Seasonal Cocktail Menu Illustrations
A series of seasonal cocktail illustrations that blend classic line art with modern colour, and a twist of visual storytelling.
Client: Bartolo Sydney
Year: 2018 & 2019 (Four menu editions)
Medium: India ink, graphite pencil & digital colour (Photoshop).
The process
Context: Bartolo Sydney is a cocktail bar and all-day Italian eatery, in Surry Hills. Named after the owner’s Grandfather, it is inspired by traditional venues in Lipari, Sicily. The printed menu is presented as a journal filled with sketches that mix Italian heritage with modern Sydney, telling a new story each season with a fresh rotation of drinks showcasing Italian and Australian ingredients.
Collaborators: Grazia di Franco, Creative Director (cocktail designer)
Brief: I was asked to illustrate a seasonal cocktail menu for print & online, that would combine a sense of classic drinks, a modern twist, and a hint of storytelling.
In 2018-2019, we made four editions of the menu, each time with new drinks designed by Grazia and illustrated by me.
Approach: Combining traditional ink drawing with modern colour and journal-style sketchy pencil backgrounds, the final illustrations signal the unique ingredients, seasonal inspirations, and historical references that add story and interest to the patrons’ experience.
Results: The cocktail menu gained a wide social media following within the global cocktail community on social media, with each seasonal release highly anticipated. Having an evocative, yet accurate, illustration of each signature cocktail helped Bartolo staff to discuss and promote drinks with patrons.
Cheers!