CHATTING FABULOUSLY WITH CAMILLE W.

I met Camille at a food blogger/influencer event last summer in Harlem and loved the fact that she is a lover of all things cocktails and spirits. On her Instagram she spills her knowledge of cocktails from garnishes and beautiful photography, all the way down to the definition of some of our favorite drinks.

Camille's background is not in the hospitality industry and I love that fact as well. To see someone passionate about a part of the industry that you enjoy so much is always my favorite thing to watch. It also propelled Camille to launch The Cocktail Snob, her own space on the world wide web showcasing her passion for beverages and helping her readers have happy hour at home.

Here, Camille shares with us her beautiful education, how she maintains her FAB lifestyle and her 4 tips for ordering cocktails when dining out.

Where Did You Get Your Education?

Camille W. - For undergrad, I went to Temple University in Philadelphia, where I received my Bachelor's in Psychology. I also have both a Master of Arts and a Master of Education in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University.

What is Your Current Position?

CW - By day, I work as the Assistant Director of Visitor Relations and Special Events at NYU. In my position, I work to nurture student leaders by supporting their holistic growth and development. When I'm not mentoring college students, I am helping my readers create happy hour at home and discover new cocktails on my blog, The Cocktail Snob.

What Makes You So Passionate About Cocktails?

CW - I love cocktails because they bring people together. Cocktails are there when we want to celebrate life's memorable moments-both big and small. Also as a first-generation Caribbean-American, spirits, especially rum, were a huge part of my upbringing and always intrigued me. I'm passionate about cocktails because I believe there is a cocktail out there for everyone, no matter what their preference might be.

What Are Some Spirits That Should Always Be In Your Home?

CW - I think it's always a good idea to have bottle of wine on deck just in case your friends decide to pop by. Other than that, you should always have a bottle of whatever your favorite spirit is-whether it's whiskey, tequila, whatever floats your boat. Personally, I always have a little bit of everything because I'm always experimenting and creating new recipes. I also think having a bottle of bubbles on hand is important so you can be ready pop a bottle to celebrate in a moment's notice.

What Are Your Tips for Ordering Cocktails When Dining Out?

1. Be open! Unless you have an allergy, don't let one ingredient in a drink deter you from ordering a cocktail.

2. Don't be afraid to ask questions if there's something on the menu you don't understand. I know cocktails at some of the more upscale bars can be intimidating. But remember the bartenders are there to help you. And if they wanna earn a great tip, they'll want to help you choose something you actually enjoy.

3. Don't ask a bartender to remove or substitute a cocktail ingredient. Cocktail recipes are thoughtfully crafted to ensure they're well-balanced. So removing just one ingredient has the potential to throw the whole drink off.

4. Last, but certainly not least, tip well. 15% is the absolute minimum you should tip on a cocktail but I suggest 20%.

What's in Your Fridge Right Now?

CW - Eggs-I love eggs with every fiber of my being. Plus, they are quick and easy to make so I always keep them on hand. I also have homemade simple syrup, Reed's ginger beer, and enough Trader Joe's snacks to feed all of NYC.

What Do You Do To Have & Maintain A Fab Lifestyle?

CW - My life mantra is if you're waiting for the weekend, you're doing it wrong. To have and maintain a fab lifestyle, I don't wait for the weekend, for summer, for the holidays. I just live...fabulously of course. I also treat myself whenever possible and try my best not to compare myself to others.

What is Your Food Philosophy?

CW - Eat the cupcake, sis! What I mean by that is don't restrict yourself from food. Instead, enjoy everything but in moderation.

What is Your Food Guilty Pleasure?

CW - I'm from NY so to me, there's nothing that screams comfort food like chicken wings and pork fried rice with extra duck sauce from the neighborhood Chinese spot.

Where Do You Go for A No Fail Cocktail?

CW - My Friend Duke in Kip's Bay. The staff is phenomenal, the decor is sexy, and the drinks are out of this world. I hosted my birthday and 1 year blog-iversary party there last year.