Like ourselves, every plant has an astrological sign. The fruit or herb with which a cocktail is made determines that cocktail’s zodiac sign. Ultimately, a libation ends up having more than one sign, just like us. Our astrological chart contains many different signs, the most important of which is our sun sign and rising (ascending) sign. But we also have a moon (emotions) sign, venus (love) sign, saturn (career) sign, ect. Similarly, a mixed drink ends up having many different signs because of the variety of ingredients in contains. alcohol is ruled by mercury, simple syrup is ruled by venus, lime juice is ruled by saturn, bitters is ruled by mars, and so forth and so on. The accent flavor usually captures the essence of the drink and becomes the “sun” sign of a cocktail. So a kumquat margarita would belong to leo, as kumquats happen to be ruled by the sun.

It’s a challenge to simplify our complex taste with an equally complex cocktail. But as a general guideline, the ancient principles of herbal astrology, sympathy and antipathy, are used. Sympathy refers to a like-minded herb, such as the sun-drenched orange-colored kumquat, which is ruled by the sun and belongs to Leo. Leo people should be naturally drawn to the flavors of Leo plants. Antipathy refers to an opposite-minded herb. A cool cucumber belongs to Cancer and is ruled by the damp, chilly Moon. It is an opposite-natured and complimentary herb to the sunny kumquat. Imbibing a chilled cucumber martini could serve as a liquid air conditioner for a heated sign like Leo. Likewise for Cancer, who can warm their cold bones with a sunny citrus drink.

The concept of cocktail astrology is akin to having friends with different zodiac signs, or to choosing a life partner with a similar or opposite nature to that of your own. Live healthy, imbibe wisely, cheers!