the victorian inspired cocktail machine by rogue projects takes you back in time

london based design studio, rogue projects, has collaborated with bombay sapphire and inception group to create a victorian inspired cocktail machine. the ‘mechanical mixologist’ is designed as an experience-driven invention that enables patrons to take a trip back in time while they watch their negroni being made. commissioned for the victorian-themed bar ‘mr fogg’s society of exploration,’ which opened in london in september 2018, the design takes inspiration from jules verne’s 1873 classic novel ‘around the world in eighty days.’

the mechanical mixologist, all images courtesy of rogue studio

the studio was influenced by both victorian invention and modern micro-distilleries. the result is an engineered object with a unique and experimental narrative. designer of the mechanical mixologist and the studio’s founder, richard moss said, ‘the build and automation were complex with many moving parts and design constraints. we needed to find a fabricator who shared our sense of curiosity and imagination. the natural fit was nick reneckles, the founder of nicholas alexander and a specialist in mechanical installations.’

the finished and served negroni

the machine’s objective is to make a precision measured negroni in under one minute. ice is dropped into a glass which the moves along a conveyor to the pouring station. the wheel rotation begins and three unique ingredients led by bombay sapphire dispense from victorian glass vessels. the optic pour is operated using a custom brass arm that lifts via a shaped cam, driven by an additional geared motor. the glass continues along the conveyor to a final sensor where the ice is stamped with the mr fogg’s insignia. the drink is then stirred using a linear actuator and is then slid onto the tray for its final dressing and then is served.

victorian engravings and technical drawings

the mechanical mixologist studio engravings

mechanical mixologist prototyping

mechanical mixologist studio fabrication

central brass disc with custom branded sapphire jewel

custom branded brass disc detail

close-up of mr foggs ice stamp

the society of exploration train carriage entrance

the society of exploration train carriage interior

the society of exploration map room

project info:

project name: the ‘mechanical mixologist’

product designer: rogue projects 

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