Do you feel that? That special something in the air, a certain je ne sais quoi? a psychic clarity in your thoughts and fantasies, a gothy edge to your glam? Of course, you do. It’s Scorpio season, when the moon stations in the most misunderstood water sign ruled by Pluto and Mars …when seduction, spirituality, and the subconscious are jazzed up … when you can’t help but accessorize with velvet and burgundy, perhaps a patent leather accent belt. As a double Scorpio, perhaps a triple according to some astrologers, I’m an expert in the vibes that lead you to reach for that latex number in the secret part of your closet. Even if you’re not a Scorpio, just in the mood for witchy thoughts, stylish destruction, and deep chill, I suggest you don’t fight the urge.
Lean into the mysteries of Scorpio season with an exotic elixir to match your fave burgundy lipstick, like the extensive list of Ume cocktails I’ve been sampling this month. Ume, a beguiling potion – imagine purple velvet in liquid form – evokes Lord Bryon and the Gothic poets of yore.
Made from the cherished and rare Japanese ume plum by female founder Jenn Toyner, this unique liqueur with notes of dark cherry, grape, and green apple, finishes in an earthy citrus zing. With half the sugar of traditional liqueurs and aperitifs, Ume is a welcome update to traditional cocktails. My favorite Ume cocktail recipes include an Ume Negroni – just swap out the crimson Campari with a splash of deep plume Ume, and the tequila-based Ume-Rita. And with such ornate, serpentine packaging, UME makes a perfect holiday gift for the Scorpios you want to keep on your good side…which is all of them.
If a teetotaler or honing your discipline in a pre-holiday dry spell, Modica’s newly launched Blueberry Lavender Lemon Drop syrup serves up a similar deep purple potion. In addition to the health benefits of the superfood blueberry, loaded with niacinamide and electrolytes, and only 40 calories per serving, this lightly sweetened beverage base can be added to smoothies for a shake or sparkling water for a soda that Prince would rock. If you want the best of both worlds, a bit of healthy hydration and a dose of antioxidants while getting your drink on, Modica Blueberry Lavender Lemon Drop can just as easily be blended with vodka as with almond milk, for a deep purple martini. My suggestion, save the detoxing for after the holidays and salute Scorpio season in full style… even after the Sun has transitioned to another sign in the zodiac.
