Detox-tails

Booze-Free Sippers to Refresh Your Body

Ten years ago, the idea of a real – and respected – career as a bartender was questionable. These days, however, bartenders are likely to be lauded with the same fanfare as celebrity chefs. But, as it is with chefs, the bartending life is grueling with long, late hours and constant muscle/joint-stressing motion. Only recently have the folks behind the stick started realizing that if they want to have longevity in this biz, they need to take care of themselves. Enter Detox-Tails.

One of the biggest proponents of the “take care of yourself” movement is Natalie Bovis, aka the Liquid Muse, who has made a career of blending fresh, healthy flavors in drinks both spirited and non-alcoholic, as well as preaching a healthy approach to one’s work and life. Her first “cocktail” book was Preggatinis™: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be (2008.) However, the drinks in that book and many of her other recipes– three excerpted below — are just as applicable any time you feel the need to detox.

As Natalie says, “I’m excited that the topic of balance is becomng of interest in the bar community. It’s a physcially, mentally, and energetcially demanding field, and the best way to avoid burn-out is finding ways to counteract these challenges.” And it’s not just bartenders who should take note. Self-care goes for everyone in every profession.

Clean Liver

(from Preggatinis™)

Natalie says: “Everything we eat – and drink – gets filtered through the liver. Milk thistle aids in detoxifying that organ, and mint helps sooth digestive ailments.”

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. Dried milk thistle (or 1 milk thistle tea bag)
• 3 Sprigs of fresh mint
• 1 tsp. wildflower honey
• 1 Lemon wedge, for garnish

Preparation: Pour boiling water over the tea and fresh mint, and let steep for 5 minutes in a heat resistant glass or mug. Strain steeped liquid, stir in honey until it dissolves. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

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Inside Spa

(from Preggatinis™)

Natalie says: “Cleaning and hydrating the organs can be delicious, too. Drinking this combination first thing in the morning sets the stage for a healthy day.”

Ingredients:

• 1 Cucumber
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp.Cayenne pepper
• Warm water (optional)
• 1 tsp. Honey (optional)

Preparation: Juice cucumber and lemon. Add cayene. Serve cold, or for a soothing warm alternative to morning coffee, add warm water and a touch of honey.

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Dirty Hippie

(ongoing cleansing)

Courtesy of Natalie Bovis

Natalie says: “I don’t believe in long-term crash diets, which some ‘cleanses’ essentially are. However, I think ongoing balance can be achieved with a ‘one-day, new me cleanse’ per week. Just spending 24 hours without alcohol, sugar and (if possible for smokers) cigarettes makes a huge difference.”

Ingredients:

• 4 – 5 Carrots
• 1 handful Kale
• 1/2 Beet
• 1/2 Apple
• 1 Small lemon
• 1-inch Piece of fresh ginger

Preparation: Juice all ingredients and pour into a glass.