Our regular interview series kicks off with the genius mixologist behind the The Cocktail Architect. On October 9th, they invite you to a journey to the Island of Mauritius. For the first event of Bon Voyage Aloha, a "destination" cocktail club, they’ve created 4 flavor-bending cocktails, each with a story behind it, based on Nandini’s home, Mauritius, the folklore, and the mix of African, Indian, Chinese and French flavors. Yusef answered our “Imbibe Your Memories” which features Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell cameo .
What's your favorite bar memory?
I might get in trouble for the first choice, so I go with my second choice which is... I was creating cocktails for a "private" event near Capri, Italy on a ship for a birthday party. Naomi Campbell and I ended being the last of our friends on a Saturday night, so she asked me if I wanted to grab burgers and a bottle of Dom Perignon at 2am, below at the bar which was closed. We got someone in the kitchen to make us burgers and the bottle came out very cold and we had the bar to ourselves while we talked about life. She was super cool and so down to earth!
What's the funniest thing ever happened to you at the bar?
I was working at Mercer Kitchen/Hotel back when it was hot and sexy, when Sub Mercer was rocking! I was so sick of making Mojitos as they were all the rage and time consuming if you make them properly. Kate Moss came up to the bar and asked me what I was shaking. I said another freaking Mojito, LOL. She said, “I want to try one”. So, I made her one and when I saw her walking past me later with drink in hand, she said "The best fucking Mojito I’ve ever had. Safe to say I had to make a lot more of them that night.
What's the most regrettable cocktail you've had and what happened?
A margarita at a Mexican joint. No sweetener, just pure lime and tequila. It was so bad I had to give it back. I just went for something else. If you can’t make an excellent margarita at a Mexican joint, it means there’s not much future for you in the drink making business.
If you name a cocktail after your ex what it would be? Why?
Something fun, sexy and well balanced. I’m friends with all my ex's!
What's your favorite drink after good sex?
Seltzer with a hibiscus and fresh lime syrup. Mixed well and super bubbly!
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