Adventurers and explorers have always gifted us with their unique visions and the ability to push beyond the boundaries of the ordinary. Dennis Zoppi, Bartender & Sensory Design Expert, is one such innovator in the world of mixology. For Dennis, this discipline isn’t just about crafting drinks — it’s an art form that weaves tales and stirs emotions.
“After studying, understanding, and experimenting with traditional mixing rules”, he says, “I’ve overturned many of them — for examples, the use of ingredients, presentation, and preparation techniques — applying concepts like design and multisensory experiences”. In his hands, unusual and innovative raw materials (often borrowed from the culinary world) are transformed using techniques like nitro, smoking, and spherification, and then presented in artfully designed glasses.
The Expression Of An Idea
Each drink becomes a canvas for his ideas, a sensory experience, an aesthetic project, all while upholding the fundamental principles of mixology. The balance of flavors and the quality of spirits must be accompanied by perfect execution and precise measurement.
All five senses are deeply engaged, without compromising the harmony between sweet, bitter, sour and umami elements, which, when well-balanced, create a unique narrative with every sip. “Ingredients play a crucial role in the design of drinks”, Dennis Zoppi explains. “They dictate the colors, textures, and even the transparency, adding a rich visual context to the experience”.
Dennis Zoppi, Aesthetics Beyond Content
The composition of the drink’s “content” is elevated by an artistic presentation. Traditional glasses are replaced by unexpected objects, often custom-made from materials like glass, ceramic or metal, each carefully chosen to enhance the tasting journey.
The quest for beauty and exclusivity has driven Zoppi to complete his professional growth by perfecting the olfactory aspect: “a well-balanced scent can prepare the palate for what’s to come and adds an extra dimension for the guest, turning every moment into a memorable experience”.
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Images courtesy Dennis Zoppi
