Celebrated during Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, the 20th Annual Spirited Awards honor excellence in the drink industry and recognize professionals, organizations, and establishments shaping the hospitality community.
July 27th, 2026
The Spirited Awards 2026 announced in New Orleans on July 24th spotlighted a broad range of talent, spanning domestic and international categories, writing and media awards, and global recognitions that transcend regional boundaries — including prestigious titles such as Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and World’s Best Bar. The winners across International, U.S., and Global categories were carefully selected by a panel of over 250 industry experts, led by Tiffanie Barriere and Ryan Chetiyawardana, the U.S. & International Spirited Awards Chairs.
In alignment with the 2026 conference theme, “Spark,” this year’s winners embodied the ideas, passion, and creativity that ignite progress across the global drinks industry. Their achievements reflect the power of a community that comes together to inspire, collaborate, and elevate one another, creating the momentum that continues to shape the future of cocktails and hospitality.
INTERNATIONAL CATEGORIES
International Bartender of the Year presented by Brown-Forman
Yayo Nava — Bar Mauro, Mexico City, Mexico
Best International Bar Mentor presented by Helmsman Imports
Indra Kantono
Best International Brand Ambassador
Jesse Estes — Tequila Ocho
Best International Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons
Bar Leone — Hong Kong, China
Best International Cocktail Bar by Gruppo Montenegro
Satan’s Whiskers — London, UK
Best International Hotel Bar
ARGO at the Four Seasons — Hong Kong, China
Best International Restaurant Bar
FURA — Singapore
Best New International Cocktail Bar
De Vie — Paris, France
GLOBAL CATEGORIES:
World’s Best Bar presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
FURA – Singapore
World’s Best Cocktail Menu presented by Australian Bitters Co.
Allegory at the Eaton Hotel
World’s Best Spirits Selection
Tlecān — Mexico City, Mexico
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient presented by Helmsman Imports
Bruichladdich The Laddie Rye 7 Year
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award presented by William Grant & Sons
David Wondrich
Tales Visionary Award presented by Château Sainte Marguerite
Jean Trinh
Timeless International Award presented by Explore Louisiana
The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental — Bangkok, Thailand
Timeless U.S. Award presented by Explore Louisiana
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge — Milwaukee, WI
U.S. CATEGORIES & WRITING & MEDIA CATEGORIES
See details here
(images credit TOTCF)
