THL: What are your other gigs and interests?

I'm the president of LUPEC Denver Chapter 2, I brought Burlesque back to Denver in the '90s and am known as the Mother of Burlesque in Denver. I've got an amazing tiki bar in my basement, an astounding collection of vintage clothes and hats, and more costumes than anyone — even a working burlesque girl — should ever have.

THL: What is something that best represents your personality?

http://vimeo.com/9621730

THL: What is your bartending style?

Nerdy and friendly.

THL: How do you find inspiration for new cocktails and recipes?

I've got a huge collection of vintage cocktail books that I'm always playing with, but I also get a lot of inspiration from the network of bartenders around the world that I've become connected with.

THL: Besides bartending, what things do you do well?

Dance burlesque, make costumes, travel.

THL: Ever had any strange customer requests while bartending?

At a rum event, in a room party sponsored by Montanya Rum: "Can you make me anything without rum?"

THL: What is your favorite after-shift drink?

Any cold beer.

THL: What is the one thing you can’t live without from your home liquor cabinet?

A good bourbon. Lovely on ice under the stars of a summer sky, perfect warm up in winter.

THL: What is the most underrated cocktail?

A traditional Daiquiri — when made well, people don't believe it's just three ingredients, and always want more.

THL: What is the test of a great bartender?

Achieving the same grace and standard of service while under constant fire that you have on a slow easy night.