Our STORY
Craft your Experience
Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, The Cocktail Architect was founded by renowned mixologist Yusef Austin and certified Ayurveda spicologist Nandini Austin. This dynamic duo met while working in NYC's luxury boutique hospitality industry and embarked on a journey to create “sex in a glass” cocktails for every type of event imaginable.
From EVENTS to CLasses
From high-profile launches and intimate celebrity gatherings to corporate classes, Yusef and Nandini traveled the world consulting for restaurateurs and hoteliers. Their global experiences enriched their mixology expertise, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and their own rich heritage. As brand ambassadors for spirit brands, they harnessed the alchemy of spices to design cocktails that ignite the senses and spark conversation, fostering connection and moments of discovery.
Combining decades of hospitality expertise, they created a premium artisan mixer line that embodies their core values of authenticity, creativity, culture, connection, and empowerment. Their vision is to "architect" experiences powered by spice, celebrating and exploring life through exceptional libations.
Beyond premium mixers, The Cocktail Architect equips enthusiasts with the tools to craft unforgettable moments during their cocktail classes. Yusef and Nandini now not only provide not high-quality mixers but also expertise and guidance to elevate any occasion, ensuring every sip reflects luxury and lifestyle.
Austin Powers !
Yusef Austin,
Head Cocktail Designer & Co-Founder
Yusef Austin is a native New Yorker since 1998, who worked his way up from bartending at The Mercer Kitchen to opening New York's sexiest bar, The Boom Boom Room, under Andre Balaz'. His signature drinks were an instant hit, becoming the best-selling cocktails on the menu.
Yusef also consults for hotels, restaurants, and bars, and has created the bar program for over twenty plus restaurants, including Dos Caminos, Metropolis, and Chefs club in New York City. He's held various Brand Ambassador roles for Elit by Stoli, Tres Papalote Mezcal, where he worked alongside Cheech Marin and Prima, a CBD Health & Wellness LA-based company.
Yusef is often referred to as 'the Rockstar Mixologist' by event guru Colin Cowie and has fueled his parties with liquid gold for events all over the world. From London to Gstaad, from Florence to South Africa.
An avid grower, Yusef loves getting in the garden to grow herbs, spices, and vegetables for the kitchen and thier events.When he is not busy inventing a new flavor profile for their new syrup line, he can be found rocking out in his kitchen with some Led Zeppelin and cooking up a storm.
Nandini Natasha Austin,
Co-Founder The Spice Architect
Nandini Austin is a British certified Ayurveda Health Consultant and Edutainer Of Ayurveda Wisdom that Architect Experiences all inspired by the healing power of spices.
At the Cocktail Architect, Nandini uses her business development skills and culinary and on-camera journalism to add edutainment and food & drink storytelling, into every class.
When she is not teaching, she can be found dancing with her two sons, living a life of well-being at their Herb and Spice farm in the Hudson Valley.
Our Sustainable intentions
We need to nurture this planet and our existence on it— Food and drink enrich our lives and connect us. It is also a way to foster a community as we celebrate each other and life.
Reduce waste, recycle & reuse.
Micro Batch - every mixer is hand made in our Mixology lab in Stoneridge NY.
We use glass bottles not plastic.
We follow the natural rhythm of the seasons and lower our carbon footprint, by ensuring our recipes are seasonal and hosting Virtual events.
Our cocktails are from seed/ spice or plant to glass. We ditch processed ingredients in favor of organic, whole foods the way nature intended.
Our Principles
We create cocktails and Non-Alcoholic drinks with the intent to tell a story and STIR emotions with every sip. As a song evokes memories from days and evenings past we hope a perfectly shaken drink transports you back to that space in time.
We strive for consistency: Our drinks encompass a balance of citrus, spice, sugar, and or alcohol. We want our guests to be open to trying new flavors, spices, and fruits and vegetables
Our Non-Alcoholic drinks are designed to hydrate and nourish you from the inside out, using spices, juices and herbs to promote a sense of well-being, while at any social gathering.
We encourage you to explore your local farmers market, grow your own or check out boxed fruit & veg options.
We always surprise and delight our guests with personalization & customization.