Nikki and Nick Metzger are celebrating more than a decade at their popular Scottsdale-based HIIT gym, BODI. Prior to opening BODI, Nikki was a Nike master trainer in Chicago. She was named Women’s Health’s Next Fitness Star in 2015, and, most recently, she teamed up with Tonal to become one of the faces of its platform. And all of that hard work works up a thirst. “I might be a gym owner, but I love a strong cocktail and a damn good meal. I’m all about that work hard, play hard mentality. Yes, I’ll crush a workout and lead a team, but I’ll also show up for the good vibes, late-night laughs, and unforgettable dinners. Balance is the vibe. Living life to the fullest is the goal.” Here, Nikki discusses a few of her favorite Scottsdale spots for a great sip.
Thinking of trying BODI for yourself? Click here to sign up for a free class.
Uchi Scottsdale | Drink: Lychee Martini
“Uchi Scottsdale never misses when I’m in the mood for sushi or Japanese. It’s sleek, but not stuffy (and, bonus, my kiddo loves going here too!) The lychee martini is my forever favorite; light, slightly sweet, and so easy to drink it’s dangerous. It’s the move when I want something fresh and fun to kick off a sushi night with friends or a date night that feels a little elevated. I also like to order a bottle of cold Nigori sake (the cloudy one) to sip on throughout dinner. Nobu and other Japanese spots always serve really great lychee martinis, which I love to get when I’m dining at one of those places too.”
The Ends | Drink: Impeccable Arm Candy
“The Ends is a whole vibe! Dim lights, great music, the food, and drinks are unmatched. This is truly my favorite restaurant right now when it comes to all things combined. The Impeccable Arm Candy is my go-to drink. It sounds kinda weird, but it tastes like Greek yogurt (in the best way). The wild part? The drink is totally clear because they clarify it. Honestly, I’ve never had anything like it. The bar manager, Ben Browning, is incredible and super passionate when it comes to explaining how the cocktails are made. He can also whip up anything you want, and it’ll be amazing. I asked him to break down the drink for me, and here’s what he had to say: ‘Crafting the Impeccable Arm Candy, our signature clarified milk punch, mirrors the ethos of working hard and playing hard. It demands precision, patience, and consistency, qualities essential to anything worth mastering. Just like building strength in the gym, you can’t rush the process; time and dedication yield perfection.'”
Cafe Monarch | Drink: Wine Pairing
“Cafe Monarch is for when I’m feeling fancy and romantic. Everything here is chef’s kiss; the food, the service, the candlelit courtyard. But what really gets me is the wine pairing. It’s so thoughtful and makes the whole experience feel extra. It’s my go-to when celebrating something special, like a birthday or anniversary.”
AZ88 | Drink: St-Germain Martini
“AZ88 is a Scottsdale staple, and it still somehow feels cool every single time. It’s artsy and vibey. They have so many incredible martinis and cocktails on the menu. But the St-Germain Martini is my go-to. It is clean, crisp, and has this floral finish. This spot is honestly great any time of day, happy hour, dinner, or even for a fun nightcap. It’s one of those places where you probably should’ve stopped at two drinks, but if you order a third…watch out! Haha.”
Various Locations | Drinks: A Light, Herbaceous Gin Cocktail, Bee’s Knees, Aviation, and Hendricks G+T
“I realized while writing this that none of my cocktails included gin, even though it’s actually my favorite spirit. A lot of great restaurants have amazing gin cocktail menus, but when in doubt, a good bartender at a solid spot can mix up something incredible just by asking what you’re in the mood for. I usually go for something refreshing, herbaceous, and not too sweet (bonus points if it has an egg white foam on top). Classic cocktails like a Bee’s Knees or an Aviation are always high on my list. Hendrick’s is my go-to gin, and if I’m somewhere that doesn’t have the best cocktail program, a Hendrick’s gin and tonic never fails me.”