U.S. of N/A: Non-Alcoholic and Mindful Drinking
The U.S. of N/A podcast series is about the people and places putting mindful drinking and functional beverages on the map, one crafted sip at a time. In our video episodes we sit down with founders and innovators who are contributing to a beverage culture that is a bit more healthy, and a little less boozy. And in our new audio-only Quiet Pour series, we'll bring you authentic stories from all walks of life talking about what mindful drinking means to them. Brought to you by N/ATION Collaborative, LLC.
U.S. of N/A: Non-Alcoholic and Mindful Drinking
Taking Mindful Drinking To The Mainstream: A Conversation with Derek Brown
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Few people have shaped the mindful drinking movement more than Derek Brown. He's the Co-Founder/President of Drink Company and the Mindful Drinking Fest, the latter being the largest event of its kind in the country. A celebrated bartender and sommelier turned NA pioneer, Derek has since consulted on high-profile non-alcoholic programs for Dōgon and Hilton, and judged some of the world's most prestigious food and beverage competitions.
Key Topics:
- Derek's path from bartender and sommelier to becoming a leading voice in mindful drinking.
- The most common excuse operators give for not taking NA seriously, and why he thinks many restaurants still struggle with their zero proof menus.
- What makes a world-class non-alcoholic drink, from a veteran competition judge's perspective (hint: it's not just what tastes good to him).
- How the industry can hold space for both moderators and the fully sober without collapsing the distinction.
- The rise of "proxy" brands redefining the cocktail rather than imitating it.
- How we can fully "normalize" ordering zero proof options, and become an established part of the mainstream.
Mentioned in this episode:
Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide To No-and-Low Cocktails (Derek's book)
People on this episode
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