I magine tasting a color, drinking an emotion, or sipping on a work of art. In Jessy Santin’s world, an Italian-Australian Bartender and Drink Designer, this isn’t a fantasy — it’s the essence of contemporary mixology. With a unique approach that marries design, color psychology, and deep sensory insight, Santin redefines what it means to craft a cocktail.
Cocktail Design According to Jessy Santin
“If it’s effective, it’s design”, he asserts, unveiling the philosophy behind his revolutionary thinking. For Jessy Santin, a drink begins long before the liquid is poured into the glass and continues beyond the last sip. His creative process, which he calls “liquid design”, intertwines inspiration, observation, and experimentation, embodying the blend of personal and professional experiences of every individual.
A tangible example is his Aboriginal Drink, which not only pays homage to Australian Indigenous culture but also transports the drinker to the heart of Australia. “In 2022, I returned to Melbourne for work and rediscovered the sensory experiences of my childhood, tied to a land I call home”, he explains. Santin’s philosophy is built on three pillars that shape his creative process.
3 Pillars Of The Creative Process
The first is “the art of thinking outside the box. To spark new ideas, you must view the world through different lenses”. His second approach is “learning to sketch an idea to bring it to life”. According to Santin, visualization helps identify potential issues and find solutions even before pouring ingredients into the shaker.
The third pillar is what Jessy Santin calls “the mental balance of the cocktail”. This is where “chromatology” comes into play — a technique that uses color as a visual guide to predict and enhance flavors and experiences. It creates surprising and intuitive pairings because “The color you see is the flavor you taste”.
The Gustatory Nuances Of Jessy Santin
All these principles come together in creations like the Colorful Negroni, a cheerful twist on the classic cocktail. Here, Santin turns the guest into an artist, giving them the chance to personalize their drink by painting it with colorful powders that alter both appearance and flavor. “Color dictates the flavor nuances. This playful element also lets people express their emotions”, he explains.
Of course, “the drink must sell”, but achieving this requires finding a perfect balance between aesthetics and taste through a holistic approach that goes beyond the glass. MyDrinkCreation, the newly launched online platform by Jessy Santin, stems from this philosophy. More than just a mixology course, it’s a comprehensive journey into the world of cocktail design.
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Images courtesy Jessy Santin
