NEW ORLEANS, LA (January 12, 2026) — Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce the opening of the nomination period for the 20th Annual Spirited Awards®, taking place from January 12 to February 3, 2026. As the awards celebrate their twentieth year, TOTCF proudly marks two decades of honoring excellence within the global spirits industry, celebrating individuals, products, establishments, media, and thought leaders from around the world. Winners will be recognized during Tales of the Cocktail® 2026, returning to New Orleans from July 19-24, 2026.
Created in 2007, the Spirited Awards have grown into one of the industry’s most internationally recognized honors, spanning both domestic and international categories, along with global distinctions, including World’s Best Bar, World’s Best Cocktail Menu, and the Tales Visionary Award. Each year, the awards spotlight individuals and establishments making a measurable impact on the drinks landscape, honoring the evolution of the industry across continents, communities, and cultures.
“As we celebrate the 20th year of the Spirited Awards, the theme ‘Spark’ feels especially resonant,” said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. “Each nominee and honoree represents a moment of inspiration that has grown into something larger, shaping their communities and influencing our industry. We are honored to open nominations for this milestone year and look forward to recognizing the exceptional talent and leadership shaping cocktail culture today.”
Timeline, Categories, and Nominations
The 2026 Spirited Awards nomination period will run from January 12-February 3, 2026. Following the open-call period, TOTCF will announce the Top 10 Regional Honoree lists March 31-April 7, the Top 10 Nominees from May 19-21, and the Top 4 Finalists June 8-9. New for 2026, the Regional Honoree announcement will kick off with a live event in Dubai at the Gulf Bar Show on March 31.
The 20th Annual Spirited Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, July 23, 2026, during the 24th annual Tales of the Cocktail® conference. Additional details, including ticketing information and programming updates, will be shared in the months leading up to the celebration.
The nomination form, open to the public and inclusive of self-nominations, is available on the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation website. All eligible nominations are welcome and encouraged, and only one nomination is required for an individual or establishment to be considered.
2026 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
- Tales Visionary Award
Spirited Awards Committee
The Spirited Awards® Judging Committee is composed of esteemed bartenders, bar owners, educators, writers, and industry leaders who evaluate nominations based on structured criteria designed to ensure fairness and the thoughtful consideration of each submission. Representing global regions and specialties across the industry, the committee brings decades of combined experience and a shared commitment to celebrating excellence.
Winners will be selected by a panel of over 200 industry experts, including Chairs and Co-Chairs from regions worldwide.
International Chair & U.S. Chair:
- Tiffanie Barriere
- Ryan Chetiyawardana
Asia Pacific Co-Chairs:
- Philip Bischoff
- Alice Newport
- Shelley Tai
- Stefanie Wijono
Canada Co-Chairs:
- Kaitlyn Stewart
- Juliana 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.
24 Years of Inspiration & Tales of the Cocktail
In 2026, Tales of the Cocktail® enters its next chapter, continuing its legacy as the leading gathering for the global drinks community. The 2026 conference’s theme, “Spark,” celebrates the ideas, moments, and relationships that ignite progress across the industry. Attendees can expect a week of educational programming, tastings, networking events, and celebrations throughout New Orleans from July 19-24, 2026.
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 via the Marriott website, as availability is limited.
For more information about Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and its year-round initiatives, please visit talesofthecocktail.org.
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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
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