Entrepreneur & Mindful Drinking Advocate; Founder of Positive Damage Inc.; Author of "Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters"; Award-Winning Bartender & Cocktail Expert

Washington, DC, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Derek Brown Biography

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.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/17/2026.

Derek Brown Videos

Cocktail Conversations with Derek Brown

Cocktail Conversations with Derek Brown

Derek Brown Talks T.H.I.R.S.T.

Derek Brown Talks T.H.I.R.S.T.

Bartender Derek Brown at Southern Efficiency

Bartender Derek Brown at Southern Efficiency

Rising Star Derek Brown shows us how to make a Bourbon Milk Punch using the Vitamix The Quiet One.

  • How do I book Derek Brown to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Derek Brown

    Speaking fees for Derek Brown, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Derek Brown are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Derek Brown, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Derek Brown speak about?

    Derek Brown is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Business Leadership, Celebrity Chef, Disruptive Thinking, Entertainment, Hospitality, Marketing, Non-Fiction Authors, Social Media, Thought Leadership
  • Where does Derek Brown travel from?

    Derek Brown generally travels from Washington, DC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Derek Brown is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Derek Brown for your event is available upon request. Derek Brown generally travels from Washington, DC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Kimberly Hunter, Ian Burrell, David Wondrich, Dale DeGroff and Jim Meehan. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Derek Brown for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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