Mixstrology: Scorpio

All or nothing. Black or white. Hades and Persephone. Intense, magnetic, mysterious, and elusive—one could go mad with intrigue over Scorpio. And one does. This drink struck me as perfectly Scorpionic: sexy, with intense color, depth of flavor, and a bit of a bite. I named it after one of Dante’s finest circles of hell.

See the recipe for the Second Circle »

As for the rest of the zodiac, try these sign-appropriate variations:

After a long summer, stalled projects move forward. Here's to autumn and taking the edge off with bourbon, maple syrup, lemon juice, a splash of brandy, and a ½ oz. of fresh cider.

Make the same cocktail but nix the cherries and replace them with a strip of candied bacon. Smoky, earthy, and meaty, just like you.

This is a good day to reflect on your progress and examine what you’ve achieved over the last six months. Keep the bourbon and bitters and add sweet vermouth.

A reprieve is offered from lucky and expansive Jupiter, but try not to overindulge on this potent drink: bourbon, dark rum, sugar, ½ oz. of fresh lime juice, and lime zest.

This is a good time to express who you are in a style all your own. Embrace the unpredictable. Make your cocktail smooth and slightly spicy: anejo rum, maple syrup, chile bitters, and fresh lemon juice.

Jupiter gives energy and inner confidence while Saturn gives structure. Take advantage of these energies at work and with projects at home. Try something light and sophisticated: tawny port, maple syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters.

You have two speeds: workaholic or lazy. That said, this month you'll either enjoy this cocktail if someone makes it for you, or you'll pour yourself a quick and easy glass of port.

This is a good time to focus on what you want to accomplish in the next year, and you may initiate new projects or new attitudes that will help you. Lighten the heaviness with bubbles: port, triple sec, and club soda.

This twist is little out of the box for the traditionally-inclined, and perfect for cool fall nights: Mull the port with cinnamon, clove, and some allspice.

Neptune can motivate you with excellent ideas to improve your earnings. Get zippy with light rum, fresh lime, a dash of maple syrup, and a dash of lemon bitters.

Perhaps you are feeling a bit dreamier than usual, but try to stay focused and pay attention to details. I too am a Pisces, as well as a New Englander, so I'm prescribing a crystal-clear, bare-bones Vermont Gold Maple Vodka on the rocks.

Patricia Clark Hippolyte is a New York-based astrologer and bartender.