For mixologist LP O’Brien, the best drinks are always personal
When you order a drink from mixologist LP O’Brien, you’re not just getting a cocktail or mocktail. You’re getting a piece of O’Brien herself.
That’s because from the creations she mixes to the business moves she makes and organizations she supports, LP puts her story, her values and her authenticity into everything she takes on.
The Washington, D.C.-based O’Brien is the founder and CEO of LP Drinks Co., an event production and bar consulting company, which works with clients to create unforgettable cocktail experiences.
“For me, creating a cocktail is like writing a poem,” she says. “It’s a way to connect people to culture, history and each other, all in one beautiful glass.”
For many industry leaders, that would be enough to keep them busy, but not O’Brien, who has her hand in a number of projects that reflect her passions.
After going alcohol-free during her first pregnancy, O’Brien decided to lean into the burgeoning NOLO cocktail movement, bringing the same finesse and sophistication to mocktails as she does their boozy counterparts.
She is a shareholder in ready-to-drink non-alcoholic cocktail brand Siponey Spritz Co, a B corporation that gives a percentage of revenue to environmental groups. (Libbey is proud to partner with Siponey on an exclusive Slim Can Glass.)
“We’re seeing more professionals and brands alike align with meaningful missions, and the rise of non-alcoholic options is breaking down barriers, making the beverage space more accessible and dynamic,” she says. “This is a transformative time where values are driving innovation.
Additionally, O’Brien is the co-founder, CEO and creative lead for Focus on Health, an advocacy program that educates mixologists on ways to find health and wellness behind the bar and in their off-hours
Outside of the industry, TV viewers may know O’Brien from the Netflix mixology competition show “Drink Masters,” which she won in 2022. Cocktails like “Everything but the Alley Cat,” inspired by the bodega culture of her Bronx childhood, helped her wow the judges on her way to victory.
Her win on the show was the culmination of a decade-plus of working her way through the ranks from bar back to server to management, forging her passion for crafting drinks and fostering hospitality. She furthered her skills in a number of high-profile venues in the D.C. area before striking out on her own.
O’Brien’s rise in the industry wasn’t without its challenges. “Early in my career, I often felt out of place or doubted my worth, especially as an Afro-Latina in a field where representation was limited,” she remembers.
But instead of bringing her down, those experiences helped her blossom. “They pushed me to stand firm in my identity, to know my value, and to focus on creating meaningful work that speaks for itself.”
Now, she encourages up-and-coming mixologists to embrace their authentic selves while honing their craft. “Watching them grow, become more confident and realize the endless creative and professional possibilities of this industry is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
"Early in my career, I often felt out of place or doubted my worth, especially as an Afro-Latina in a field where representation was limited. They pushed me to stand firm in my identity, to know my value, and to focus on creating meaningful work that speaks for itself.
And if anyone knows about letting her individuality shine, it’s O’Brien, who infuses every one of her creations with a story
Now, she encourages up-and-coming mixologists to embrace their authentic selves while honing their craft. “Watching them grow, become more confident and realize the endless creative and professional possibilities of this industry is incredibly rewarding,” she says.
And if anyone knows about letting her individuality shine, it’s O’Brien, who infuses every one of her creations with a story.
“I draw inspiration from places, emotions or cultural moments in history and layer flavors, textures and techniques to bring that narrative to life,” she says.
Of course, the glassware is also a key part of that story. “It’s the frame around the masterpiece,” she says. “Whether it’s a coupe that feels luxurious in your hand or a tumbler that grounds a bold drink, the right glass enhances the experience, making the drink not only taste but feel intentional.
For O’Brien, a great piece of glassware sets the tone for the drink to come. “Its shape, weight, and design create an emotional connection with the drink, framing the garnish and inviting the guest into the experience,” she says. “A thoughtful glass elevates the entire presentation, transforming the drink into an artful, multisensory moment."
And from her pop-up bar Bodega Culture to the soon-to-open Bar Lienzo in D.C., O’Brien’s own story is woven into the DNA of every project.
“Every drink and design choice honors my journey, creating spaces that feel personal and intentional,” she says. “These spaces reflect my Afro-Latina identity, celebrating storytelling, art and connection.”
O’Brien’s career is proof that success doesn’t come from trying to follow the crowd, but charting your own path. “Your individuality is your greatest strength, and letting it shine will set you apart in this competitive industry,” she says.
