The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has announced the winners of the 19th 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