In this fun chat with author and bartender Shannon Mustipher, some of the topics we discuss include:

• How Shannon shifted her passion for art from the canvas to the bar
• What cocktails and great coffee and lattes have in common
• What it looks like to go from designing a simple brunch menu to an entire cocktail program featuring over 50 rums
• The discipline, sacrifice, and passion required to assemble a book that contributes meaningfully to the Tiki discussion
• How to think about Tiki as a "modern" cocktail genre
• What to drink in Cuba with actress and philanthropist Rosie Perez
• And much, much more

Shannon's book, Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails, can be purchased online, or by visiting your local bookseller and requesting that they carry it. Personally, I love how this book is organized, and I love the photography that accompanies the cocktail recipes - each picture really whets your appetite and inspires you to spend time on the presentation of the drink. So please, if you're in the market for a good read and some awesome recipes, grab your copy today.