A Trader Vic’s Guide to Chinese Zodiac Animals, Personality Traits, and Cocktail Pairings
For centuries, the Chinese Zodiac has guided celebrations, traditions, and personalities — each year honoring an animal and the traits it represents.
At Trader Vic’s, where global flavors and cultural inspiration have always shaped the experience, we raise a glass to this enduring legend. As the story goes, Buddha invited the animals to a New Year’s gathering. Twelve arrived — and their order became the twelve-year zodiac cycle still celebrated today.
From the ambitious Rat to the indulgent Boar, those born under each sign are said to inherit the characteristics of their animal.
So turn the page on the zodiac… and discover which Trader Vic’s cocktail might be written in your stars.
🐀 Rat
Born leaders who love conversation, community, and achievement. Rats are hardworking perfectionists with big ambitions and strong financial instincts — though love can occasionally cloud their judgment.
Best cocktail pairing: Tiki Bowl
Compatible with: Dragon, Monkey, Ox
Avoid: Horse
Birth Years: 1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
🐂 Ox
Patient and dependable, Ox individuals inspire confidence. Though quiet, they are eloquent when they speak and remarkably skilled both mentally and physically.
Best cocktail pairing: Trader Vic’s Rum Cup
Compatible with: Cock, Snake, Rat
Avoid: Ram
Birth Years: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
🐅 Tiger
Sensitive yet powerful, Tigers are brave, energetic, and deeply respected. Their passion is unmatched — though their temper can occasionally show.
Best cocktail pairing: Tiki Puka Puka
Compatible with: Horse, Dragon, Dog
Avoid: Monkey, Snake
Birth Years: 1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
🐇 Rabbit
Talented and ambitious with impeccable taste, Rabbits are reserved yet affectionate. Known for their intuition, they often make excellent business partners and gamblers alike.
Best cocktail pairing: Honi Honi
Compatible with: Ram, Boar, Dog, Rat, Rabbit, Dragon
Avoid: Cock
Birth Years: 1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
🐉 Dragon
Energetic and sincere, Dragons symbolize life, growth, and blessings — including riches, harmony, virtue, longevity, and fulfillment.
Best cocktail pairing: Coffee Diablo
Compatible with: Cock, Rat, Snake, Monkey
Avoid: Ox, Rabbit, Dog, Dragon
Birth Years: 1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
🐍 Snake
Wise, intuitive, and financially fortunate, Snake personalities are calm on the surface but deeply passionate.
Best cocktail pairing: Siboney
Compatible with: Ox, Cock
Avoid: Tiger, Boar
Birth Years: 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
🐎 Horse
Popular, cheerful, and energetic, Horse people thrive in action-packed environments and love entertaining as much as being entertained.
Best cocktail pairing: Samoan Fog Cutter
Compatible with: Tiger, Dog, Ram
Also compatible with: Dragon, Snake, Monkey, Boar, Cock
Birth Years: 1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
🐏 Ram (Sheep)
Elegant, artistic, and compassionate, Rams enjoy life’s comforts and are passionate about their beliefs — though sometimes shy.
Best cocktail pairing: Rum Keg
Compatible with: Horse, Boar, Rabbit
Avoid: Ox, Dog
Birth Years: 1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
🐒 Monkey
Inventive and clever problem-solvers, Monkeys are the geniuses of the zodiac — adaptable, curious, and often famous for forging their own path.
Best cocktail pairing: Menehune Juice
Compatible with: Dragon, Rat
Avoid: Snake, Boar, Tiger
Birth Years: 1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
🐓 Cock
Deep thinkers who are devoted to their work, Cocks are brave, outspoken, and surprisingly adventurous.
Best cocktail pairing: Potted Parrot
Compatible with: Ox, Snake, Dragon
Avoid: Cock, Rat, Dog, Rabbit
Birth Years: 1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
🐕 Dog
Loyal, honest, and protective, those born in the Year of the Dog inspire trust and often make exceptional leaders.
Best cocktail pairing: 1944 Mai Tai
Compatible with: Horse, Tiger, Rabbit
Avoid: Dragon, Ram
Birth Years: 1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
🐖 Boar
Chivalrous and loyal, Boar personalities give their all in everything they do. Though they keep a small circle, their friendships last a lifetime.
Best cocktail pairing: Rum Giggle
Compatible with: Rabbit, Ram, Horse, Cock
Avoid: Monkey, Boar
Birth Years: 1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Any resemblance to any people, animals, truths, or zodiac signs — living or dead — is purely coincidental.
Note: The Unicorn (Chi Ling) arrived far too late for inclusion — and Buddha decided thirteen would be a bad omen.
Smile… it may be your year!
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
