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Lauren Paylor O'Brien, an influential figure in the mixology industry, gained widespread acclaim for her exceptional performance on the Netflix series Drink Master, where she emerged as the victor of the inaugural season. At 32, she owns LP Drinks Co. Consulting Agency, co-owns Siponey Spritz Co, the pioneering canned cocktail company with B Corp certification, and co-owns Focus on Health, an agency focused on providing health and wellness resources for the food and beverage industry.
O'Brien has established herself as a trailblazing Afro-Latina entrepreneur known for her unique and innovative approach to drink creation. O'Brien's foray into mixology began at Eat the Rich, Southern Efficiency, and Mockingbird Hill in Washington, DC. There, she was captivated by the artistry of her fellow bartenders, from whom she honed her skills in concocting narrative-driven beverages.
"I was officially promoted to my first job behind the bar, where I fell in love with the mixology environment and learned to share my own stories through my cocktails," the mixologist told the specialized site, Spoon University, last year.
Her colleagues at the bar encouraged her to enter her first contest. In 2022, her life changed when she was accepted into the reality show Drink Master. She was recommended for the show, and after successfully passing through multiple selection rounds, she became one of the 12 contestants. She tested her limits on the show by preparing cocktails against the clock.
This experience completely changed LP O'Brien's concept of work: "I learned a lot about myself and about my ability to stay aligned with my mission and values. I learned that I could push my limits and test my knowledge of the trade, while remaining true to myself."
"They gave us a very limited time to prepare for each challenge. It was definitely a bit of a stressful experience. And I'm proud of the end result," she acknowledged.
From her position, the mixologist has used her voice to praise her roots and show pride in belonging to the Latin and African-descendant community.For LP, this triumph represents a victory for all those seeking to achieve their dreams: "Winning Drink Masters as a woman is an honor because I understand its impact and positive influence on people who look like me. It's much less about me and more about how powerful and impactful it is to work hard and have a direct impact on the community."
In the midst of her important professional streak, LP debuted as a mother at the beginning of this year, an experience she describes as incredible: "Motherhood has unlocked depths of love and determination within me that I never knew existed. It's a mess, it's beautiful, it's everything," she wrote on her Instagram account about celebrating her first Mother's Day.
After this professional achievement, LP O'Brien is focused on opening new opportunities for community people interested in learning about mixology: "After this incredible achievement, my focus has shifted to opening doors for the community through mixology education and mentorship. With the Bodega Culture pop-up tour, I’m blending culture, cocktails, and community—creating unique experiences that inspire and teach. Beyond live events, I’m also developing a series of online courses to empower aspiring bartenders and beverage enthusiasts with the skills and confidence to excel in the industry. My passion lies in cultivating talent and ensuring everyone, from beginners to professionals, feels connected and supported," acknowledged the young mixologist.