BIO

Maria Bastasch

Drink Company

Maria Bastasch is a hospitality and beverage professional whose award-winning beverage programs and experiences invite people to connect through inclusion and creativity. A certified sommelier and herbalist, she brings a holistic perspective to cocktails that bridges flavor, mood, and well-being.

As a partner at Drink Company, she has led nationally recognized festivals, bar programs, and pop-ups that unite people through creativity and intention—including D.C.’s celebrated Pop-Up Bars, such as the viral Game of Thrones and Cherry Blossom concepts, and the groundbreaking Disco Mary, a plant-forward, alcohol-optional cocktail experience that redefined nightlife.

Most recently, she co-founded and produced The Mindful Drinking Fest, which has grown to become the largest U.S. event dedicated to conscious consumption and social wellness. Her work has been featured in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, NPR, AFAR, and CNN.

Across all of her projects—from pop-ups to large-scale festivals—Maria’s approach blends creativity and strategy to design experiences that celebrate inclusion, inspire connection, and reimagine how people come together.