Beverage Director
Robert Shamblin
Crafting cocktails that tell a story — from Chicago's acclaimed bar scene to the heart of Bangkok.
Crafting cocktails that tell a story — from Chicago's acclaimed bar scene to the heart of Bangkok.
Since arriving in Chicago in 2015, Robert Shamblin has built a reputation as one of the city's most innovative and thoughtful beverage professionals. He has developed beverage programs at acclaimed venues throughout Chicago, earning recognition from Forbes, Time Out, Eater, and the Chicago Tribune.
Robert's journey into cocktails was driven by a belief that drinks are never just drinks — they are narratives. Each glass carries the weight of its ingredients' origins, the intention of its creator, and the memory of the moment it was shared.
At Sura, Robert brings this philosophy to life — building a bar program that is as intentional and layered as the dining experience at Tarra, while celebrating the vibrant cocktail culture of Bangkok.
Every drink begins with the setting. Robert designs cocktails that feel inseparable from the moment — whether it's an intimate dinner pairing or a late-night conversation at the bar.
A great cocktail either mirrors the flavors on the plate or offers a deliberate contrast. Each drink is crafted in dialogue with Chef Namo's menu at Tarra.
Drawing on global spirits, techniques, and traditions — from Japanese whisky to Latin American agave — Robert creates drinks that transcend borders while honoring their origins.
The best drinks evoke something personal — a place, a season, a feeling. Robert's cocktails are designed to create lasting sensory memories that linger long after the last sip.
Featured for innovative beverage programs
Recognized for creative cocktail concepts
Praised for thoughtful bar programming
Acclaimed for international flavor connections
Reserve your place at Sura and experience a bar program designed to tell your story.
Book a Table