NEW ORLEANS, LA (June 8, 2026) – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is honored to announce the Top Four Finalists, in addition to the winners of the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, Timeless U.S. and International Awards, and the Tales Visionary Award for the 20th annual Spirited Awards. Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards has become one of the world’s most prestigious honors in the drinks industry, celebrating outstanding individuals, establishments, products, media, and leaders who continue to inspire the global cocktail community. In partnership with official media partner, Food & Wine, TOTCF will honor recipients during the Tales of the Cocktail conference, which is celebrating its 24th year in New Orleans, July 19-24, 2026.
The awards categories spotlight a range of talent from bartenders, journalists, brand ambassadors, and industry luminaries, to brands and media, to ensure each aspect of the industry is represented and recognized for its incomparable contributions.
“The Spirited Awards continue to celebrate the individuals, establishments, brands, and storytellers who are shaping the future of the global drinks industry,” said Ryan Chetiyawardana, Spirited Awards International Chair. “As we mark the 20th anniversary of the Spirited Awards, we are proud to recognize this year’s finalists and honorees whose creativity, dedication, and leadership have elevated cocktail culture around the world. Their contributions not only set new standards of excellence but also inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.”
Tickets for the Spirited Awards ceremony, taking place on July 24, 2026, in New Orleans, are officially on sale now. Guests are invited to join industry peers, past winners, and global leaders for an unforgettable evening honoring excellence in the cocktail world. To purchase tickets and learn more about the full schedule of TOTC events, see here.
In that spirit, the Foundation is proud to announce the Top Four Global Finalists, and recipients of the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, Timeless U.S. and International Awards, and the Tales Visionary Award.
2026 Spirited Awards® Top Four Finalists:
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
- CLASS Magazine
- Imbibe
- Places You Are Welcome
- The Spill by InsideHook
Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series
- Amour Drink
- Sketchy Bartender
- The Curious Bartender
- VinePair Spirit Reviews
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing
- “How Bars Are Responding to ICE Raids,” by Emma Janzen for Punch
- “Talking politics has bartenders on edge in Trump’s Washington DC,” by Adam Reiner for The Guardian
- “Thinking Differently: Neurodivergent Bartenders Thrive Behind the Stick,” by Rich Manning for VinePair
- “Why Aren’t There More Cocktail Books by Black Bartenders?,” by Yolanda Evans for InsideHook
Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book
- HYPER drinks by Angelos Bafas
- Soju Party: How to Drink (and Eat!) Like a Korean by Irene Yoo
- The Madrusan Cocktail Companion by Michael Madrusan and Zara Madrusan
- Three Cheers: Cocktails Three Ways by Kaitlyn Stewart
Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits
- The Comic Book History of the Cocktail by David Wondrich and illustrated by Dean Kotz
- The Curious Bartender’s Agave Safari: Discovering and Appreciating Mexico’s Tequilas, Mezcals & More by Tristan Stephenson
- The Whiskey Bible: A Complete Guide to the World’s Greatest Spirit by Noah Rothbaum
- Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond by Cha McCoy with Layla Schlack
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient presented by Helmsman Imports
- Bruichladdich The Laddie Rye 7 Year
- Giffard Non-Alcoholic Spritz Liqueur
- Mijenta Tequila Maestra Selection No. 2
- Worthy Park Skurnik Selection Cane Juice Rum
2026 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:
- Tiffanie Barriere
- Ryan Chetiyawardana
Asia Pacific Co-Chairs:
- Philip Bischoff
- Alice Newport
- Shelley Tai
- Stephanie Wijono
Canada Co-Chairs:
- Kaitlyn Stewart
- Julia Wolkowski
Europe Co-Chairs:
- Camille Vidal
- Kaitlin Wilkes
Latin America & Caribbean Co-Chairs:
- Roberto Berdecia
- Claudia Cabrera
Middle East & Africa Co-Chairs:
- Richie Barrow
- Mallory Lee
- Lara Rawa
U.S. Central Co-Chairs:
- Amanda Carto
- Erika Flowers
U.S. East Co-Chairs:
- Vance Henderson
- Jaymee Mandeville
U.S. West Co-Chairs:
- Nick Amano Dolan
- Mary Allison Wright
Writing & Media Co-Chairs:
- Alia Akkam
- Erick Castro
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® 2026 Timeline
Top 4 Finalists along with the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, Tales Visionary Award, International Timeless Award, and U.S. Timeless Award will be named on June 8 and 9, 2026, and Spirited Awards Winners will be celebrated on July 23, 2026 at the 20th Annual Spirited Awards Ceremony at the Fillmore New Orleans.
Spirited Awards® 2026 Partners
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation would like to thank all of its Spirited Awards® sponsors: Food & Wine, Brown-Forman, Pernod Ricard, William Grant & Sons, Helmsman Imports, Gruppo Montenegro, Cutwater, and Australian Bitters Co.
Spirited Awards® Directory
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 20 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.
24 Years of Inspiration & Tales of the Cocktail
This year, marking the 24-year anniversary, the conference returns with more seminars, events, and, of course, imbibing, all in the name of the conference’s 2026 theme, “Spark.” Chosen to represent the collective of individuals who come together to create, share, and find inspiration each year at Tales, the 2026 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. Tales of the Cocktail will take place in New Orleans July 19-24, 2026. #totc2026
About Food & Wine:
Food & Wine, the ultimate culinary and beverage authority, celebrates the global epicurean experience through its magazine, website, social platforms, newsletters, podcasts, premium events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, and accolades like its annual Best New Chef and Drinks Visionaries awards. With rigorously tested recipes and the most trusted restaurant, drinks, culinary travel, and home coverage, the brand inspires and empowers people to discover, create, and devour the best in food and drink—every day and everywhere. Food & Wine is part of the People Inc. publishing family.
Media Inquiries:
BMF Media
TOTCF@wearebmf.com
