Inside the Spirited Awards 2025: Winners, history and partners.

Spirited Awards: Honouring excellence in the global cocktail community

The Spirited Awards®, presented annually by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, stand as one of the highest honours in the global drinks industry. Since their inception in 2007, these awards have grown to become an international benchmark of excellence, recognising individuals, venues, media, and products that shape the future of cocktails, spirits, and hospitality. The 2025 edition, held in New Orleans on July 24 as part of the wider Tales of the Cocktail conference, celebrated a diverse and impressive range of winners from around the world.

Origins of the Spirited Awards®

The Spirited Awards were established by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) with the purpose of acknowledging exceptional talent and creativity within the hospitality and drinks industries. The idea was simple yet transformative: recognise those who are not only outstanding in their craft but are also contributing to the evolution and betterment of the community. Since 2007, the Spirited Awards have become a respected tradition, evolving alongside the industry and reflecting its global nature.

Set against the backdrop of the Tales of the Cocktail conference an annual gathering that has run for 23 years the awards are more than a trophy ceremony. They are a celebration of resilience, innovation, and inspiration within a field known for its fast pace and ever-changing landscape.

The ideology behind the Awards

Every aspect of the Spirited Awards is driven by a commitment to education, advocacy, and community support. Organised by a non-profit foundation, the Awards go beyond industry popularity or commercial influence. Winners are selected based on merit by a committee of over 250 respected bartenders, bar owners, writers, and educators from all corners of the globe.

In 2025, this dedication was especially reflected in the chosen conference theme, “Evolve.” It celebrated the spirit of change and highlighted professionals who push boundaries while preserving the cultural richness and traditions of cocktail craftsmanship.

Judging process and committee structure

What makes the Spirited Awards so unique is the rigour of its judging process. Candidates are not nominated based on public voting. Instead, each nomination undergoes a careful evaluation by a designated judging panel for its specific category. These panels are led by regional Co-Chairs who bring deep, localised knowledge to the process. In 2025, the leadership included Ryan Chetiyawardana and Tiffanie Barriere as Chairs for the International and US categories, with further representation from regions like Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and Africa.

The Foundation ensures that each vote carries equal weight and that the final decision reflects genuine contributions to the industry. It’s a method that preserves integrity while amplifying lesser-known but impactful voices within the global drinks scene.

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2025 winners: A global roster of excellence

The 19th annual Spirited Awards saw a remarkable lineup of winners across multiple categories, including international, U.S., writing, media, and global recognition. Among the notable winners were:

International Bartender of the Year: Lorenzo Antinori from Bar Leone, Hong Kong
Best International Cocktail Bar: Bar Leone, Hong Kong
Best International Bar Team: Panda & Sons, Edinburgh, Scotland
Best International Hotel Bar: Side Hustle at The NoMad Hotel, London
Best New International Cocktail Bar: Devil’s Cut, Madrid

In the US category:

US Bartender of the Year: Christine Kim, Service Bar, Washington, DC.
Best US Cocktail Bar: Trick Dog, San Francisco
Best US Bar Team: Allegory at the Eaton Hotel, Washington, DC

And among the global honourees:

World’s Best Bar: Kumiko, Chicago
World’s Best Cocktail Menu: Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
World’s Best Spirits Selection: Eleven Madison Park, New York

Special recognition awards added deeper significance to the event:

Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award: Ian Burrell
Tales Visionary Award: Lynnette Marrero
Timeless US Award: The Bar at Keens Steakhouse, New York
Timeless International Award: Bar Cock, Madrid

These awards highlight the incredible breadth and diversity of the global cocktail industry, from emerging talents and new concepts to legendary establishments that have stood the test of time.

Writing and media honourees

The Spirited Awards also shine a spotlight on the writers, journalists, and educators who play a crucial role in preserving and communicating drinks culture. This year’s media winners included:

Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication: Full Pour
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing: “In War-Torn Ukraine, Nightlife Offers a Fleeting Escape” by Adam Robb (Wine Enthusiast)
Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series: Radio Imbibe
Best New Book on Drinks Culture: The Cocktail Parlor by Nicola Nice

These accolades underscore the importance of storytelling in strengthening community, preserving history, and driving awareness within the drinks space.

Acknowledging the 2025 Spirited Awards® partners

The scale and success of the Spirited Awards would not be possible without the generous support of its partners. In 2025, the Spirited Awards proudly welcomed the following sponsors:

Title Sponsor: Pernod Ricard
Presenting Sponsor: William Grant & Sons
Supporting Sponsors: Branca USA, Cheech & Chong Cannabis Co, Flor de Caña Rum, and Johnny Walker
Official Bitters: Australian Bitters Co
Official Cannabis Beverage: Cheech & Chong
Official Champagne: GH Mumm Champagne
Official Glassware: Libbey
Official Ready to Drink Beverage: Juice Runners
Official Ready to Serve Cocktail: The Cocktail Collection
Official Specialty Ice: Abstract Ice
Official Water: Smart Water and Topo Chico

Additionally, gratitude was extended to the Spirited Awards Ceremony bar hosts, including the Ajabu Cocktail & Spirits Festival, G.H. Mumm Champagne, and Le Spritz by Carver Road Hospitality. Their contributions helped deliver an exceptional, world-class experience for all attendees.

The Spirited Awards Directory: A living history

As part of its ongoing efforts to honour past recipients and guide cocktail enthusiasts worldwide, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation maintains the Spirited Awards Directory. This online resource features all nominees and winners since the awards began, offering a reliable guide for discovering top-tier bars and hospitality experiences. For international travellers, beverage professionals, and connoisseurs, this tool is a curated map of global excellence.

Beyond the ceremony: The broader mission of TOTCF

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation continues to work throughout the year to advance the hospitality industry. With programmes designed to educate, support, and foster innovation, the Foundation’s efforts reach far beyond the annual conference in New Orleans. Its educational pillars and international partnerships enable industry professionals to thrive, stay informed, and adapt to a changing global landscape.

Why the Spirited Awards matter in 2025 and beyond

Now in its 19th year, the Spirited Awards are more than symbolic recognition. They serve as markers of progress, community cohesion, and professional excellence. As the drinks industry faces shifts in technology, consumer trends, and sustainability demands, awards like these help set the standard for what quality and leadership look like.

In 2025, with the conference’s call to “Evolve”, the message is clear: this industry continues to transform, and its best practitioners are those who embrace both heritage and forward thinking.

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