Congress Could Use a Drink (So Could All of Us)
I served a cocktail at the U.S. Capitol and shared my story of rethinking alcohol, hospitality, and what it means to belong.
Perhaps you’ve noticed we’ve entered a rough patch when it comes to bipartisan agreement. Understatement, I know. Gone are the days of politicians and pundits sharing a drink at Off the Record—the dimly lit District bar where congressmen, presidents, and journalists once presided.
Instead of cold Martinis, cold shoulders are the rule, and it doesn’t seem to matter how many appeals to civility I make. But it won’t stop me.
I know just about everyone in Congress could use a drink. So I made them one: a Hugo Spritz. I made a non-alcoholic version, too. Hopefully, it works its charms. But just in case, I made sure to work mine.
On April 9th, I spoke at the U.S. Capitol during the Alcohol Awareness Month reception hosted by Responsibility.org and the Independent Restaurant Coalition. I was invited to share my story and spotlight no- and low-alcohol cocktails as well as the growing movement of mindful drinking. Also, to make some spritzes.
It felt like a turning point to stand in the halls of power, not just as a bartender, but as an advocate. I spoke after Congressman Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee and talked about what mindful drinking means to me—drinking (or not drinking) alcohol in a way that supports your goals and values.
I spoke about my own journey—from years behind the bar, crafting drinks and curating experiences. Now, stepping into the conversation, working to reshape how we think and talk about alcohol, prioritizing inclusion and choice.
Like many in hospitality, I had found a home in the bar world—a mix of misfits bound together by late-nights drinking and shared purpose in service. That community gave me a sense of belonging, even meaning. But it also often blurred the line between connection and coping.
Changing my relationship with alcohol was a dramatic shift. It disrupted my identity, social life, and life’s work. It was messy, emotional, and at times, deeply isolating. But it also forced clarity. I had to reimagine what hospitality meant—not as escape or performance, but as presence. As care. As creating space for others without losing myself in the process.
That shift has since opened new doors, conversations, and collaborations for me from Mindful Drinking Fest to hospitality projects across the U.S. I’ve found a new way to celebrate—one that centers clarity, connection, and choice. In other words, I can serve others but also get a good night’s sleep. You can’t ask for much better than that.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share both my story and a drink with members of Congress and their staff. Thank you to everyone who made the Capitol reception possible—especially Kelly Poulsen, Leslie Kimball, Erika Polmar, and the teams working to put on the event.
It was wonderful to raise a glass to mindful drinking and share a delicious drink together, with or without alcohol.
What’s happening and what’s next…
I'll be speaking with Maria Bastasch, Brandy Rand, and Marcos Salazar at BCB Brooklyn June 9th during our seminar, “Beyond the Buzz: Best Practices for Building a Successful Non-Alcoholic Brands.” Join me and save 25% with my link or by using code "BCBSpeaker" during registration! 🗣️
The latest episode of The Mindful Drinking Podcast, “What to Do When Willpower Fails,” explores what really happens when intentions slip. We dig into why willpower alone doesn’t work, and what actually helps when you’re trying to make a lasting change. 🎙️
Writing for The Dispatch, Alex Demas explores D.C.’s recent cocktail history in his article, In Better Spirits. Featuring quotes from me, the piece highlights how Washington, D.C. became a destination for serious cocktails. 🍹
Curious what I see in my crystal ball about mindful drinking and the future of no- and low-alcohol? In this interview, I talk to Malvika Patel, Editor and VP, Beverage Trade Network, about the Mindful Drinking and the Future of No/Low Alcohol. ✍🏻