Drink Like a Leo: 6 Beverages for Getting All the Attention This Summer
Leo was one of the first signs I understood anything about in my errant youth, perhaps even more than my own sign, Taurus. Why? Because one of my closest childhood friends is a Leo. Leos will let you know they are Leos. Leos are very into being Leos. Leos have the most Zodiacal confidence than just about anyone else, and they are quick to share it. Are you a little in awe of a Leo? Good, you should be. Leos want that; Leos think they deserve that, and frankly? Leos kind of do deserve it. Have I written the word Leo in this paragraph more often than I’ve mentioned any other sign in the duration of their respective pieces? Probably. That’s the Leo energy at work. You know what the group noun is for Leos? A pride. Obviously.
(Can we have a little moment of silence for sensitive, self-conscious Cancers here, though? Sandwiched between chaotic Gemini and charismatic Leo is a truly challenging position to occupy in the Zodiac.)
But Leos are more than just their confident, gilded exteriors. They may love themselves implicitly, but they love you, too, and are generous with their affection. They are fearless, fierce, and frankly, fabulous. They may demand to be the center of attention, but once there, your Leo friends will ensure that everybody is having a good time. So let's drink to the Leos this season, with these 6 beverages for getting all the attention.
Beer: Leo
I have previously broken from form in the wine category, assigning grapes or styles instead of countries when the stars demanded it for certain signs. Here, I depart from beer type and instead declare a brand, because if any sign cares to drink a beverage actually named for them, it's Leo. So drink yourself in, Lions; you know you can never get enough. Regardless of choosing this beer for its label rather than its contents, however, you still get a Leo-worthy brew: “cool, creative, and playful;” an easy-drinking, crushable summer lager that could be considered basic if it weren't for the fact that its origins are Thai, a look that Leos can totally pull off.
Wine: Orange Wine
Admittedly, a lot of my Leo choices have a golden hue about them, because for some reason my Zodiac sensors just keep insisting that "gilded" is the Leo order of the day. But it also fits that orange…pardon me…amber wines are having a moment, and Leos are always of the moment. These skin contact wines bring nothing if not intrigue, a vogue balance between high acid, light chill, and tannin, from Georgia's classic Qvevri wines, to skin contact Fruilian pinot grigios, to modern American interpretations hitting the market.
Spirit: Grand Marnier
Grand Marnier has long been associated with luxury, and at the intersection of luxury and party, exists Leo. At 80 proof Grand Marnier is more spiritous than a traditional liqueur, a seductive blend of cognac with bitter orange. You could use it for a top shelf margarita, or you could just be all Leo about it and sip it on the rocks for sultry, summer sunset vibes.
Non-Alcoholic: Golden Latte
A straightforward turmeric latte may be ubiquitous, but Carribbrew's Golden Latte—there's that gilded bit again—is altogether Leo in nature. Made with Haitian turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and star anise, this spicy yet still anti-inflammatory elixir can tame fire-sign Leo's occasional temper. And you don't even need to brew it hot to incorporate it into hot (person) summer. You can start your day the Leo way with a cup of gold to set the tone.
Ready-to-Drink: Monaco Cocktails Watermelon Crush
There's something extremely Leo about the very word Monaco, conjuring see-and-be-seen vibes. Monaco Cocktails, a leader in the RTD space, now offers the perfect summer cruiser with a not-so-demure blush. Watermelon Crush combines agave tequila with fresh watermelon, with a 9% ABV can that may just provide the kind of Leo bravado to help you confess your summer crush.
Cocktail: Lion’s Tail
Every now and again the classic cocktail cannon coughs up a ready-made, Zodiac selection. Leos are actually most famed for their glorious manes, but lest one forget that vanity, thy name is often Leo, that they can also be pretty proud of their whole self, tail included. So let it be a Lion's tail to toast your favorite Leo this summer, as in this recipe from blogger Kitchy Cooking: a juicy, spicy, bourbon number shaken with lime and allspice dram.