Note: This interview with Leslie Kirchoff was originally written on November 9th, 2020.
As we navigate the unpredictable waters of 2020, it feels as if we've been in a perpetual state of suspension since March. Yet, in the spirit of resilience, many artists have heeded the call to create. Echoing Toni Morrison’s powerful words, "This is precisely the time when artists go to work," creatives have turned isolation into a catalyst for innovation. Among them is multidisciplinary artist Leslie Kirchoff, who has carved out a unique niche by merging distinctive cocktails with a touch of luxury. A self-proclaimed ice innovator, cocktail consultant, photographer, and DJ, she is building an icy empire that elevates mixology into an art form. In this interview, we delve into how Kirchoff transforms the mundane into the extraordinary, reminding us that even in chaos, joy and connection can be crafted—one disco cube at a time.
During her sophomore year at New York University in 2011, Leslie Kirchoff discovered a passion for DJing at a vibrant nightclub in Paris. It was there that she recognized a significant oversight in the cocktail scene: the ice cube, often overlooked, deserved more creative attention. This realization sparked a journey that would lead her to become an ice cube designer and curator.
In 2018, while experimenting with her mixology skills in her small New York kitchen, Kirchoff launched her flourishing venture, Disco Cubes. Her innovative approach quickly caught the eye of major publications, including a feature in the New York Times, and led to collaborations with high-profile brands like Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Playboy, and Nespresso.
Kirchoff's artistic vision is also evident in her stunning cocktail photography, which she creatively directs in her studio. Her work has graced the pages of Vogue.com and Coveteur, showcasing not only her unique creations but also the artistry behind the perfect cocktail experience. Through her journey, Kirchoff continues to redefine the intersection of mixology and visual art, turning the humble ice cube into a centerpiece of elegance and creativity.
Now based in Los Angeles, Leslie Kirchoff has brought her masterfully crafted cocktails and stunning portraits to life in her first recipe book, Disco Cube Cocktails: 100+ Innovative Recipes for Artful Ice and Drinks. Released in April by Chronicle Books, this book offers a collection of exquisitely developed cocktails by the ice connoisseur. It provides everything aspiring at-home bartenders need, including essential tools, glassware, interesting ice facts, and curated playlists, allowing readers to indulge in the art of mixology with a touch of luxury.
Of course, the book is chock-full of fabulous recipes including:
• Rose Cubes in a White Negroni
• Jalapeño ice for an evolving margarita
• A Golden (Bloody) Mary that shifts from sweet to savory as the ice melts
• The Walter Gibbons with a Red Onion Raft
• White peach spheres for a cool take on a classic Bellini
Each recipe showcases Kirchoff’s innovative approach, ensuring that cocktails not only taste great but also look stunning.
With many people staying in and social gatherings limited, Leslie Kirchoff’s creations offer a perfect way to bring the luxury cocktail experience home. Her recipes and beautifully designed ice cubes allow everyone to craft delicious, visually stunning drinks in the comfort of their own space.
As we navigate this time, enjoying these cocktails can add a touch of elegance and joy to our evenings, making homebound life feel a bit more special. Looking toward the future, Kirchoff's innovative approach not only enhances our current experience but also inspires a new wave of creativity in mixology, ensuring that when the world opens again, we’ll be ready to celebrate with style and flavor.
The Q&A
Fancy Smancy —You create deliciously fancy smancy cocktails how did you get started?
I think my love for ice and cocktails came about while I was DJing and traveling a lot. Trying so many different drinks gave me a curiosity for the craft, and really set my mind wandering.
Kiddie Cocktails —What was the first cocktail you ever had?
I wish I could remember! I was a big fan of Shirley Temples as a kid though, which we called Kiddie Cocktails.
Creamsicle Driver —What is the name of your most decadent cocktail concoction?
The Dream Driver. It’s a rich velvety orange and cream dessert drink.
The Little Planet—What is one of your most intricate and memorable ice cube designs created?
One of my favorites has to be the globe spheres I made for a Discovery Channel event. I used Chinese blue tea, and fresh mint leaves to make them look like little planet Earths.
Visual Playground—What inspires your imagination and your ice cube development?
A lot of different things inspire me, but mainly other visual art. Films, sculptures, design… Also, color and food.
That's So Vintage—Your aesthetic seems to align with vintage 70s and early 80s sensibilities. How did that come about?
I love the simplicity and straightforwardness of a lot of design and art from that era, so I guess that’s just the way I like to capture and create things, too. Plus, I’ve always loved a warm color scheme, which creates some instant nostalgia even when there’s nothing else overly vintage about the photo.
Champagne Luxe—Can you share with us a leisurely and luxe cocktail recipe we can try out at home?
My favorite lazy-fancy cocktail is a Kir Royale - Add a splash of Creme de Cassis to a champagne glass, then top with champagne.
Disco Cubes—Your new book Disco Cube Cocktails has debuted, when and how did you decide to create a book of cocktails and ice cubes?
Actually, it wasn’t my idea at all—I launched Disco Cubes two years ago with a piece in the New York Times, and by chance, the woman who would become the designer of my book read the piece. She then brought the idea to her editor, and they reached out shortly after! It all happened quite quickly.
Future Files—Do you plan to create more books of this nature in the future?
I would love to make another book! It’s always in the back of my mind.
Forward—What’s next for you and Disco Cubes?
Right now I’m operating mostly as a creative studio, so I’ve been shooting a lot. I have a lot of ideas on the horizon for Disco Cubes and I just need to figure out where to start while navigating these strange times!
