Q&A: Kim Haasarud of Liquid Architecture

~ Drinks, books, travels, and motherhood. Oh, my! ~

A lot of people around the country probably think of Arizona as a destination for vivid landscapes and golf vacations only, but the state also boasts one of the most underrated cocktail scenes around. February 13th is the start of a celebration of the craft with Arizona Cocktail Week running through the 21st. I was honored that Kim Haasarud, founder of the event, author, and James Beard-honored mixologist, shared insight on her busy life right before Cocktail Week starts. 

The LAB: Can you name one moment or lesson during childhood that has helped you with what you currently do professionally?

Kim: I asked A LOT of questions when I was younger. I was that girl in the classroom that sat front and center, and had my notebook and pen out ready to learn. And, then made class go over another 10 minutes because of my questions. Always be curious, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s the only way you’re going to learn and grow.

The LAB: Oddest cocktail and food pairing that you enjoy, but your friends might not appreciate?

Kim: Champagne and onion rings!

The LAB: Yes, please! 

The LAB: You get to pick one super hero power for a week. What is it?

Kim: To be invisible.

A few cocktail examples from Kim's Twitter feed.

The LAB: What is your favorite part about where you live that has nothing to do with food or beverage?

Kim: I love the desert landscape. It’s beautiful: the sunsets are so amazing.

The LAB: If you could have a cocktail, or cocktail book, named in your honor what would it be called, and what flavor notes, or unique layout (if book) would it have?

Kim: Mommy Mixologist, and it would have cool kid's mocktails in there, too. It would be for the working mom that also appreciates a great cocktail.

The LAB: Totally dig that.

Johnny Depp in Black Mass

The LAB: Your favorite movie or book in the last year?

Kim: Favorite book is The Martian. Favorite guilty pleasure TV show is The Walking Dead. Favorite movie... I haven’t been to see an adult movie with an adult friend in ages. So, probably Inside Out. One of my favorites films this year was Black Mass with Johnny Depp. Saw that one in a hotel. Wow, what a performance!

The LAB: You are coming off weeks of long days, and hosting lots of company with Arizona Cocktail Week. You have a bottle to open and consume solo, and one album to listen to. What are they?

Kim: The last thing I probably want is a cocktail, to tell you the truth. So, it’s probably a nice bottle of bubbles. The album would be Brand New Day by Sting. That album never gets old for me. Gets me relaxed, but also motivated for the next thing. :-)

The LAB: We're rooting for Kim, and I'm really grateful for the time she took to share with us. Cheers to Arizona Cocktail Week! If you are a cocktail fan be sure to check out her books. - Jason

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