Positive Damage

Positive Damage

Home
Mindful Drinking
Drink Recipes
Profiles
Books
Derek Brown
Archive
About
Abraham Lincoln on Mindful Drinking
How an 183-year-old speech in Springfield, Illinois, presaged the mindful drinking revolution.
 • 
Derek Brown
4
Please Don't Splash the Vermouth
A mini-guide to the fortified wine Vermouth, with or without alcohol
 • 
Derek Brown
Dear Stress Drinkers
We all could use a little relief, but drinking more alcohol isn't the answer.
 • 
Derek Brown
2
Recipe of the Month: Straight Razor
A vermouth cocktail that can be made no- or low-alcohol to ease yourself out of Dry January.
 • 
Derek Brown

January 2025

Dry January is Over, Now What?
You've made it nearly 31 days without alcohol (or much alcohol), a little reflection can set the stage for how you decide to drink going forward.
 • 
Derek Brown
When the Juice Isn't Worth the Squeeze
How to make delicious non-alcoholic cocktails without relying on fruit juices.
 • 
Derek Brown
The Other Surgeon General Recommendation 🩺
While the headline news from the Surgeon General is about alcohol and cancer, perhaps we're missing the point––we need to rethink the way we live.
 • 
Derek Brown
1
Recipe of the Month: 11:11 Cocktail🥂✨
This easy but delicious non-alcoholic cocktail is a great way to kick-off Dry January.
 • 
Derek Brown

December 2024

Bubbles Beyond Wine
Five delicious non-alcoholic sparkling teas, ciders, and cocktails to celebrate the holidays.
 • 
Derek Brown
5
Bartenders Can Change The World
Mindful bartenders can do more than pour drinks, they can make a profound difference in someone's life through fostering connection. Maybe it's time to…
 • 
Derek Brown
2
The Weekend Pour: I'm Having a "Goth Synthesizer New Wave Moment"👨🏻‍🎤
I just unwrapped Spotify Wrapped 2024 and thought it’d be fun to share some of my top moments in music and podcasts this year—with a drink in hand, of…
 • 
Derek Brown
Recipe of the Month: Twelfth Night Cider 🍎
It’s cold outside—perfect weather for cozy, warm drinks like this delicious non-alcoholic spiced cider, inspired by an early 19th-century recipe.
 • 
Derek Brown
© 2025 Derek Brown
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture