About

Drink Company, co-founded by spirits and cocktail educator Derek Brown and partner Maria Bastasch, is a hospitality consulting and event company. With a mission to educate and entertain, we design exceptional beverage experiences that redefine the bar. Placing a special focus on mindful drinking, we have managed some of the most notable beverage programs in the world, including the award-winning Columbia Room, the globally inspired Maydan, and innovative Dōgon.

In addition to our own ventures, we have consulted for independent restaurants and hotels, such as Marriott and Salamander DC, helping to establish world-class beverage programs that combine operational excellence with creative vision. We are also proud to host the Mindful Drinking Fest, an event that celebrates the evolving culture of no- and low-alcohol beverages while fostering connection and education. Through our dedication to Shaping Modern Beverage Culture and commitment to innovation, we have solidified our reputation as a leader in cocktail culture and a pioneer in reimagining the role of drinks in hospitality.

Our Team

  • Derek Brown

    Derek Brown is an author, NASM-certified wellness coach, and founder of Drink Company. Formerly one of the nation’s top bartenders, he owned Columbia Room in Washington, D.C., awarded Spirited Awards' 2017 “Best American Cocktail Bar,” and was named “Bartender of the Year” by Imbibe in 2015. From 2015–2020, he served as Chief Spirits Advisor to the National Archives Foundation.

    In 2019, Brown published Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters: How the Cocktail Conquered the World and was named 2020 “Author of the Year” at the Nightclub & Bar Show Awards. In 2018, he shifted his focus to mindful drinking, sharing his journey in a 2020 Vox article, “Becoming a ‘mindful drinker’ changed my life.” He continued this advocacy with his second book, Mindful Mixology: A Comprehensive Guide to No- and Low-Alcohol Cocktails (2022).

    Recognized globally, Brown has appeared on Drinks International’s “Bar World 100” list and Imbibe magazine’s “Imbibe 75” for 2023. In 2024, he received the Industry Impact Award at the Bar & Restaurant Expo. He now co-hosts the Mindful Drinking Podcast, co-founded the Mindful Drinking Fest, and authored NASM’s Mindful Drinking course, helping individuals and companies embrace mindful drinking and no- and low-alcohol cocktails.

  • Maria Bastasch

    Maria Bastasch is a leader in the social wellness movement, known for curating immersive, storytelling-driven environments that foster connection and well-being.

    Her early career shined in Michelin-starred beverage programs, where she championed ethically sourced, social justice wines. Featured in Food & Wine, NPR, Afar Magazine, and The Washington Post, Maria’s influence spans the beverage and hospitality industries. Through her acclaimed pop-ups, Disco Mary and Playhaus, she blends innovation with belonging, offering alcohol-optional, artful spaces that promote mindful celebration.

    As co-founder of the Mindful Drinking Fest, a yearly festival promoting conscious consumption, Maria continues to inspire intentional gatherings. Focused on sustainability and storytelling, she creates experiences that bridge cultures and foster deeper connections through creativity and social wellness.