The Full Story
Austin Powers
Rooted in Brooklyn and now based in the Hudson Valley, The Cocktail Architect was founded by renowned mixologist Yusef Austin and Ayurveda Embodiment Guide Nandini Austin.
With decades of experience in luxury hospitality, their paths first crossed in New York City’s boutique hospitality scene. Today, they bring together global travels, diverse cultural influences, and a shared passion for flavor and hospitality to create distinctive cocktail and zero-proof experiences.
Yusef Austin
Yusef Austin is an internationally recognized mixologist, beverage consultant, and hospitality expert with more than two decades of experience creating exceptional cocktail experiences.
From New York City’s iconic Mercer Kitchen to the launch of the Boom Boom Room at The Standard, Yusef has developed beverage programs and experiences for acclaimed restaurants, luxury hotels, global brands, and high-profile events around the world.
A former Brand Ambassador for elit by Stolichnaya and Tres Papalote Mezcal, Yusef is known for his innovative use of botanicals, spices, and global flavors—bringing creativity, craftsmanship, and sophisticated hospitality to everything he creates.
Nandini Austin
Nandini Austin is The Cocktail Architect’s experiential strategist, bringing together luxury hospitality, wellness, storytelling, and the art of healthy hedonism.
A Certified Ayurvedic Holistic Consultant, Nandini draws on the principles of Ayurveda including botanicals, spices, seasonality, and mindful indulgence to shape distinctive cocktail and zero-proof experiences with a deeper sense of purpose.
She also serves as Director of Luminary at Kripalu, one of the country’s leading centers for yoga, Ayurveda, health, and human potential. At The Cocktail Architect, Nandini leads experiential strategy, partnerships, and storytelling, helping create corporate workshops, wellness activations, private events, and immersive experiences designed around flavor, pleasure, and connection.
