OM Restuarant | Lounge
92 Winthrop Street
Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA
617.576.2800

Matt Szymanski

Part rockstar, part muddling genius.

Reason you became a mixologist:
It happened by accident really. I started bartending, and somewhere within that, found out how fun it was to create something completely original for people that they had never tasted before. I tend to love playing around with and creating things in all parts of my life, so it was only natural that my desire to create and tweak carried over to mixology. Besides - it's a great way to impress people.

Favorite cocktail:
I have a soft spot for mojitos, though I never order them because I feel bad about asking a bartender to make them. Other than that, I'm kind of a purist. Single malt scotch on the rocks, Jack and ginger. Chilled Beija is pretty much an orgasm in a glass - yep that was a plug, and you know you loved it!

Favorite Beija cocktail (we love shameless plugs):
The Rainy Monday. Both because of the name and because I'm a sucker for smooth tropical flavors.

Craziest cocktail name you've heard:
Slow comfortable screw up against a wall mexican style - always a classic

Craziest cocktail you've ever made:
The Champagne Supernova. Back when I first started bartending I came up with this shot. 13 ingredients, and it glowed it blacklight. Always a crowd pleaser.

Advice for an aspiring mixologist:
Taste everything, all the time. Being a mixologist is like being a chef. You have to be able to recall a myriad of flavors on the fly in order to know where to go with a recipe. The more expansive your palette is, the more creative you will be able to be with your drinks. And never be afraid to take chances with recipes. Nothing is too crazy as long as it tastes good.

Favorite Quote: Show me but where to stand, and I shall move the world. - Archimedes