Leo is the proud child of the Sun. Her brilliant demeanor, warm personality and unending energy all stem from the largest star in our solar system. Actually, Leos tend to think they are the biggest star on planet Earth, and would like to be worshipped as such. And actually, it really is in all of our best interests to outwardly show love and respect to the Leos in our life. For if they’re not feelin’ the love, they’re feelin’ the pain. The pain of isolation and the agony of defeat, that will impair Leo’s ability to shine. Life cannot exist without the Sun, and similarly, we NEED Leo’s shining beacon of personality in our lives! Naturally, any plant that thrives in a brightly lit area will fall under the domain of the Sun. I cannot think of a better one than that of the tomato, which of course can only mean one thing in cocktails: a Bloody Mary. This is also significant, as Leo rules the heart and life force blood that pulses through us all. Dear Leo, sip this terrific tipple and realize the Sun Goddess you truly are. All hail the BLOODY LEO.

BLOODY LEO

INGREDIENTS:
- 1 2/3 oz salad-infused vodka
- 5 oz fresh squeezed tomatoe juice (do not even THINK of using V8)
- 2/3 oz fresh lemon juice
- pinch sea salt
- 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes Tabasco sauce
- pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- micro greens

INSTRUCTIONS:
Add all ingredients to an ice filled shaker and shake vigorously for ten seconds. Garnish with a wedge of lemon or salad greens.

If you read my post Bar Cheffing & Infusion Tasting, you’ll remember that I infused some vodka with the ingredients of a salad. Alone, not so hot. But as an ingredient to a Bloody Leo–Purrfecto!

*Add 1/4 cup of the following to 750 ml vodka: shredded carrots and lettuce (not Iceberg, which contains vitamin K to clot blood, but not the most flavor) with chopped tomatoes and cucumbers. Allow to sit in dark spot for approx one month, stirring and tasting every week or so. When finished pour into final storage container.

NOTE: It is useful to serve this drink with a swizzle stick as the freshly juiced tomato will separate in the glass and hence could be stirred throughout consumption.

(Recipe created by Gwen Sutherland Kaiser)

ALSO TRY: Tomato Horseradish Butter