While in Montauk at the Eastern end of Long Island, I stumbled on a heavenly slice of tropical paradise - Lynn's Hula Hut. Complete with colorful locals and a waterfront location, I immediately fell in love with two of their handcrafted cocktail surprises: the Brazilian Breeze and the Very Berry Brazil. Beautiful, bold, and bohemian, the Hula Hut experience is the creation of Lynn CaIvo, a successful entrepreneur who has travelled the globe in her quest for exotic tropical concoctions, which she graciously shares with visitors who've discovered her tiki oasis, just like I did. The moment I sauntered past swaying palms into the embrace of the bamboo hut, and as refreshing hula juice hit my lips, I found myself transported to that faraway island someplace I'd only dreamed of. Yet I opened my eyes to an equally amazing destination: friendly faces gathered around a tropical bar buzzing with activity. On the beach a local band strummed guitars inviting patrons to dance the night away on the sand.

Aromas of ripe fruit and fresh herbs, keys ingredients of Lynn's organic cocktail creations, lingered as rifts of reggae, blues, or rock and roll drifted across the water luring others to join the fun. It's easy to get lost among the good people there, like you've been invited to an exclusive beach party somewhere.