The 2025 Spirited Award winners announced

The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has announced the winners of the 19^th annual Spirited Awards at the awards ceremony, which took place at the Tales of the Cocktail conference in New Orleans on July 24, 2025.

The Spirited Awards cover a range areas across the bar and spirits industry, with both US and international categories, as well the as prestigious Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and World’s Best Bar.

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 recognised – 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.

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