Derek Brown

Derek Brown is an American entrepreneur, author, NASM-certified wellness coach, and a prominent figure in the cocktail and mindful drinking industry. Brown has worked in the hospitality sector in Washington, D.C., for more than two decades, beginning his career as a bartender and eventually owning his own bar in the nation's capital. He developed expertise in wine and spirits, working as a sommelier and being recognized by Wine & Spirits Magazine as one of the top new sommeliers in America. Brown founded Columbia Room, a cocktail destination that received the Spirited Awards' title of "Best American Cocktail Bar," and was named "Bartender of the Year" by Imbibe Magazine.

Brown operated a trio of bars—Mockingbird Hill, Eat the Rich, and Southern Efficiency—which were included in Bon Appétit Magazine's list of the "50 Best New Restaurants in America." He also served as chief spirits advisor to the National Archives Foundation. Brown's writing on spirits and cocktails has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Vox, and other major publications. His work has received multiple James Beard Award nominations, and Playboy Magazine included him among "The 10 Entertainers, Thought Leaders and Heroes Who'll Save Us."

As an author, Brown has contributed to cocktail culture and the mindful drinking movement. He published "Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters: How the Cocktail Conquered the World," which explores the history and evolution of cocktails in America, and was named "Author of the Year" at the Nightclub & Bar Show Awards. His second book, "Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails," established his influence in the no- and low-alcohol beverage space. Drinks International named Brown to the Bar World 100, recognizing leaders driving positive change in the global bar industry.

Brown's focus on mindful drinking stems from personal experience. He defines mindful drinking as a self-led approach to consuming alcohol in alignment with personal goals and health. This perspective led him to meditation and therapy, shaping his approach to wellness and beverage culture. Brown is the founder of Positive Damage, Inc., a company dedicated to promoting mindful drinking and inclusive bar experiences with no- and low-alcohol options. He is also co-founder of Mindful Drinking Fest, host of The Mindful Drinking Podcast, and author of the NASM course on mindful drinking.

Brown has received recognition from Bon Appétit, The Business of Drinks Podcast, and has been inducted into the Sans Bar Non-Alcoholic Hall of Fame. He received the Industry Impact Award at the Bar & Restaurant Expo and was selected as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. Brown has consulted on beverage programs nationwide, including for Hilton and Dōgon by Chef Kwame Onwuachi, where his non-alcoholic beverage list was recognized by VinePair. Through his writing, consulting, and advocacy, Brown continues to influence the beverage industry and the conversation around mindful drinking.