Spirited Awards® Archive
Since its establishment in 2007, the Spirited Awards® has grown to become one of the most prestigious and coveted honors in the industry. Recognizing writers and brand ambassadors alongside bartenders and bars, the Awards showcase the talent found throughout the entire spirits community. Please find an archive of all winners below.
Spirited Award® Winners (By Year)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Spirited Award Winners by Category
Global Categories | U.S. Categories | International Categories | Writing Categories
Global Categories
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2008, this award recognizes the achievement of an individual, whom over the course of their career, has made significant contributions and lasting impact in the hospitality industry
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Tales Visionary Award
In 2023, this award was renamed from “Pioneer Award” to “Visionary Award”.
Established in 2012, this award recognizes an individual who has encouraged mentorship and contributed to making the hospitality industry equitable and inclusive by working to remove barriers as it pertains to gender identity, race, religion, and socioeconomic status. The Visionary Award Winner is an individual who has made unique and lasting contributions to the accessibility and intersectionality of the global drinks community, shaped the beverage landscape and provide visible models of achievement for tomorrow’s leaders, and served as a leader and mentor.
*Prior to 2020, this award was included in the Dame Hall of Fame Ceremony. From 2012-2017, the award was called the “Ruth Fertel Pioneer Award”. From 2018-2022, this award was called the “Pioneer Award”.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
World's Best Bar
Established in 2007, ‘World’s Best Bar’ is awarded to one of the winners in the bar categories: Best American and International Cocktail Bar, Best American and International Restaurant Bar, Best American and International Hotel Bar and Best American and International High Volume Bar.
Beginning in 2022, after retiring “Best High Volume Bar”, this award is awarded to one of the winners in the following 6 categories: Best International/U.S. Cocktail Bar, Best International/U.S. Hotel Bar, and Best International/U.S. Restaurant Bar.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
World's Best Cocktail Menu
‘Best Cocktail Menu’ (established in 2007) was expanded to ‘World’s Best Cocktail Menu’ for 2009.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
World's Best Spirits Selection
‘Best Drinks Selection’ (established in 2007) was expanded to ‘World’s Best Drinks Selection’ for 2009. ‘World’s Best Drinks Selection’ (established in 2009) was updated to ‘World’s Best Spirits Selection’ in 2015. This award recognizes a venue that stocks an outstanding range of spirits.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
‘Best New Product’ (established in 2007) was expanded to ‘Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient’ in 2015. This award recognizes the item that has made the most significant impact on the cocktail and bar industry in the past year.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Philanthropy Award
This Award was retired in 2022.
Established in 2019, this award recognizes outstanding service by an individual or institution that demonstrates outstanding commitment to the hospitality community either through direct financial support, development of charitable or educational programs, volunteering and/or leadership in philanthropy.
2021
2020 Philanthropy Recognitions
2019
U.S. Bartender of the Year
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
‘Mixologist/Bartender of the Year’ (established in 2007) was divided into U.S. and International Bartender of the Year in 2009. This award recognizes the U.S.-based bartender who has had the most influence on drinks styles and cocktail culture. This bartender works regularly behind the bar and develops and serves incredible drinks.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Best U.S. Bar Mentor
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
‘Best Bar Mentor’ (established in 2010) was divided into ‘Best American Bar Mentor’ and ‘Best International Bar Mentor’ in 2020. This award recognizes the individual or individuals who, in their professional life, play a crucial role in raising the quality of bars, bartenders and cocktails without currently working as a bartender.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Best U.S. Brand Ambassador
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
‘Best Drinks Brand Representatives/Brand Ambassador’ (established in 2007) was divided into ‘Best American Brand Ambassador’ and ‘Best International Brand Ambassador’ in 2009. This award recognizes the U.S. ambassador whose creative use of brand communication, combined with personality, has had the most impact on the promotion of drink brands through engaging the trade and executing compelling education and seminars.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Best U.S. Bar Team
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
Established in 2014, this award recognizes the best collection of talent working in a U.S. bar today, including bartenders, barbacks, servers, and front of house. Eligible recipients may range from two dynamic bartenders who bring unique, compelling chemistry to their small bar to a larger team that orchestrates the theater of high-volume craft experience.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
Best U.S. Cocktail Bar
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
‘Best Classic Cocktail Bar’ (established in 2007) was renamed ‘Best American Cocktail Bar’ in 2009. This award recognizes the American bar that sets the highest of standards in the industry and has influenced national cocktail trends.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Best U.S. Hotel Bar
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
‘World’s Best Hotel Bar’ (established in 2009) was divided into ‘Best American Hotel Bar’ and ‘Best International Hotel Bar’ in 2014. This award recognizes the U.S. hotel bar that offers the best service and consistently well-made drinks in a comfortable setting, ultimately upholding the tradition of the classic hotel bar.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Best U.S. Restaurant Bar
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
‘Best Restaurant Bar’ (established in 2011), was divided into ‘Best American Restaurant Bar’ and ‘Best International Restaurant Bar’ in 2014. This award recognizes the U.S. restaurant bar that is dedicated to creating a great cocktail experience for their dining guests.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar
Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
‘Best New Cocktail Bar’, established in 2007, was expanded to ‘World’s Best New Cocktail Bar’ for 2008. In 2014, ‘World’s Best New Cocktail Bar’ was divided into ‘Best New American Cocktail Bar’ and ‘Best New International Cocktail Bar’. This award recognizes a recently opened U.S. cocktail bar that has made an immediate impact on cocktail culture and set new high standards for the industry.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Timeless U.S. Award
‘Timeless American Award’ (established in 2019) was renamed ‘Timeless U.S. Award’ for 2021.
This award recognizes a United States bar that has a connection to either cocktail culture or has contributed to the history of cocktails and/or spirits. The Timeless recipient is a bar that is both welcoming and familiar but also respected as an institution that has inspired the culture and growth of other establishments and has been a staple for locals and visitors alike.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Best U.S. High Volume Cocktail Bar
*This Award category was retired in 2022.*
‘Best High Volume Cocktail Bar’ (established in 2011), was divided into ‘Best American High Volume Cocktail Bar’ and ‘Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar’ in 2014. This award recognizes the American High Volume Cocktail bar that has taken steps and designed systems in order to excel in the service of cocktails at high volume.
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
International Categories
International Bartender of the Year
Established in 2017, ‘Mixologist/Bartender of the Year’ was divided into American* and International Bartender of the Year in 2009. This award recognizes the International bartender who has had the most influence on drinks styles and cocktail culture. This bartender works regularly behind the bar and develops and serves incredible drinks.
*Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Best International Bar Mentor
‘Best Bar Mentor’ (established in 2010) was divided into ‘Best American* Bar Mentor’ and ‘Best International Bar Mentor’ in 2020. This award recognizes the individual or individuals who, in their professional life, play a crucial role in raising the quality of bars, bartenders and cocktails without currently working as a bartender.
*Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Best International Brand Ambassador
Established in 2010, this award recognizes the International ambassador whose creative use of brand communication, combined with personality, has had the most impact on the promotion of drink brands through engaging the trade and executing compelling education and seminars.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
Best International Bar Team
Established in 2014, this award recognizes the best collection of talent working in an International bar today, including bartenders, barbacks, servers, and front of house. Eligible recipients may range from two dynamic bartenders who bring unique, compelling chemistry to their small bar to a larger team that orchestrates the theater of high-volume craft experience.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
Best International Cocktail Bar
Established in 2014, this award recognizes the International bar that sets the highest of standards in the industry and has influenced international cocktail trends.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
Best International Hotel Bar
‘World’s Best Hotel Bar’ (established in 2009) was divided into ‘Best American* Hotel Bar’ and ‘Best International Hotel Bar’ in 2014. This award recognizes the International hotel bar that offers the best service and consistently well-made drinks in a comfortable setting, ultimately upholding the tradition of the classic hotel bar.
*Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Best International Restaurant Bar
‘Best Restaurant Bar’ (established in 2011), was divided into ‘Best American* Restaurant Bar’ and ‘Best International Restaurant Bar’ in 2014. This award recognizes the International restaurant bar that is dedicated to creating a great cocktail experience for their dining guests.
*Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Best New International Cocktail Bar
‘Best New Cocktail Bar’, established in 2007, was expanded to ‘World’s Best New Cocktail Bar’ for 2008. In 2014, ‘World’s Best New Cocktail Bar’ was divided into ‘Best New American* Cocktail Bar’ and ‘Best New International Cocktail Bar’. This award recognizes a recently opened International cocktail bar that has made an immediate impact on cocktail culture and set new high standards for the industry.
*Beginning in 2021, the “American” categories or awards have been replaced with “U.S.”
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Timeless International Award
This award recognizes an International bar that has a connection to either cocktail culture or has contributed to the history of cocktails and/or spirits. The Timeless recipient is a bar that is both welcoming and familiar but also respected as an institution that has inspired the culture and growth of other establishments and has been a staple for locals and visitors alike.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar
*This Award category was retired in 2022.*
‘Best High Volume Cocktail Bar’ (established in 2011), was divided into ‘Best American* High Volume Cocktail Bar’ and ‘Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar’ in 2014. This award recognizes the International High Volume Cocktail bar that has taken steps and designed systems in order to excel in the service of cocktails at high volume.
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Writing Categories
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
‘Best Cocktail Writing’ was divided into ‘Best Cocktail Writing – Non-Book’ and ‘Best Cocktail Writing – Publication’ for 2011. In 2014, the ‘Best Cocktail Writing – Publication’ category was renamed ‘Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication’. This award recognizes outstanding print journalism (magazine, newspaper, online media) that features bars, bartenders, cocktails, spirit reviews, trends, and drinks culture.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2008
2007
Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series
Established in 2018, this award recognizes the best broadcast, podcast or online video series regarding bars, bartenders, cocktails, spirits, drinks culture, and bartending in general.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing
‘Best Cocktail Writing’ was divided into ‘Best Cocktail Writing – Non-Book’ and ‘Best Cocktail Writing – Author’ for 2011. In 2014, the ‘Best Cocktail Writing- Author’ category was renamed ‘Best Cocktail & Spirits Writer’ and in 2020, the. title was update to ‘Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing’.
Great journalism is one of the best ways to communicate the value and significance of great bars, bartenders, cocktails, and drinks culture. This award recognizes the writing and publication of a single piece of outstanding work (magazine, newspaper, online media) that highlights bars, bartenders, cocktails, spirits, trends, and drinks culture.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book
Established in 2007, this award recognizes the best book published in the past year regarding cocktails, bars, bar design, or bartending in general.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits
‘Best New Spirits Book’ was established in 2015. In 2018, the award was renamed to ‘Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History or Spirits’. This award recognizes the best long-form nonfiction published in the past year, including works on drinks culture, cocktail history, drinks-related personal memoir, spirits and distillation, or other aspects of the drinks world as it relates to spirits and cocktails.
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
Spirited Awards Honorees & Nominees
Top 4 Finalists
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Top 10 Nominees
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Top 10 Regional Honorees
2023
2022
2020
2019
2018