Mrs. Lilien
Shelby Clark
On her drinking philosophy
“You only live once, and if you’re going to take your liver out, at least do it colorfully. It’s fun, and obviously, everything in moderation.”
On her favorite recipe from the book
“I love the ice cream cone cocktail. I think it’s so fun to eat your booze!”
On her drinking regimen
“I typically start around 3 p.m. and finish right when I’m done serving dinner. We’re senior citizens, so we finish eating at 5:30. And I love going to bed at 9.”
On quality ingredients
“You’d never see me use store-bought citrus juice. And I love really good tonic, especially Jack Rudy Small Batch Tonic, which you can find at Pigment in North Park.”
On accoutrements
“I love monogram cocktail napkins or vintage ones from Great Aunt Ruth. I collect swizzle sticks. And always fun straws.”
On her favorite San Diego cocktail spots
“You can find me at the Hotel Del, which is a few blocks from my house. I also like Starlite, Craft & Commerce has killer drinks, and Bali Hai has a killer Mai Tai. And I freaking love beer. It’s my most guilty pleasure. I love Hamilton’s in South Park for that.”
On drinking games
“If I’m feeling really sassy and I’ve had a couple, I’ll bust out Hostess’ Choice. Whatever I feel like doing—a tequila shot, an Irish car bomb—my guests have to do it. People that come over know that they’ll get themselves into trouble.”
Mrs. Lilien’s Dessert Cocktail Swatchbook, $13, amazon.com
