We’ve all seen infographics on social media—your zodiac sign like simple fooda a sandwicha a cocktail. But while no one has (yet) designed an entire restaurant around the sky, zodiac-themed cocktails are becoming increasingly popular. From cameos on casual cocktail menus to being at the center of the bar’s concept, everyone is naturally interested in creating and sipping drinks created with the sensibilities of Aries, Libra and Virgo.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know astrology has been a huge pop culture trend in recent years, covering everything from podcasts to romance. Sharing your Co-Star profile is as common as exchanging phone numbers.
It was only a matter of time until cocktails came together. “This practice is trending, in my opinion, as a response to the chaos and uncertainty of the world,” says astrologer Danielle Mainas, creator of the food-driven tarot platform Cacio e Pepe Tarot. “People turn to astrology for personal guidance and understanding in confusing times. Similarly, in times of dysfunction, many people turn to alcohol and food as coping mechanisms for comfort and relief. Why not give people a bundled option?”
Little Dipper, a place that calls itself an “immersive, star-themed bar,” opened in New York City in April 2024. Inside, under a digital display of the starry sky, patrons can order drinks divided between four items:
“Our team loves astrology and understands it well,” Little Dipper owner Bobby Papachryssanthou told the Observer. Staff ask visitors for their signs, too and share theirs, complimenting the drinks accordingly. For the first round, patrons are encouraged to try their “own” cocktail—that is, a drink that matches their sun sign, and a second drink, a tipple that refers to their moon sign; the position of the moon in the zodiac at the time of a person’s birth.
The cocktails were created with the help of Alyssa Sartor, a travel expert with a passion for for astrology. Sartor helped connect the dots, consulting on drink ingredients and profiles based on his knowledge of mixology and astrology. The team also sought advice from astrologer friends and astrological books.
“We felt that an idea like this would be a great way to give our guests something to relate to,” said Papachryssanthou. “The time and effort put into finding the right ingredients for each specific zodiac sign makes it an engaging experience, adding that level of personalization and a focused element.” Imagine, for example, a Pisces customer being served a strong tequila and habanero-infused Magic cocktail not because they like tequila, but because they are said to be “strong and dedicated,” says Papachryssanthou. Needless to say, only the flattering, positive aspects of each sign are amplified and played in the ingredient list.
Other bars across the US have also been flirting with the zodiac concept. Service Bar in Washington, DC—one of the best restaurants in the country according to The World’s Best 50— recently did a limited edition zodiac-themed a donation. Even resorts are looking for a piece of the trend—Under Canvas, dedicated to high-end camping and glamping, recently launched a program to pair celestial-themed cocktails with stargazing.
The Garden of the Alchemistsbar in Paso Robles, CA, recently added a monthly zodiac-themed drink to its already international menu, based on the zodiac sign associated with each monthwhich the group delved into the essence of astrology: our longing for meaning and sense of direction. “One of the oldest methods of navigation was based on the stars and their astrological positions,” Tony Bennett, Alchemists’ Garden bar manager and owner, tells the Observer.
To plan the monthly cocktail, Bennett refers to a chart he made that shows each sign’s characteristics, likes and dislikes. In Libra, a cocktail that began at the tail end of September and most of October, Bennet touched on the fact that Libra coincides with the autumn equinox, which means that we must respect the last harvest of summer as we enter the cooler months. . The result consists of vodka infused with dill seeds, herbal alcohol and agave nectar.
An elegant, molecular fragrance composed of fresh rose petals and Italicus Bergamot, nods to Libra as an air sign. “The drink, like the sign of Libra—the balance—is wonderfully balanced despite the complex nature of the flavors contained within,” he says.
The Tiger and Peacock, located at the Memphian Hotel in Memphis, TN, has detailed the Zodiac cocktail menu since opening in 2021. FFood and beverage director Evan Potts also draws inspiration from key aspects of the brand. Sagittarius, for example, is known to be young and curious; the bar’s way of combining these elements was to base the cocktail on Angostura bitters. “Many cocktails see a few drops of Angostura to emphasize the cocktail, while we prefer to bring out the full flavor and add an ounce to our drink. After finishing the Chinola and the orgeat you have a bold and exciting cocktail, with a taste that develops and changes as you test,” Potts said.
“Astrology and the positive energy from the stars is something we all need, as well as the pressures of life and relationships,” said Papachryssanthou. “Tying good drinks to something we believe is essential to everyday life adds another level to what you do.”
But are these drinks just a gimmick? Like astrology itself, it’s all a matter of perspective. “I totally see the power of zodiac-inspired cocktails to offer more than just a gimmick-y drink,” says Mainas. “Astrology reflects the human experience, and when bars incorporate astrological themes, they invite guests into a moment of celebration and presence.” Cocktails that go beyond the obvious are best done, with ingredients that reflect signature characteristics and general value—painting the bartender’s honest question, “What are you up to?” in a whole new light.
