The Middle Way
Ruling House: Seventh
Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: The Scales
Dates: September 23 - October 22
Element: Air
ABOUT
Represented by the scales of justice, Libras are the balance-seekers of the zodiac. Constantly striving for harmony and symmetry in their lives, they can at times be obsessed with it. With a deep rooted desire for fairness, Libras don’t mind shaking the table if it means standing up for someone in need.
Ruled by Venus, the planet of pleasure, partnerships and love, Libras deeply value relationships — both romantic and platonic. The polar opposite of Aries, Libras are people centered. Extremely empathetic, they don’t mind going out of their way to help others.
The aesthetics of the zodiac, they enjoy the finer things in life. Often deriving pleasure from their possessions and leisure activities, Libras dream of success and power and will outwork you to achieve it.
Because of their constant journey towards equilibrium, it only made sense to name this Libra inspired cocktail the Middle Way. Named after the Buddhist teaching, the Middle Way represents the spiritual and practical path of moderation. It encourages individuals to avoid both extreme asceticism (the complete avoidance of of sensual pleasure) and sensual indulgence or gluttony.
Since balance and moderation are the major themes of this drink, I decided to create a fall rift of the Last Word. This prohibition-era cocktail is perfectly balanced and consists of four major flavor components: equal parts strong (gin), sour (lemon juice), herbal (Lillet Blanc) and sweet (vanilla rosemary pear syrup).
What I love most about this drink is that all of the flavors compliment each other perfectly. The honey and cinnamon notes from the Lillet Blanc pair well with the earthy and herbal notes from the vanilla rosemary pear syrup. With the addition of fresh lemon juice, this cocktail represents the perfect transition from summer to fall.
This drink is served in a coupe or martini glass. A dehydrated pear slice and rosemary sprig are optional garnishes.
Notable Virgos: Vice President Kamala Harris, Cardi B, Will Smith, Snoop Dogg, Anthony Mackie, Donald Glover, Serena Williams, Avril Lavigne, A$AP Rocky, Gwen Stefani, Bruno Mars, Jimin, Doja Cat, Kim Kardashian, and Judge Judy.
Recipe Type: Cocktails
Glassware: Martini/Coupe
Servings: 1
INGREDIENTS
3/4 oz. gin
3/4 oz. Lillet Blanc
3/4 oz. vanilla rosemary pear syrup
1 cup Turbinado sugar
1 cup water
2 Bartlett pears, diced
1/4 cup of rosemary leaves
2 tsp pure vanilla extract or 2 vanilla beans
3/4 oz. lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare vanilla rosemary pear syrup by adding 1 cup Turbinado sugar, 1 cup water, 2 Bartlett pears (diced), and 1/4 cup of rosemary leaves to a small saucepan
Let simmer on low heat for 10 minutes
Remove from heat and let cool completely
Once cooled, strain rosemary leaves and pear from syrup
Stir 2 tsp pure vanilla extract into syrup
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker
Add ice and shake for 15 seconds
Strain into a chilled coupe glass
Garnish with a dehydrated pear slice and a rosemary sprig
Enjoy