Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Announces 2025 Spirited Awards Winners
New Orleans, USA - July 24, 2025
Last night, as the energy of Tales of the Cocktail reached its crescendo, the global spirits and cocktail community held its breath; the announcement of the 19th annual Spirited Awards winners! This is the industry’s equivalent of the Oscars, recognising unparalleled excellence and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible behind the bar.
With a panel of over 250 industry experts meticulously sifting through nominations, the victors represent the absolute pinnacle of their craft. For bartenders and industry members everywhere looking to see where the world is headed, and perhaps one day make their own mark on the global stage, these awards offer a powerful glimpse into the future of our vibrant industry.
Celebrating Excellence: The Full List of 2025 Spirited Awards Winners
The Spirited Awards are the industry's highest honour, meticulously judged by a panel of over 250 experts. The dedication and artistry of these individuals and establishments serve as an inspiration to us all. Here is the complete list of this year's deserving 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
US 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 Categories
- 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
The 2025 Spirited Awards truly showcase the vibrant innovation and profound dedication thriving within the global spirits and cocktail community. Perfect Serve India extends its warmest congratulations to all the winners and nominees, celebrating their unwavering commitment to elevating our craft.
For more on everything happening at Tales of the Cocktail 2025, check out our Go To Guide
