When it comes to creating a drink that’s as visually dramatic as it is nutritionally inspired, I look for ways to marry flavor, artistry, and wellness. Enter The Ember & Ivy, a cocktail that’s both a celebration of slow living and a nod to my commitment as a bodybuilding coach and sports nutritionist to prioritize ingredients that nourish the body and spirit.
The Ember & Ivy Cocktail: A Bold Fusion of Elegance, Wellness, and Slow-Living Luxury – Hudson Valley Style Mixology with Maxwell Alexander – Wellness Travel – Presented by Alluvion Vacations
This drink starts with the deep, velvety richness of cabernet sauvignon or merlot—wines celebrated for their antioxidants, particularly polyphenols like resveratrol, which have been studied for their potential health benefits, including positive effects on cardiovascular health. To that, I add kombucha with its tangy, effervescent bite, packed with probiotics to support gut health. A dash of aromatic bitters rounds it out, infusing the glass with herbal complexity and phytonutrient power. Together, it’s a trifecta of wellness and indulgence, proof that cocktails can balance decadence with purpose.
Pour this elixir over two iceberg-sized cubes and you’ve got more than just a drink—you’ve got an experience.
The Story Behind the Sip
I first crafted The Ember & Ivy on a chilly evening at a historic farmhouse in Saugerties, NY, one of the stunning retreats offered by Alluvion Vacations. With its fully equipped kitchen and cozy fireplace, the space seemed to demand something equally rich and warming to match its ambiance. As the fire flickered, casting warm, golden hues across the walls, I poured this ruby-red concoction into a stemless glass, watched as it swirled around the oversized ice, and admired the dramatic interplay of golden bokeh lights and shadows that seemed to bring the drink to life.
There, with the faint crackle of wood and the soothing quiet of the Hudson Valley as my backdrop, I found myself reflecting on the importance of savoring life’s moments. The process of crafting The Ember & Ivy—measuring, pouring, watching the ice fracture as the kombucha bubbled to the surface—became an act of mindfulness. A reminder that life’s greatest pleasures are found not in speed, but in presence, in care, in letting time unfold naturally.
A Sensory and Cinematic Experience
The sensory journey this drink offers is nothing short of cinematic. The deep, jewel-toned hues of the cabernet sauvignon catch the firelight, its glow refracted through the purity of the ice cubes. The kombucha lends a fizzy brightness to the mix, while the aromatic bitters rise like a whisper of mystery, their herbal bouquet mingling with the rustic scents of the farmhouse setting. You don’t just drink The Ember & Ivy—you experience it.
It’s this kind of slow-living indulgence that Alluvion retreats make so effortlessly possible. Their carefully designed kitchens give you the tools to experiment, to create, to transform even the simplest recipes into culinary adventures. And their thoughtfully curated spaces—whether it’s a historic farmhouse in Saugerties or a contemporary escape in the Catskills—set the stage for moments that feel both timeless and transportive.
For me, The Ember & Ivy isn’t just a cocktail. It’s a reflection of how I want to live—embracing beauty, wellness, and creativity in every detail. Because the finer things in life aren’t about extravagance; they’re about intention, about savoring every sip, every moment, and every opportunity to create something meaningful.
Recipe for The Ember & Ivy
- 4 oz cabernet sauvignon (or merlot, for a smoother profile)
- 4 oz lemon-berry kombucha
- 1-2 dashes aromatic bitters
- Pour over two large ice cubes in a stemless wine glass.
- Garnish with a quarter-wheel of grapefruit for a sophisted citrusy vibe.
Find a cozy spot, preferably by a crackling fireplace, and enjoy slowly.
