First things first, will the robots replace us?
Daphne:
There's always this idea that robots will replace us, but what we are seeing with AI and new technologies is that it is more an empowerment tool, allowing young generations of bartenders to be more educated around all categories of products and flavours.
Alex:
I think we need to use technology for difficult and boring things nobody wants to do, or that take a lot of labour. We should leave all the creative stuff to us. It doesn't mean that you cannot use AI in creative ways.
Daphne:
Also in terms of quality of service, we can say ‘Made by real humans’, not made by robots!
What can we learn from other industries about the future?
Daphne:
When you look at other industries – fashion, cosmetics now – it's even customised based on your DNA and on your own lifestyle. Why not spirits in the future? Everybody has their own taste, expectations, needs, and even, I would say allergies. There is an opportunity for bars to offer customised sensory experiences.
Alex:
If we talk about other industries, think about La Labo. You can print whatever you want, on a label. Why is it not possible in the spirits shop? You just need a printer or engraver in the shop, and suddenly you're adding that extra layer to your experience.
What’s an unexpected trend shaping the industry?
Daphne:
Social media is redefining the way we consume, you know, in the sense that nobody expected cocktails to be such a good opportunity for content on social media.
Alex:
We had this girl with a big social media following who commented about a drink that looks like water yet is ‘amazing and delicious’.
And still now, a year-and-a-half later we have people coming to the bar, asking for the ‘the drink that looks like water yet is amazing and delicious.’ They literally use the same phrase from this TikTok video.
And what about an emerging city or region?
Daphne:
It’s still emerging, but we also see signals of a cultural and modern influence coming from sub-Saharan Africa. Flavours, ingredients, but also, culture in general will come to influence more and more consumers in Europe. It's already happening with music, with art, with photography and so on from Africa, with Afro trap, Afrobeat, Afro everything.
It’s our shout, what drink would you like our robot bartender to create?
Daphne:
Una Mezcalita por favor!
Alex:
OSM – our one-sip Martini!
