The making of cocktails is now considered in such high regard that people known as mixologists can make a living from studying and then preparing mixed drinks. These aren't merely barmen and barmaids, but people who take the business of getting drinks exactly right very seriously. Unfortunately not everybody is blessed with the skill of mixology, or simply hasn't got the time to dedicate to learning all of the different combinations of spirits, mixers, and touches that make up the average cocktail. Thankfully, there could be a simple solution on the way for these rank amateurs.
Enkaja is a concept for a modular cocktail mixer from Tatabi Studio. If it was ever to become a real product, it would take the guesswork out of making a cocktail, with all the ingredients needed to make them offered in separate containers ready and waiting to be mixed together.
The concept suggests a system for making cocktails where each ingredient – separated into spirits, mixers, and touches – is sold separately. These can then spliced together in whichever way the drinker sees fit, creating either well-known cocktails or new, personal concoctions incorporating all of the individual's favorite ingredients.
Each of the elements of the future cocktail would be held in a plastic module which would piece together with others to form a cylinder. Each module has a foil-covered hole at the top and bottom. When they're slotted together, the foil is broken and the contents are able to mix together. Once a full cylinder is formed from all of the elements you want to have in your drink, the cocktail can then be poured out and enjoyed.
There are some obvious drawbacks to this system. Firstly, Tatabi would have to source all of the different drinks on offer. Cocktail connoisseurs will not want the cheap alcohol used in their creations. Secondly, there is no room for ice, which is an important element in its own right. The plastic modules could be stored in an ice bucket, but again that wouldn't please the purists.
However, these issues would pale into insignificance against the fun that Enkaja could create at parties. Sure, mix-and-match mixology would probably be nothing more than a novelty, and there would be as many undrinkable creations forged as delicious drinks, but it would sure be entertaining. If not expensive.
Personally, I'll be sticking to the whiskey for the time being ... but I'm still hopeful that The Inebriator will one day make it to market.
Source: Tatabi Studio via Co.Design
