Speed Rack Academy: The Colored Mixologist Club with Lauren Paylor

The Colored mixologist club

February 9th | 7 PM EST

Before Prohibition most of the bartenders in Washington were African American. During a time when rights were limited and respect was unlikely, working as a bartender was a job that led to elite status and a path of respectability. The contributions of The Colored Mixologist Club are significant in understanding the contributions of the African American community in food and beverage. Join us as we discuss their significance by sharing the stories of their cocktails that paved the way for those to come.

about your bartender

Born in the Bronx, Lauren ventured to Washington, D.C. in 2010 to attend nursing school. While attending school she met Derek Brown. Fascinated by his love for the restaurant industry, LP became an employee of Drink Co. There, through intricate training, she established a thorough understanding of service, cocktails, spirits, and wine. As Lead Bartender, she assisted in the success of the establishments by providing staff members with guidance through education. She went on to become an F&B Manager for Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants in Washington, D.C. where she was introduced to Management. She worked at The Dabney (one Michelin star; James Beard Awards 2018: Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic) as a member of the beverage team. 

 Lauren has competed in Diageo’s World Class US competition and placed in the top four in 2019. She also holds the title for the Hardy Cognac Legend Competition 2019 and the Cognac Connection Competition 2020. 

Prior to Covid-19, Lauren was employed at Silver Lyan at the Riggs DC Hotel under the management of the Mr. Lyan beverage company. She is currently the co-founder and owner of Focus On Health, a company focused on health and wellness for food and beverage employees, along with Alex Jump. She is the brand ambassador for Seedlip, in the Washington, D.C. area, a trainer with the Safe Bars organization, the social media coordinator for Speed Rack and a committee member for the RCWF Fund for Social Justice in Hospitality.

about Speed Rack Academy

Join us as bartenders from past Speed Rack seasons, raise awareness and teach classes about African American history and influence in the food and beverage sector. Classes are free to attend. Donations will support charities funding research to address the disparities of Breast Cancer within the BIPOC community.