Kevin Peterson

In this engaging conversation, Kevin Peterson, a scientist-turned-mixologist with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, delves into the intriguing science behind crafting cocktails. He explains how balance, temperature, and flavor ratios are critical to creating the perfect drink. Peterson also shares insights from his Cocktail Genome Project, which personalizes cocktails based on individual preferences. The discussion highlights the fusion of artistry and science in mixology, making it clear that cocktail crafting is both a sensory and technical endeavor.

Dr. Kevin Peterson, cocktail bar founder and author who researched customer cocktail-rating data. He discusses why matching people to their ideal drink is much harder than perfecting classics. The conversation covers high-dimensional preference variables, algorithmic and bartender-led ways to zero in on tastes, why spicy and bitter elements polarize, and how menu language and profiling can guide better matches.