Celebrated during Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, the 19th Annual Spirited Awards honor excellence in the drink industry and recognize professionals, organizations, and establishments shaping the hospitality community
NEW ORLEANS, LA (July 25, 2025) – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is honored to announce the winners of the 19th annual Spirited Awards®. Since its founding in 2007, the Spirited Awards have grown into one of the industry’s most respected honors, celebrating excellence among beverage professionals, products, and establishments across all corners of the global spirits and cocktail community. In partnership with Forbes, the official media partner of the Spirited Awards, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) recognized this year’s recipients during the Spirited Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Tales of the Cocktail conference in New Orleans on July 24, 2025.
The Spirited Awards encompass a broad range of honors, spanning domestic and international categories, writing and media awards, and global recognitions that transcend regional boundaries — including prestigious titles such as Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and World’s Best Bar. Today, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation proudly announces the winners across International, U.S., and Global categories. Each recipient was carefully selected by a panel of over 250 industry experts, led by Tiffanie Barriere and Ryan Chetiyawardana, the U.S. & International Spirited Awards Chairs.
“It’s a real delight to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Spirited Awards,” said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.“Each winner represents the spirit of evolution, pushing boundaries, embracing change, and moving this industry forward. Congratulations to everyone recognized – your work inspires all of us! Thank you also to the Spirited Awards Committee and the global community for making this such a remarkable year.”
In alignment with the 2025 conference theme, ‘Evolve,’ this year’s winners exemplify those who embrace change, foster progress, and drive the continuous evolution of the global cocktail community. Their work reflects the spirit of growth and transformation that defines this industry.
2025 Spirited Awards Winners:
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES
International Bartender of the Year
- Lorenzo Antinori — Bar Leone, Hong Kong, China
Best International Bar Mentor
- Iain McPherson
Best International Brand Ambassador
- Dré Masso — Altos Tequila and Nusa Caña Rum
Best International Bar Team
- Panda & Sons — Edinburgh, Scotland
Best International Cocktail Bar
- Bar Leone — Hong Kong, China
Best International Hotel Bar
- Side Hustle at The NoMad Hotel London — London, UK
Best International Restaurant Bar
- Moebius Milano — Milan, Italy
Best New International Cocktail Bar
- Devil’s Cut — Madrid, Spain
U.S. CATEGORIES:
U.S. Bartender of the Year presented by Pernod Ricard
- Christine Kim — Service Bar, Washington, D.C.
Best U.S. Bar Mentor presented by Pernod Ricard
- Colin Asare-Appiah
Best U.S. Brand Ambassador
- Natasha Sofia — Mijenta Tequila
Best U.S. Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons
- Allegory at the Eaton Hotel — Washington, D.C.
Best U.S. Cocktail Bar presented by Pernod Ricard
- Trick Dog — San Francisco, CA
Best U.S. Hotel Bar
- Little Rituals at the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott — Phoenix, AZ
Best U.S. Restaurant Bar
- Kumiko — Chicago, IL
Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar
- Sip & Guzzle — New York, NY
WRITING & MEDIA CATEGORIES:
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
- Full Pour
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing
- “In War-Torn Ukraine, Nightlife Offers a Fleeting Escape” by Adam Robb, for Wine Enthusiast
Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series presented by Cheech & Chong Cannabis Co.
- Radio Imbibe
Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book presented by Branca USA
- The Bartender’s Pantry: A Beverage Handbook for the Universal Bar by Jim Meehan and Bart Sasso with Emma Janzen
Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits
- The Cocktail Parlor: How Women Brought the Cocktail Home by Nicola Nice
GLOBAL CATEGORIES:
World’s Best Bar presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
- Kumiko — Chicago, IL
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
- Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
- Panda & Sons — Edinburgh, Scotland
World’s Best Spirits Selection presented by Flor de Caña Rum
- Eleven Madison Park — New York, NY
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award presented by William Grant & Sons
- Ian Burrell
Tales Visionary Award presented by Johnnie Walker
- Lynnette Marrero
Timeless International Award
- Bar Cock — Madrid, Spain
Timeless U.S. Award
- The Bar at Keens Steakhouse — New York, NY
2025 Spirited Awards Committee
The Spirited Awards Committee comprises revered bartenders, bar owners, educators, and writers who are entrusted with evaluating nominees based on structured criteria. The experienced and diverse committee of judges brings years of expertise and knowledge of industry developments locally, nationally, and internationally. The Spirited Awards nominations are not based on popular vote, and all nominations are evaluated by their respective judging committees, ensuring each vote carries equal weight in the evaluation process.
Honorees were selected by a panel of over 250 industry experts, led by the following Chair and Co-Chairs representing distinct regions:
International Chair & U.S. Chair:
- Ryan Chetiyawardana
- Tiffanie Barriere
Asia Pacific Co-Chairs:
- Andrew Ho
- Symphony Loo
- Alice Newport
- Stefanie Wijono
Canada Co-Chairs:
- Jonathan Smolensky
- Juliana Wolkowski
Europe Co-Chairs:
- Stephanie Jordan
- Camille Vidal
Latin America & Caribbean Co-Chairs:
- Georgina Barbachano Garcia
- Roberto Berdecia
Middle East & Africa Co-Chairs:
- Richie Barrow
- Caitlin Hill
- Lara Rawa
U.S. Central Co-Chairs:
- Amanda Carto
- Joshua Gandee
U.S. East Co-Chairs:
- Jaymee Mandeville
- Natasha Sofia
U.S. West Co-Chairs:
- Erin Shaeferle
- Mary Allison Wright
Writing & Media Co-Chairs:
- Erick Castro
- Emma Janzen
Books Chair:
- Anna Sulan Masing
Timeless Co-Chairs:
- François Monti
- Rebecca Sturt
To learn more about the Spirited Awards Committee and awards criteria, please visit the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards® page.
Spirited Awards® 2025 Partners
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation would like to thank all of its Spirited Awards® 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: G.H. 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. Additional thanks to Spirited Awards Ceremony bar hosts: Ajabu Cocktail & Spirits Festival, G.H. Mumm Champagne, and Le Spritz by Carver Road Hospitality.
Tales of the Cocktail is pleased to share the Spirited Awards Directory, which gives discerning imbibers a comprehensive compendium of all Spirited Awards winners and nominees from the past 19 years. This resource is updated annually, making it a go-to guide for planning the perfect drinking and dining itinerary. Access the Spirited Awards Directory to explore award-winning bars.
23 Years of Inspiration & Tales of the Cocktail
This year, marking the 23-year anniversary, the conference returns with more seminars, events, and, of course, imbibing, all in the name of the conference’s 2025 theme, “Evolve.” Chosen to represent the collective of individuals who come together to create, share, and find inspiration each year at Tales, the 2025 conference will highlight the global cocktail community that continues to inspire each other year after year.
Please follow along for additional information on the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website, Instagram, X, and Facebook.
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About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation:
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the global hospitality industry through education, advocacy, and community support. As the world’s leading spirits education platform, the Foundation provides year-round programs and initiatives that foster professional growth and drive meaningful change. Each July, the industry gathers in New Orleans, the beating heart of cocktail culture and hospitality, for a one-of-a-kind conference that blends education, networking, and celebration like no other. Guided by its core pillars—Educate, Advance, and Support—the Foundation’s impact extends far beyond the U.S., reaching professionals and communities around the world.
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