Yoga Immersion. Day Four.

photo courtesy of The Kitchn

A friend and I have embarked on our 2nd annual yoga immersion at Garden State Yoga [delighted to report that Ali & Seth are adding an adjacent studio later this month with expanded class schedule and yoga styles]. For all followers of Baron Baptiste, this is the place for you...vinyasa flow yoga in a simulated India climate...we are talking heat, people...HEAT. This is not the more static 26-pose practice of Bikram, expect to move and to not know what to expect next.

After almost 9 months off the mat, I suspect it may take a few tries to "get present." ...here's how it flows:

Day 1. Reduced to a sloppy puddle in child's pose a mere 15 minutes into the 75-minute class.

Day 2. An unfortunate focus on the chipped nail polish on my right foot that is hard to avoid in uttanasana.

Day 3. Finally found my breath, but arms & shoulders completely fail me.

Day 4. India-like heat in New Jersey. The yoga studio is a relief and class is over too soon.

After blissfully indulging myself in an afternoon class, walking out in the evening sunlight all I can think about is a Kachumber Kooler from Tabla. Verona resident Chef Floyd Cardoz is, after all, from India. This cocktail is like sipping the color Green. This cocktail is for those that enjoy the heat. This cocktail contains simple syrup!

Recipe via Cocktails for the Home Bar: MixShakeStir [recipes from Danny Meyer's acclaimed NYC restaurants]:

KACHUMBER KOOLER

ice

3 slices English cucumber

one 1 1/2" piece green Calistan chile

[or other slender green chile]

1 sprig fresh cilantro

1 3/4 oz gin

1/2 oz fresh lime juice

1/2 oz simple syrup

Muddle 2 slices of the cucumber, chile piece and cilantro in a cocktail shaker. Add ice to shaker and then the gin, lime juice and simple syrup...shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass, garnish with the remaining cucumber slice. Makes 1 very green drink.

Until my next breakthrough on the mat, visit Tabla for this special cocktail, the crazy-good little bag of donuts, and the very cool Paul Smith-inspired boxed matches.