The cocktail world is buzzing with excitement as the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) recently unveiled the Regional Top 10 Honorees for the 19th annual Spirited Awards, a globally recognized celebration of the best in the drinks industry. Since kicking off in 2007, the Spirited Awards have grown into one of the most respected honors for bartenders, bar teams, restaurants, and hotel bars, shining a spotlight on those who elevate cocktail culture with creativity and passion. This year, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is front and center, showcasing a vibrant mix of talent that’s making waves both locally and worldwide.
Held during the Tales of the Cocktail conference in New Orleans from July 20-25, 2025, the Spirited Awards ceremony will take place on July 24, in partnership with Forbes, the event’s official media partner. The awards honor establishments and individuals across various regions, including Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America & Caribbean, U.S. Central, U.S. East, U.S. West, and, of course, Middle East & Africa. The MEA honorees represent a diverse group of bars, restaurants, and hotel lounges that are redefining what it means to craft a memorable drinking experience.
Caitlin Hill, the Spirited Awards Middle East & Africa Co-Chair, shared her enthusiasm for this year’s honorees. She emphasized how their expertise and dedication are pushing the global bar community forward, particularly highlighting the incredible contributions from Africa and the Middle East. These honorees aren’t just serving drinks—they’re creating moments that inspire and connect people across cultures.
A Closer Look at the 2025 Middle East & Africa Honorees
The Spirited Awards break down their categories by region and type, ensuring that every corner of the industry gets its moment to shine. For the Middle East and Africa, the 2025 Regional Top 10 Honorees span five key categories: Best International Bar Team, Best International Cocktail Bar, Best International Hotel Bar, Best International Restaurant Bar, and Best New International Cocktail Bar. Below is a detailed rundown of the standout establishments recognized this year.
Best International Bar Team - Middle East & Africa
This category celebrates the teamwork behind the bar, where collaboration and chemistry create unforgettable guest experiences. The 2025 honorees include:
- COYA Dubai (Dubai, UAE): Known for its lively Peruvian-inspired vibe, COYA’s bar team blends bold flavors with precision.
- fable (Cape Town, South Africa): A storytelling bar where the staff’s creativity shines through every cocktail.
- Front/Back Accra (Accra, Ghana): A dynamic team that balances innovation with Ghanaian hospitality.
- Funky Monkey Cocktail Bar & Restaurant (Diani, Kenya): Bringing coastal charm and flair to every pour.
- HERO at the Trademark Hotel (Nairobi, Kenya): A high-energy crew delivering top-notch drinks in a stylish setting.
- LPM Restaurant & Bar Dubai (Dubai, UAE): A sophisticated team crafting cocktails that complement French-Mediterranean cuisine.
- Salmon Guru Dubai (Dubai, UAE): A global name with a Dubai twist, known for its inventive drink menus.
- Sin + Tax (Johannesburg, South Africa): A bar team pushing boundaries with bold, experimental cocktails.
- The Drinkery (Cape Town, South Africa): A tight-knit crew serving up drinks with personality and precision.
- Zuma Dubai (Dubai, UAE): A sleek operation where the bar team elevates Japanese-inspired cocktails.
These teams stand out for their ability to work seamlessly together, creating drinks that tell a story and keep guests coming back for more.
Best International Cocktail Bar - Middle East & Africa
For bars that focus on the art of the cocktail, this category highlights places where mixology takes center stage. The honorees are:
- fable (Cape Town, South Africa): A repeat honoree, fable’s cocktails are as imaginative as its storytelling theme.
- Front/Back Accra (Accra, Ghana): A go-to spot for creative drinks with a Ghanaian soul.
- Mii-Yao (Beirut, Lebanon): Blending Lebanese flavors with modern mixology techniques.
- Re/volver (Nairobi, Kenya): A bold bar with cocktails that pack a punch and a local twist.
- Salmon Guru Dubai (Dubai, UAE): A Dubai outpost of the famous Madrid bar, serving avant-garde drinks.
- Sin + Tax (Johannesburg, South Africa): Known for its daring flavor combinations and sleek vibe.
- Sinnerman (Nairobi, Kenya): A moody bar crafting cocktails that are both classic and cutting-edge.
- Talking to Strangers (Cape Town, South Africa): A quirky spot where every drink sparks a conversation.
- The Drinkery (Cape Town, South Africa): Another Cape Town gem, known for its approachable yet inventive menu.
- Sol Lounge Bar (Accra, Ghana): A laid-back bar with cocktails that capture Ghana’s vibrant spirit.
These bars are proof that the MEA region is home to some of the world’s most exciting cocktail destinations.
Best International Hotel Bar - Middle East & Africa
Hotel bars often set the tone for luxury and sophistication, and this year’s honorees deliver just that:
- Bascule Bar at the Cape Grace (Cape Town, South Africa): A whisky lover’s haven with stunning waterfront views.
- Blind Tiger at the Jumeirah Al Naseem (Dubai, UAE): A speakeasy-style bar with a nod to the Roaring Twenties.
- Bvlgari Bar at the Bvlgari Resort (Dubai, UAE): Elegance in every sip, with cocktails as polished as the resort itself.
- Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge at the Paramount Hotel Dubai (Dubai, UAE): A retro-inspired hideaway with cinematic flair.
- HERO at the Trademark Hotel (Nairobi, Kenya): A vibrant bar that’s become a Nairobi hotspot.
- Library Bar at The Abu Dhabi EDITION (Abu Dhabi, UAE): A cozy, book-lined lounge with expertly crafted drinks.
- The Lighthouse Bar at The Oyster Box Hotel (Durban, South Africa): A coastal gem with a relaxed yet refined vibe.
- The Manhattan Lounge at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (Abu Dhabi, UAE): A nod to New York’s classic cocktail culture.
- Upepo at Kwetu Nairobi by Hilton (Nairobi, Kenya): A rooftop bar with cocktails inspired by Kenyan flavors.
- Views Rooftop Bar & Lounge at The Neela (Stone Town, Tanzania): A breathtaking spot with drinks to match the scenery.
These hotel bars combine world-class service with atmospheres that make every visit feel special.
Best International Restaurant Bar - Middle East & Africa
When dining and drinking go hand in hand, these restaurant bars stand out for their stellar cocktail programs:
- Asoka (Cape Town, South Africa): A trendy spot where cocktails pair perfectly with global-inspired dishes.
- beit é selam (Nairobi, Kenya): A cozy restaurant bar with drinks that celebrate Kenyan heritage.
- Cultiva (Nairobi, Kenya): A farm-to-table spot with cocktails as fresh as the food.
- Funky Monkey Cocktail Bar & Restaurant (Diani, Kenya): A beachside favorite with a lively bar scene.
- Kloof Street House (Cape Town, South Africa): A Victorian-era gem with cocktails that steal the show.
- LPM Restaurant & Bar Dubai (Dubai, UAE): French Riviera vibes with drinks that elevate every meal.
- Mimi Kakushi (Dubai, UAE): A 1920s Tokyo-inspired bar with cocktails that complement Japanese cuisine.
- Nobu Dubai (Dubai, UAE): A global icon where the bar is as celebrated as the sushi.
- Upper Union (Cape Town, South Africa): A modern eatery with a bar that’s a destination in itself.
- Z Kitchen (Lagos, Nigeria): A Nigerian hotspot serving cocktails with bold, local flavors.
- These restaurant bars prove that great food and great drinks are a match made in heaven.
Best New International Cocktail Bar - Middle East & Africa
For bars that opened recently but are already making a big impact, this category highlights the region’s freshest talent:
- Adaline (Dubai, UAE): A chic newcomer with a focus on elegant, balanced cocktails.
- ANTHM (Cape Town, South Africa): A bold new bar with a rebellious streak and creative drinks.
- BISSA (Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire): Bringing West African flair to the global cocktail scene.
- Enigma Sky Lounge (Accra, Ghana): A rooftop bar with stunning views and inventive cocktails.
- Mr. Panther (Lagos, Nigeria): A sleek spot with drinks that roar with personality.
- Obscura Cocktail Bar & Eatery (Johannesburg, South Africa): A moody newcomer with a knack for storytelling through cocktails.
- Salvaje (Dubai, UAE): A wild, vibrant bar with drinks as bold as its decor.
- Social Paradise (Beirut, Lebanon): A lively new spot where cocktails fuel the party.
- Tavern Drinkery House (Batroun, Lebanon): A coastal gem with a fresh, laid-back vibe.
- Vici (Lagos, Nigeria): A stylish bar that’s quickly become a Lagos favorite.
These new bars are proof that the MEA cocktail scene is only getting stronger.
How the Honorees Are Chosen
The Spirited Awards aren’t about popularity contests—they’re about recognizing true excellence. A panel of over 250 industry experts, including bartenders, bar owners, educators, and writers, evaluates nominees based on strict criteria. This year’s committee is led by International Chair Ryan Chetiyawardana and Middle East & Africa Co-Chairs Richie Barrow, Caitlin Hill, and Lara Rawa, among others. Each judge brings deep knowledge of the industry, ensuring that every honoree earns their spot through skill and impact.
The process is thorough and fair, with no single vote outweighing another. This commitment to integrity is what makes the Spirited Awards so respected worldwide.
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 will be narrowed down, followed by the announcement of the Top 4 Finalists on June 9, alongside special honors like the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and Tales Visionary Award. The big moment comes on July 24, when winners are celebrated at the Fillmore New Orleans during the Spirited Awards ceremony.
The event is part of the larger Tales of the Cocktail conference, which marks its 23rd year in 2025 with the theme “Evolve.” The conference brings together thousands of industry professionals for seminars, networking, and, of course, plenty of cocktails. Attendees can stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, the official host hotel, by booking through the Marriott website before June 23, 2025.
Why the Spirited Awards Matter
The Spirited Awards do more than hand out trophies—they celebrate the people and places that make the cocktail world so special. From a speakeasy in Dubai to a beachside bar in Kenya, the Middle East and Africa honorees show how diverse and dynamic the region’s bar scene has become. These establishments aren’t just serving drinks; they’re creating experiences that bring people together and push the industry forward.
For cocktail lovers, the Spirited Awards also serve as a roadmap for discovering new places to sip and savor. The TOTCF’s Spirited Awards Directory, updated yearly, lists every winner and nominee from the past 19 years, making it easy to plan a cocktail-focused adventure across the globe.
Final Thoughts
As the 2025 Spirited Awards approach, the Middle East and Africa region is proving it’s a force to be reckoned with in the global cocktail scene. From Cape Town’s storytelling bars to Dubai’s luxurious hotel lounges, the honorees reflect the creativity and passion driving the industry today. Whether you’re a bartender, a cocktail enthusiast, or just someone who loves a great drink, the Spirited Awards are a reminder of the artistry and community behind every glass.
For more details on the honorees, the awards process, or the Tales of the Cocktail conference, check out the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s website or follow along on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Here’s to raising a glass to the 2025 Spirited Awards and the incredible talent of the Middle East and Africa!
