Born of ritual, led by instinct.
My journey began not behind a bar, but in the pursuit of perfection. Ice & Instinct is the culmination of years spent refining the dialogue between nature's raw ingredients and the precision of modern luxury.
Teimuraz Benidze.
Founder & Flavor Architect
Four cities,
one standard.
01TbilisiBorn where every celebration begins with a toast and ends in silence. Wine carries memory; ritual defines grace - and that sense of presence has never left.
02LisbonFrom the Caucasus outward, across continents - new palates, a slower light, the patience of aged things.
03MoscowHospitality as perception: to read a room the way one reads a language, to feel timing as rhythm, to turn precision into art.
04New YorkTwo decades of fine wine, resorts and restaurants - the architecture of service - distilled into something rarer: private mixology as ritual.
Iceis discipline - the order, the preparation, the patience of craft.
Instinctis intuition - the pulse, the moment, the whisper that changes everything.
When I arrive at your space, I bring nothing but my tools and attention. No menu, no routine. The evening unfolds in dialogue - between liquid and light, memory and desire.
This is not bartending.
This is Ice & Instinct.
The ritual explained.
How far in advance should I reserve?
Most clients reserve 2-4 weeks ahead. Every evening is built as a one-of-one ritual, and preparation begins the moment we speak.
Do you bring all ingredients and tools?
I arrive with a compact case of precision tools. All ingredients, spirits, and glassware are sourced by the host - I'll provide a tailored shopping list to match your chosen experience.
Can we choose specific cocktails?
For Simplicity and Bespoke, yes - we collaborate to refine a curated menu together. For Omakase, there is no menu - each creation emerges spontaneously in the moment, tailored to individual guests and the evening's flow.
Do you provide a bar setup?
By default, I use your existing space. A full portable bar setup or premium glassware rental can be arranged upon request as an enhancement through The Curator add-on.
Do you travel outside NYC and New Jersey?
Yes, upon request. Travel fees and accommodations are arranged according to distance and event scale - subject to availability.
What about postponements?
Your deposit can transfer to a new date within six months, depending on availability. One reschedule is included; further changes or peak dates may incur a fee.
How many guests can you accommodate?
Simplicity accommodates up to 12 guests. Bespoke up to 15. Omakase can serve up to 25; Foundation scales up to 40 with added bar staff. Larger events can be arranged with additional staff through custom consultation.
Can you create non-alcoholic drinks?
Absolutely. The ritual is about balance and craft, not alcohol. Every composition can be crafted spirit-free with the same precision, complexity, and emotion.
Payment and deposit process
A $1,000 deposit secures your date and is applied toward your final balance. Once your package is confirmed, the total is adjusted: if your total exceeds $1,000, you pay the difference; if it is less, the remainder is refunded. The balance is due at least 14 days before the event.
NDA and insurance
Confidentiality is part of the ethos. NDAs are available upon request. Certificates of insurance can be issued for venues that require coverage.
Each experience is a living dialogue - between craft, instinct, and atmosphere.
Begin the conversation.
Tell me about the evening. A response within one business day, personally.
By appointment only · Est. 2024