Robert Simonson

Contributing Editor

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).

Cocktails

Cracking the Codex

When Cocktail Codex took home the James Beard Award for book of the year, it represented a milestone for the beverage category. What can we learn from its victory?

story: Robert Simonson
photo: Dylan + Jeni

Cocktails

This Is How Fat-Washing Happened

“For the Record” traces the milestones of modern cocktail culture. This round, how the Benton’s Old Fashioned launched a viral technique.

story: Robert Simonson
photo: Lizzie Munro

Places

Bar Review: Cure, 10 Years Later

What began as New Orleans’ coltish home to “rogue cocktails” has assumed a mantle of gravitas.

story: Robert Simonson
photos: Cory James Photo

Cocktails

In Search of the Ultimate Hemingway Daiquiri

We asked 11 of America’s best bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the Hemingway Daiquiri—and then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best.

story: Robert Simonson
photo: Daniel Krieger

Cocktails

Bartending Has Changed

When did joining the rat race become a requisite?

story: Robert Simonson
illustration: Lauren Cierzan

Places

Mark Wagner’s Got Stories

Ask the 27-year veteran of Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse about Elizabeth Taylor’s Champagne-fueled monologue. Or Billy Joel’s impromptu piano set. Or the guy on a date with a doll.

story: Robert Simonson
photo: Nick Murway

Cocktails

A New Kind of Japanese-Style Bar

At Katana Kitten, Masa Urushido has done away with the quiet formality of the Japanese-style cocktail bar.

story: Robert Simonson
photos: Lizzie Munro

Cocktails

In Search of the Ultimate Ti’ Punch

We asked 11 of America’s best bartenders to submit their finest recipe for the Ti' Punch—and then blind-tasted them all to find the best of the best.

story: Robert Simonson
photo: Daniel Krieger

Cocktails

Dear Cocktail Menu, Never Change

Does a drinks list need to flip four times a year—or even at all?

story: Robert Simonson
photo: Lizzie Munro

Places

Brien Drew Deserves an Emmy

At Elio’s, the Upper East Side hangout for the well-heeled, the longtime bartender is a star. Just ask Tom Selleck.

story: Robert Simonson
photo: Eric Medsker