
![?php echo $image['alt']; ?>](https://talesofthecocktail.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TOTC2023_SpiritedAwards_CF_0487.jpg)
About the Spirited Awards®
Since its founding in 2007, the Spirited Awards® have become one of the industry’s most sought-after awards, recognizing beverage professionals, products, establishments, journalists, and media across every facet of the spirits and cocktail community on a global scale. The award categories spotlight a range of talent from bartenders, journalists, and brand ambassadors, to brands and media, to ensure each aspect of the industry is well represented and recognized for its contributions.
The Spirited Awards® are composed of industry accolades, both U.S. and International, writing and media awards, and a few highly coveted, overall awards that transcend regionality including World’s Best Cocktail Bar and World’s Best Cocktail Menu.
Official Media Partner
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is pleased to share that Forbes is the official media partner for the Spirited Awards.
About Forbes
Forbes champions success by celebrating those who have made it, and those who aspire to make it. Forbes convenes and curates the most influential leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving change, transforming business and making a significant impact on the world. The Forbes brand today reaches more than 150 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 44 licensed local editions in 77 countries. Forbes Media’s brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements.

Spirited Awards® Categories & Regional Breakdown
International/U.S. Award Categories
Spirited Awards® for the drinks industry in which International and U.S. bars, teams, and individuals are recognized.
Disclaimer: Any person or establishment that has previously won a Spirited Award is not eligible for nomination in the category for which it won.
Top
(International/U.S.) Bartender of the Year
Best (International/U.S.) Bar Mentor
Best (International/U.S.) Brand Ambassador
Best (International/U.S.) Bar Team
Best (International/U.S.) Cocktail Bar
Best (International/U.S.) Hotel Bar
Best (International/U.S.) Restaurant Bar
Best New (International/U.S.) Cocktail Bar
Timeless (International/U.S.) Award
Global Categories
Tales Visionary Award
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
World’s Best Spirits Selection
Writing & Media Categories
Eligibility criteria around repeat winners:
- “Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication” & “Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series”: Winners are limited to no more than one (1) award every five (5) years.
- “Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing”: The writer of the winning piece is limited to no more than one (1) award every five (5) years.
- This does not impact future nominations with the same publisher.
- “Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book” & “Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits”: An author may not win the same category two (2) years in a row and is limited to no more than two (2) awards in the same category within five (5) years.
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing
Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series
Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book
Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits
Additional Industry Awards
The following awards are NOT available for public nomination
Top
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
World’s Best Bar
Regional Breakdown
Each year, the Spirited Awards® judges also break down regional recognitions for these categories. Please find the breakdown of each region below:
Top
International Regions - Asia & Pacific (APAC)
International Regions - Canada
International Regions - Europe
International Regions - Latin America & Caribbean
International Regions - Middle East & Africa
US Regions - United States - Central
US Regions - United States - East
US Regions - United States - West

Spirited Awards Committee
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards® Committee, including Co-Chairs, Regional Committee Members, and Writing & Media Judges, is composed of respected bartenders, bar owners, educators, and writers from across the globe. Drawing on their years of experience and their knowledge of the current work being done locally, nationally, and internationally, together the Co-Chairs and Judges can evaluate nominees from far and wide to ensure that the Spirited Awards are inclusive and represent the breadth and diversity of the global drinks industry.
This Committee is dedicated to valuing the inclusion of the communities we serve by enlisting a judging panel that reflects their incredible diversity in terms of race, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality.