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
Bar Review: The Reimagining of New York’s Four Seasons Bar
In Robert Simonson's "Bar Review," he offers a look at some of today’s most notable new venues. Here, he considers The Bar, the Major Food Group's renovation of the iconic…
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Lizzie Munro
In Search of the Ultimate Daiquiri
We asked 20 of today's top bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the Daiquiri—then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Lizzie Munro
Does a Bar Have to Go Global to Stay Relevant?
The pop-up cocktail bar has gone from occasional incident to top-tier requisite. Robert Simonson on the roots of this trend—and why it shows no sign of slowing.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Simone Galucci
Bar Review: Revisiting Boston’s Trailblazing ‘Drink’
In the latest "Bar Review," Robert Simonson takes a fresh look at Boston's pioneering bar, Drink, nearly a decade into service.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Simon Simard
Shaken, Up and … on an Ice Cube?
In recent years, some of the world's leading bars have debuted a new breed of drink—the up-rocks drink.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Lizzie Munro
Bar Review: The Petraske School Evolves
In Robert Simonson's "Bar Review," he offers a look at some of today’s most notable new venues. Here, he considers the loosened sense of formality at LA’s Bar Clacson and…
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Eugene Lee
Let Me Tell You the Rules: Lessons from Harry’s Bar
Famed for being the birthplace of the Bellini, Harry’s Bar in Venice has developed an ethos all its own.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Colin Dutton
When Did Cocktail Menu Debuts Become News?
At some of today’s most highly regarded bars, a new menu is no longer just a list of drinks.
- story: Robert Simonson
- photo: Lizzie Munro
In Search of the Ultimate Martini
We asked 27 of today's top bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the Martini—then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best. Robert Simonson on the search…
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Lizzie Munro
In Search of the Ultimate Manhattan
We asked 17 of America's best bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the Manhattan—then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best. Robert Simonson on the search…
- story: Robert Simonson
- photos: Lizzie Munro
