Robert Simonson writes about cocktails, spirits and bars for the New York Times. He is the author of The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World's First Classic Cocktail (2014), A Proper Drink (2016) and 3-Ingredient Cocktails: An Opinionated Guide to the Most Enduring Drinks in the Cocktail Canon (2017).
Robert Simonson
Contributing Editor
In Search of the Ultimate Gin and Tonic
We asked 15 of America's best bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the G&T—and then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Lizzie Munro
How Bar Dice Became a Wisconsin Institution
In the Badger State, a lucky roll can still win you a free, ice-cold PBR.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Anya Kopischke
Jim Hewes Serves Mint Juleps to D.C.’s Political Elite
Having worked the iconic Round Robin Bar for six administrations, the longtime barman knows when to step back and listen.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Eric Medsker
Bar Review: A Sports Bar for the One Percent
Mordecai, located across from one of baseball’s most famous parks, has assembled one of the country’s most ambitious collections of rare spirits. But who is it for, exactly?
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Lyndon French
In Search of the Ultimate Margarita
We asked 15 of America's best bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the Margarita—then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Lizzie Munro
Dave Arnold and Don Lee Haven’t Run Out of Tricks
Two of the cocktail world’s most progressive thinkers have joined forces to open New York’s most anticipated bar in years.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Eric Medsker
Meet Schlabst, Milwaukee’s Black and Tan
This half-and-half combination of Schlitz and Pabst has been celebrated with T-shirts, anniversary parties and even its own Twitter account.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Pabst Brewing Co.
What Happened to the Bar Tab?
Why “Put it on my tab,” once a bond between bar and loyal customer, has gone extinct.
- story: Robert Simonson
- illustration: Nick Hensley Wagner
Paddy Ford Wants to Get to Know You
If Smith & Wollensky’s longtime barman doesn’t know your name, “you came from someplace else.”
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Eric Medsker
In Search of the Ultimate Mint Julep
We asked 15 of America's best bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the Mint Julep—then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Lizzie Munro
