The global cocktail scene is buzzing with excitement as the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) unveils the Regional Top 10 Honorees for the 19th annual Spirited Awards. Since kicking off in 2007, this prestigious event has grown into one of the most respected celebrations in the drinks industry, spotlighting the talented people, bars, and restaurants that shape cocktail culture worldwide. Held during the Tales of the Cocktail conference in New Orleans from July 20-25, 2025, the awards ceremony on July 24 will honor these standout establishments and individuals in partnership with Forbes, the event’s official media partner.
The Spirited Awards are all about recognizing those who pour their heart and soul into the hospitality world. From innovative bartenders to iconic bars, the awards celebrate the creativity and dedication that make the global bar scene so vibrant. This year’s Regional Top 10 Honorees, announced for regions like Asia Pacific (APAC), Canada, Europe, Latin America & Caribbean, Middle East & Africa, and the U.S., showcase the diversity and talent driving cocktail culture forward. The APAC honorees, in particular, highlight the region’s growing influence, with cities like Hong Kong, Melbourne, and Singapore leading the charge.
A Toast to the APAC Honorees
The Asia Pacific region is home to some of the world’s most exciting bars, and the 2025 Spirited Awards reflect that energy. In the Best International Bar Team - APAC category, places like Bar Leone in Hong Kong and Caretaker’s Cottage in Melbourne stand out for their tight-knit crews and welcoming vibes. Bangkok’s Bar Us and Singapore’s Nutmeg & Clove also made the list, proving that teamwork and passion are key to creating unforgettable experiences. Other honorees include Double Deuce Lounge in Sydney, Hope & Sesame Guangzhou, Jigger & Pony in Singapore, Penrose in Kuala Lumpur, Speak Low in Shanghai, and VIRTUÌ at the Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi.
For Best International Cocktail Bar - APAC, Melbourne dominates with spots like Above Board, BYRDI, and Caretaker’s Cottage, each known for pushing the boundaries of mixology. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone and COA bring bold flavors to the table, while Sydney’s Maybe Sammy and Double Deuce Lounge keep Australia’s cocktail scene thriving. Bangkok’s Bar Us, Seoul’s Bar Cham, and Singapore’s Offtrack round out a list that celebrates creativity and craftsmanship.
Hotels are stepping up their game too, with the Best International Hotel Bar - APAC category showcasing places like ARGO at the Four Seasons in Hong Kong and The Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. Tokyo’s VIRTUÌ and Gold Bar at the Tokyo Toranomon EDITION bring Japanese precision to the mix, while Sydney’s Dean & Nancy on 22 and Singapore’s Origin Bar add their own flair. Other standouts include Charles H. at the Four Seasons in Seoul, Firefly at The Kempinski Bangkok, MO BAR at the Mandarin Oriental in Shenzhen, and The Aubrey at the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong.
When it comes to food and drinks, the Best International Restaurant Bar - APAC honorees are serving up memorable pairings. Singapore’s Burnt Ends and Caffe Fernet are favorites for their bold menus, while Melbourne’s Bar Bellamy and Sydney’s The Waratah keep Australia in the spotlight. Taipei’s Mad:Men, Jakarta’s PANTJA, and Singapore’s FURA, Puffy Bois Pizza, and Sugarhall join Chengdu’s Ralph’s Bar in showing how food and cocktails can work together to create something special.
Newcomers are also making waves in the Best New International Cocktail Bar - APAC category. Sydney’s Bar Sumi and Little Cooler are off to a strong start, while Jakarta’s Cosmo Pony at the Grand Hyatt and Modernhaus bring fresh energy. Bangkok’s Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Taipei’s Futura, Hong Kong’s Gokan, Melbourne’s Goodwater, Tokyo’s Punch Room at the Tokyo Ginza EDITION, and Shanghai’s Swirl are all proof that the APAC cocktail scene is constantly evolving.
How the Honorees Are Chosen
The Spirited Awards aren’t about popularity contests—they’re about expertise and fairness. A panel of over 250 industry pros, including bartenders, bar owners, and writers, carefully evaluates nominees based on clear criteria. The committee is led by International Chair Ryan Chetiyawardana and U.S. Chair Tiffanie Barriere, with APAC Co-Chairs Andrew Ho, Symphony Loo, Alice Newport, and Stefanie Wijono guiding the region’s selections. Other regions have their own dedicated leaders, ensuring every nominee gets a fair shot, no matter where they’re from.
This rigorous process makes the Spirited Awards a true reflection of excellence. As Alice Newport put it, the awards shine a light on those who are “really working to better hospitality” and building a strong sense of community. The honorees aren’t just making great drinks—they’re leaving a lasting mark on their local scenes and inspiring others to raise the bar.
What’s Next for the Spirited Awards
The journey doesn’t end with the Regional Top 10. On May 21, 2025, the Top 10 Nominees across all categories will be announced, followed by the Top 4 Finalists on June 9, along with special honors like the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and Tales Visionary Award. The big night happens on July 24 at The Fillmore New Orleans, where winners will be celebrated in a ceremony that’s sure to be a highlight of the Tales of the Cocktail conference.
The event is backed by sponsors like Cheech & Chong, G.H. Mumm Champagne, Johnnie Walker, Pernod Ricard, and William Grant & Sons, adding to the festive atmosphere. For cocktail fans, the Spirited Awards Directory is a handy resource, listing every winner and nominee from the past 19 years. It’s like a roadmap for anyone looking to sip their way through the world’s best bars.
Tales of the Cocktail: A Global Gathering
The Spirited Awards are just one part of the Tales of the Cocktail conference, which marks its 23rd year in 2025 with the theme “Evolve.” Held in New Orleans, the birthplace of cocktail culture, the event brings together bartenders, distillers, and enthusiasts for a week of seminars, networking, and, of course, plenty of drinks. It’s a chance for the global cocktail community to share ideas and find inspiration, and this year’s focus on growth and collaboration promises to make it even more special.
For those planning to attend, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, is the official host hotel, offering a special rate for guests. Rooms are first come, first served, so booking early is a must—the cutoff is June 23, 2025. With so much to see and do, from tastings to workshops, Tales of the Cocktail is the ultimate celebration of everything the drinks world has to offer.
Why the Spirited Awards Matter
At its core, the Spirited Awards are about more than just trophies. They’re about recognizing the people and places that make the cocktail world so dynamic. Whether it’s a tiny bar in Bangkok or a sleek hotel lounge in Tokyo, these honorees are proof that great hospitality can come from anywhere. They’re setting the standard for what a bar can be—not just a place to grab a drink, but a space where stories are told, connections are made, and creativity thrives.
As the 2025 Spirited Awards approach, the excitement is building. The Regional Top 10 Honorees have already shown what’s possible when passion meets skill, and the global cocktail community can’t wait to see who takes home the top honors. For now, it’s time to raise a glass to these incredible bars and the people behind them, who remind us why cocktails are so much more than just a drink.
