Lauren 'LP' O'Brien is very passionate about building community though cocktails. As the recent—and first-ever—winner of Netflix's "Drink Masters," she won judges over by taking every challenge at face value and authentically showing her talent.
"I'm obsessed with Agave spirits. In episode one, it was the margarita challenge, and it was the perfect opportunity for me to make a statement that brought a bit of awareness to the beautiful spirits crafted in Mexico," O'Brien shares. "I wanted to make a cocktail that put emphasis on craft and used absolutely no agave. Instead, I used things like bee pollen, fennel, pineapple, and honey. It made this beautiful syrup that accentuated the tequila. Truthfully, speaking making a cocktail isn't the hard part, but creating a connection to the person you're serving is the most impactful thing."
Beyond her title as Drink Master, LP O'Brien is also working to educate her communities, in addition to addressing the disparities found in the beverage sector. She works closely with female creatives of color to shift the way we see the industry. She's currently part of the Patron Perfectionist Program, which puts a big emphasis on education and engagement.
"Working with brands like Patron makes it very easy for me to accomplish my goals of really working with other women of color and educating. It's a really beautiful thing, that collaboration. I'm fortunate to be in a place now to make this magic, and it's pretty awesome."
For those at home who love to whip up their own cocktails, O'Brien says that it's easier than you think. It can be as simple as being intentional about the ingredients that you use.
"Something like taking out regular simple syrup and swapping it for a homemade honey spiced syrup. When we do that, we learn what we like in regard to flavor profile," O'Brien says. "It also gives us a better understanding of what works together and what doesn't, which I think is a really fun research and development phase when you're making cocktails at home."
Below, LP O'Brien shares step-by-step instructions on how to make her Tequila, Lime & Coconut cocktail at home.
LP O'Brien's Tequila, Lime & Coconut
- 1.5 oz Patron Reposado Tequila
- 0.50 oz Santa Teresa 1796
- 1 oz Lime
- 0.75 oz Coconut Syrup
- 2 dashes Celery Bitters
Basil Oil
- 1.5 cup blanched basil leaves
- .5 cup canola oil
Rich Coconut Syrup
- 150 grams Toasted Coconut
- 500 grams Granulated Cane Sugar
- 250 grams Water
Basil Oil
- Blanch your basil by submerging in boiling water for ten seconds. Then, transfer to ice water. Once cool, remove from water and pat dry
- Measure the weight of basil leaves and combine with that amount of oil.
- Purée the mixture thoroughly until the oil changes from a yellow color to deep green.
- Strain the purée with a cheesecloth sling. Keep refrigerated and it should last several days.
Rich Coconut Syrup
- Toast Coconut Flakes until aromatic.
- Mix sugar and water together in a pot on the stove top.
- Add coconut flakes and allow to steep on a low simmer for five minutes.
- Sit at room temperature for two hours and fine strain.
Cocktail
- Shake and strain cocktail ingredients into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish: Basil Oil and Cracked Pepper
