Bartender at Large The Encyclopedia of Cocktails w Robert Simonson | Bartender at Large ep 369
Oct 30, 2023
Join Robert Simonson, a James Beard nominated cocktail writer and author of 'The Encyclopedia of Cocktails,' for an enlightening discussion. He shares the fascinating journey behind crafting his book during the pandemic and delves into cocktail myths, including the origins of the popular pickleback. Quirky anecdotes on unique cocktails and their cultural significance reveal how personal preferences shape trends. Simonson also reflects on the evolution of cocktail culture and the essential role of historical knowledge for today’s bartenders.
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Unexpected Book Idea During Lockdown
- Robert Simonson wrote 'The Encyclopedia of Cocktails' as a fun project suggested by his publisher during COVID lockdowns.
- He enjoyed having time to compile extensive cocktail knowledge accumulated over his career.
Challenge of Concise Cocktail Entries
- Writing concise encyclopedia entries is tough; it requires trimming extensive information into brief formats.
- Research involves revisiting past writings and thorough digging through historical sources.
Approachable Encyclopedia Style
- The encyclopedia is designed for easy, quick reference with approachable, personality-infused entries.
- Readers can learn core facts about cocktails or techniques in just a few minutes per entry.
