Biography
Darryl Robinson, better-known as "DR Mixologist", was the star of Drink Up (2010) on The Cooking Channel, where he spirited you away to a world of colorful cocktails from around the world. Darryl shook and stirred his way to center stage of the rapidly-emerging cocktail culture with his engaging and flavorful personality, and innovative mixology talents.
Darryl's love for mixology began at his childhood home bar, where his family entertained. His natural talent for mixology grew through college bartending jobs in famed establishments such as "The Kings Arms Tavern" in Williamsburg, VA, where he became inspired by innovative cocktail creations.
Following his graduation from The College of William & Mary, Darryl set his sights on the glamour of New York City, in pursuit of an acting career. He quickly had successes with voice and national commercial spots for Anheuser Busch, Mrs. Field's Cookies, General Motors, The United States Navy; as well as numerous appearances on Loving (1983), Guiding Light (1952), Another World (1964) and As the World Turns (1956).
However, Darryl never abandoned his thirst for mixology and continued to engage both careers, simultaneously. With a love for people, fueled by a passion to entertain and serve, he continued honing his mixology craft into sheer artistry, amassing a large following of loyal patrons, who became fans of his signature and creative cocktails.
In 2005, Darryl joined one of New York City's hottest nightspots, "Hudson Bar" (located at Ian Schrager's Hudson Hotel) and continued to seduce patrons and peers, alike, with his unique and edgy "sexy sippers". He also served as a consultant to many bar and restaurant owners looking to create a "cocktail experience" at their venue. In 2010, Darryl married his entertainment and mixology aspirations when he became host of Drink Up (2010), a "cocktails and conversations show" on The Cooking Channel. "Drink Up" is Cocktail's 101, demystifying the spirits world.
His work on "Drink Up" garnered him a 2010 Tasty Award nomination for Best New Drink/ Beverage Program.
Darryl made frequent TV guest appearances on Extra (1994), The Wendy Williams Show (2008), The Dr. Oz Show (2009), "NBC 10 Early Show Live", "VH1 Big Morning Buzz Live", Access Daily (2010), "The Today (1952) Show" and "Bloomberg Radio Live", where he created specialty cocktails with celebrity co-hosts. He was also featured in print, TV and radio media, including USA Today, New York Times, Washington Post, Huffington Post, Black Enterprise, Business Week, Essence, New York Daily News, Black Enterprise, New York Post, San Francisco Weekly, FineLiving.com and WPIX News. Darryl was an active member of the US Bartender's Guild, The International Bartenders Association and the Museum of the American Cocktail.
Darryl continued to develop his "DR Mixologist" brand and position as a recognizable personality in the spirits industry and cocktail culture until his untimely passing in February 2014.
