeeze the orange peel to release some of the tasty orange oil. Rub it around the rim of the glass. Garnish the drink with the orange peel and a cherry. 

Raise your glass to your friends at the Body Bar! Cheers!!