👋 Hi, I’m Derek. I founded Positive Damage, Inc. to foster a culture of mindful drinking and make room for everyone at the bar with delicious no- and low-alcohol drinks. We merge mindful drinking, wellness, and no- and low-alcohol cocktails in our consulting, content creation, and classes. Previously, I owned the Columbia Room in Washington, D.C.—named “Best American Cocktail Bar” at the @tales_of_the_cocktail #SpiritedAwards in 2017—and was counted among the top bartenders in the U.S. More recently I was named by @imbibe as one of the people in drinks to watch for their annual #Imbibe75. Find out more in the links above. Otherwise, I have a lot in store. Hang around for awhile. 📸 by @karlinvillondophotography #mindfuldrinking #alcoholfree #nonalcoholic #boozefree #alcoholfreelife #mocktails #nonalcoholicdrink #noalcohol #cocktails #drinks #mocktail #alcoholfreebeer #zeroproof #bartender #nonalcoholicbeer #cocktailsofinstagram #mindfulness #wellness #beverageconsulting

Check out my new book, Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails. “From Dry January to Sober October, moderation is having a moment. This book from spirits expert Derek Brown will show the sober and sober-curious how to mix complex, sophisticated low- and no-proof drinks. It will include recipes, techniques, and sources.” @rizzolibooks #mindfuldrinking #alcoholfree #nonalcoholic #boozefree #alcoholfreelife #mocktails #nonalcoholicdrink #noalcohol #cocktails #drinks #mocktail #alcoholfreebeer #zeroproof #bartender #nonalcoholicbeer #cocktailsofinstagram #mindfulness #wellness #mindfulmixology #cocktailbooks

It’s #NationalCocktailDay, you say? There’s a book about that. @historicdc and I wrote it a few years back. Far from a complete history, this is cocktail lore told over the bar. It includes the stories and people who made cocktails a unique American (and now world-wide) phenomenon. It also has 45 recipes! This is the story of the cocktail. And here we are on National Cocktail Day. So go buy the book. Independent sellers preffered. We love @boldforkbooks! #cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailsathome #craftcocktails #cocktailhistory #culinaryhistory

☀️ San Diego Photo Dump ☀️ Went to San Diego for a few days to speak at @sommcon with @wearesober and @mariabastasch. We saw friends, made friends, and practiced a little “mindful mixology.” So many great bars and superb non-alcoholic drinks. The @drinksurely wines were so delicious at lunch (favorite pairing: Bubbly Red and fruit tart). And, one large recruit practice boat. Don’t ask. You rock, San Diego. 🤘🏻 #mindfuldrinking #mocktails #sandiego

TRIP TO SOMMCON 🍷 We had an amazing trip to San Diego to taste people on @drinksurely wines and educate sommeliers on the category of non-alcoholic wines. I also visited a few bars that had awesome non-alcoholic cocktails. Hello, @marinimartinisd made one of my top twenty favorite NA cocktails. Ran into DC fam @shake_stir_bootyshake! The gang was there, too. @joshthenonalcoholic was tasting out of the back of his truck,and @zeroproofnation was on the panel with us. Of course, @discomarycollective was there the whole ride and even brought @wilderton_free cocktails up to the room before I left. People, she is the best. All in all, an amazing trip! PS I’m pretty sure I saw @common in the airport whiz by on a golf cart. 💨

⚡️ You’ve all heard of #influencersinthewild but have you heard of non alc educators in the wild? It was a true honor to join renowned hospitality professionals Derek Brown, @positivedamageinc, and Maria Bastasch, @discomarycollective for our lunchtime session at @sommcon: “Adding Zero to Your Pairings” or an intro to non-alc wines. Call our agents because we have NA wine, will travel. 😉 Thank you to @drinksurely for sponsoring our session at @sommcon in beautiful sunny ☀️ San Diego, CA! Some fabulous wine analogs and wine alternatives mentioned: @drinksovi @non.world @copenhagensparklingtea @manufakturjoerggeiger @drinkproxies @beskows #zeroproofnation #mindfulmixology #sommcon #sommelier #nonalcoholic #nonalc #nawine #nonalcoholicwine #discomary #discomarycollective #sandiego #sandyeggo #alcoholfree #boozefree #sobercurious #pointfive #noandlow

NA COCKTAIL PLAYBOOK 🍹 @imbibe featured me along with @douglassjohn @somethingworthsipping and @chrisamirault in their latest issue, which includes an NA cocktail playbook. We all share recipes and tips on making great non-alcoholic cocktails. Recipe for 🤏 hitter in third slide. #cocktailsofinstagram #mocktailsofinstagram #imbibegram

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY FERAGAIA! 😂 Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. But, truly, thank you for creating Scotland’s first non-alcoholic distillery and leading the pack. Here’s to many more! 🥃 #mindfuldrinking #scotland #distillery

❌ WHAT IS STRAIGHT EDGE PUNK? ❌ And what does it have to do with mindful drinking? It’s all about choice. Read more in my new free newsletter, Positive Damage. LINK IN BIO. It’s OK Not to Drink shirt at @newagerecords.

WE DON’T GIVE PARTICIPATION TROPHIES 🏆 At least not for slap dash non-alcoholic cocktails. It has to taste good and you have to think about it beforehand. All the juices you have thrown together? Reminds me of the days of vegetables plates at restaurants. No, thank you. #mocktails #mindfuldrinking #noandlow

KALIMOX-NO 🍷 + 🥤 You may have heard of the Kalimoxto, but how about the Kalimox-No (apologies to Spain)? No alcohol, same delicious taste. Try it with @drinksurely Bubbly Red or with your favorite NA red wine. - 4 oz NA Red Wine - 4 oz Cola - Lemon - Lime Build, add ice, and serve. #Mocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #kalimoxto

Fifteen years ago, I walked off the plane at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to a mild dank smell and the hopeful melody of brass jazz, joining @tales_of_the_cocktail for the first time. 🎺 Since then, many things have changed, including that I have shifted my view from hard-boozing drinks champion to mindful drinking advocate. The conceptual leap was one thing. Going back to Tales, another. In my latest @substackinc newsletter, I discuss five significant things that happened this year at "No & Low" Tales, including so many friends and amazing humans. Read all about it! LINK IN BIO. #TalesoftheCocktail #NoandLow #MindfulDrinking