Golden
Ruling House: Sixth
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: The Virgin
Dates: August 23 - September 22
Element: Earth
ABOUT
The perfectionists of the zodiac, Virgos know exactly what they want and how they want it. Better yet, they’d rather do it themselves. Constantly seeking out problems to solve, they are happiest when they are in service to others.
Although they can often be extremely critical — especially of themselves — Virgos are kind and supportive friends. They think before they act and they will always take your emotions into consideration.
Rarely motivated by self-interest, Virgos constantly put the needs of others above their own. Altruists at heart, they get their sense of purpose in life by contributing to causes greater than themselves. Just like their hearts, sometimes they need to sit back, relax and realize that their life is “golden.”
It’s almost fall and what better way to prepare for my favorite season than with a spiked iced drink. This iced chai tea cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up drink to start your day or your new go-to night cap. No pumpkin spice flavor needed.
Over the past few months, I’ve been obsessed with chai tea. I try to have a glass every night right before bed. I’ve had almost every brand and style there is. My favorite by far is rooibos chai. While this style of chai tea is made with the traditional flavors associated with chai such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger root and clove, it’s blended with the South African rooibos instead of black tea.
Rooibos, which means red bush, is a plant that when fermented produces a red tea. What I love most about rooibos is that it’s full of smooth, sweet and earthy flavors. Unlike black tea, it contains no caffeine or tannins. This means that you get a cup full of soft tea with little to no bitterness. Better yet, it’s full of antioxidants.
When I typically make a cup of rooibos chai tea, I’ll enjoy it with a little bit of honey and Demerara sugar, topped off with some rich and creamy cashew milk. Served warm, it’s the perfect night cap.
When making this cocktail, I wanted to incorporate some of those same flavors. That’s where the honey syrup and Drambuie — a Scotch-based liqueur full of honey, spices and herbs — come in.
While your base spirit can be any style of whiskey, I opted for a rye whiskey: Sagamore Signature Rye. Not as dry or spicy as the typical rye whiskey, Sagamore is the perfect spirit for this drink. Full of sweet vanilla, honey and cinnamon notes, it fits right in with the other ingredients.
Lastly, the drink is topped off with some creamy cashew milk. I’m not the biggest fan of cow milk and I’ve even tried to make this drink — and my nightly cup of chai — with almond milk. While I enjoy almond milk in the occasional bowl of cereal or in a smoothie, it falls flat in this drink. What I love about cashew milk is that it has a slightly sweet, full-bodied richness that can’t be beat. I always keep a carton on hand.
This drink is served in a tall glass or a 16 oz. mason jar. A cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon are optional garnishes.
Notable Virgos: Beyoncé, Nas, Taraji P. Henson, Ludacris, Fred Hampton, Bernie Sanders, Marsha P. Johnson, Jennifer Hudson, Zendaya, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sanaa Lathan, George R. R. Martin, Ava DuVernay, Keke Palmer, and Pink.
Recipe Type: Cocktails
Glassware: Tall/16 oz. Mason Jar
Servings: 1
INGREDIENTS
1 oz. whiskey
1/2 oz. Drambuie
1/2 oz. honey syrup
2 - 4 oz. iced rooibos chai tea
Top with cashew milk
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare honey syrup by whisking together 2 parts honey and 1 part water
Prepare your rooibos chai tea by adding 2 tea bags and 8 oz. of cold water to a mason jar
Seal and give it a gently shake. Let refrigerate for no more than 8 hours
Strain tea bag and set tea aside for later use
Fill a tall glass or a 16 oz. mason jar with ice and add the ingredients in the following order: whiskey, Drambuie, honey syrup, chai tea
Top with cashew milk, or milk of choice, and gently stir
Garnish with a cinnamon stick or ground cinnamon
Enjoy