Our STORY
Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, The Cocktail Architect was founded by renowned mixologist Yusef Austin and Nandini Austin, a Luxury Business Strategist and certified Ayurveda Holistic Movement Coach.This power couple, both hospitality gurus, first crossed paths in NYC’s elite boutique hospitality scene. Together, they blend their global travels, diverse cultural influences, and rich heritage into exquisite cocktail creations
c duo met while working in NYC's luxury boutique hospitality industry .
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, years later their love child was born. A range of sophisticated spice forward artisan mixers 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.
PARTNERS IN. CRIME - 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.
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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.
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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 Experience Architect
Nandini Austin has hospitality in her DNA. With parents hailing from a small village aptly named Bon Accueil on the paradise island of Mauritius, hospitality has always been part of her dharma.
Having held leadership positions with hospitality and wellness icons—including Ian Schrager (Morgans Hotel Group), David Lynch and Bob Roth (David Lynch Foundation), and event guru Colin Cowie—Nandini blends her expertise in luxury lifestyle and hospitality to curate Deliciously Radiant corporate experiences and events across NYC and the Hudson Valley.
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And as a Certified Ayurveda Holistic Consultant, Nandini masterfully weaves her passions for Ayurveda and dance to create immersive Temple Goddess Events & Retreats where she empowers women get out of their minds and and reconnect with their sensing bodies, celebrating their uniqueness and elevating their life force.
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When she’s not teaching, you can find Nandini dancing with her two sons and embracing a life of well-being at their herb and spice farm in the Catskill Mountains.
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.
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We follow the natural rhythm of the seasons and lower our carbon footprint, by ensuring our recipes are seasonal and hosting Virtual events.
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Our cocktails are from seed/ spice or plant to glass. We ditch processed ingredients in favor of organic, whole foods the way nature intended.
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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