Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Opens Nominations for the 2025 Spirited Awards®

Posted on: Jan. 22, 2025 | | By: TOTC Staff

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is excited to announce the opening of nominations for the 19th Annual Spirited Awards®, now open through February 13, 2025. Since its inception in 2007, the Spirited Awards have become one of the most prestigious honors in the global cocktail community, recognizing the exceptional work of individuals, products, establishments, and media across the spirits and hospitality industry. In partnership with Forbes, the Spirited Awards® official media partner, TOTCF will celebrate the Spirited Awards® during the Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) conference in New Orleans, from July 20-25, 2025.

The 2025 Spirited Awards will feature a wide array of categories, both domestic and international, including awards that transcend borders such as World’s Best Cocktail Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu, and the Tales Visionary Award. These categories highlight the diverse talent within the industry, from bartenders to media professionals, and provide recognition for contributions that shape the world of spirits and cocktails.

“As we prepare for the 19th Annual Spirited Awards, and the continued celebration of excellence in our industry across the world, I am delighted to introduce new leadership for the Spirited Awards by way of our new U.S. Chair Tiffanie Barriere and our new International Chair Ryan Chetiyawardana,” shares TOTCF Executive Director Charlotte Voisey.

“Serving as the U.S. Chair is an honor and a responsibility that I take to heart. This role is about lifting up others, honoring the richness of our global cocktail community, and helping shape a future where everyone’s contributions are valued and recognized,” remarks Tiffanie Barriere.

Ryan Chetiyawardana states that his appointment “is such a huge honor! Tales of the Cocktail and the Spirited Awards have been such a key part of my career and outlook on the industry. It all feels very aligned with trying to push the industry forwards and celebrating the brilliance that’s part of it.“

Timeline, Categories, and Nominations

The 2025 Spirited Awards nomination period will be open from January 22 to February 13, 2025. The Regional Honoree list will be published on April 16, followed by the announcement of the Top 10 Nominees on May 21 and the Top 4 Finalists on June 12.

The 19th Annual Spirited Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at The Fillmore New Orleans during the 23rd annual Tales of the Cocktail conference. Additional details, including ticketing information, will be released leading up to the event.

The nomination form, available on the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website, is open to all, including self-nominations. It only takes one nomination to be considered for the 2025 Spirited Awards, and all nominations are welcomed and encouraged.

2025 Spirited Awards Categories Open for Public Nomination:

  • (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
  • World’s Best Cocktail Menu
  • World’s Best Spirits Selection
  • Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
  • Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing
  • Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
  • Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series
  • Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book
  • Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits
  • Visionary Award

Spirited Awards Committee

The Spirited Awards® Committee consists of esteemed bartenders, bar owners, educators, and writers who evaluate nominations based on structured criteria. This diverse panel of judges brings years of expertise to the selection process, ensuring a fair and balanced evaluation of each nominee.

Winners will be selected by a panel of over 250 industry experts, including Chairs and Co-Chairs from regions worldwide.

  • International Chair
    • Ryan Chetiyawardana
  • U.S. Chair
    • Tiffanie Barriere
  • Asia Pacific Co-Chairs
    • Andrew Ho
    • Symphony Loo
    • Alice Newport
    • Stefanie Wijono
  • Canada Co-Chairs
    • Jon Smolensky
    • Juliana Wolkowski
  • Europe Co-Chairs
    • Stephanie Jordan
    • Camille Vidal
  • Latin America & Caribbean Co-Chairs
    • Georgina Barbachano García
    • 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 Schaeferle
    • Mary Allison Wright
  • Books Co-Chair
    • Anna Sulan Masing
  • Writing & Media Co-Chairs
    • Erick Castro
    • Emma Janzen

To learn more about the Spirited Awards Committee and awards criteria, please visit the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s Spirited Awards page.

23 Years of Tales of the Cocktail

In 2025, Tales of the Cocktail will celebrate its 23rd year, continuing to bring together the global cocktail community for a week of seminars, tastings, and celebration. The 2025 conference theme, “Evolve,” will honor the creativity and innovation that continues to drive the industry forward.

Tales of the Cocktail’s official host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, will provide special rates and accommodations for attendees. Guests are encouraged to secure their reservations early, here, as availability is limited.

For more information about Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and its initiatives, please visit  https://talesofthecocktail.org. Tales of the Cocktail will take place in New Orleans July 20-25, 2025. #totc2025 

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About Tales of the Cocktail Foundation: 

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is a non-profit organization that educates, advances, and supports the global hospitality industry and creates lasting impact in our host communities. Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is the global leader in spirits education and a platform to tackle issues facing the industry. The pillars of the Foundation are to Educate, Advance, and Support the hospitality industry through programs that benefit individuals and organizations in the community and to make a lasting impact in communities that host our events. Tales of the Cocktail will take place in New Orleans July 20-25, 2025. #totc2025 

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 140 million people worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature LIVE and Forbes Virtual events, custom marketing programs and 42 licensed local editions in 68 countries. Forbes Media’s brand extensions include real estate, education and financial services license agreements.

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