The Spirit of Cocktail Mastery
If you’ve ever stepped into a dimly lit, expertly curated bar, you know the magic that a skilled bartender can create. The art of mixing, shaking, and stirring ingredients into a perfectly balanced cocktail is nothing short of an otherworldly experience. And when it comes to the crème de la crème of cocktail connoisseurs, the Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail are where legends are born.
As I swing open the heavy oak doors of The Up & Under Pub, I’m immediately enveloped in a world of libation mastery. The air is thick with the scent of freshly squeezed citrus, the gentle hum of conversation, and the rhythmic clinking of ice in crystal glassware. It’s here that I’m about to embark on a journey to uncover the winning recipes and captivating stories of the bartenders who have graced the stage at the prestigious Spirited Awards.
Elevating the Craft
The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the organizers of the Spirited Awards, have been a driving force in the global drinks industry for over a decade. As a self-proclaimed “catalyst to Educate, Advance, and Support the global drinks industry and communities we touch,” the foundation has become a beacon for bartenders, spirits enthusiasts, and industry leaders alike.
“The Tales Spirited Awards shortlist shows that in spite of ongoing challenges, our industry is in incredible health,” says Jacob Briars, the Spirited Awards’ International Chair. “Bars and bartenders continue to create extraordinary guest experiences and elevate their craft in so many ways.”
Indeed, the list of nominees for the 2023 Spirited Awards is a veritable who’s who of the cocktail world. From International Bartender of the Year to Best New Cocktail Bar, the categories showcase the incredible talent and innovation that are shaping the industry.
Profiles in Cocktail Mastery
As I settle into a cozy corner of the pub, I can’t help but wonder about the stories behind the award-winning recipes and the individuals who crafted them. Who are these bartenders, and what inspires their unique creations?
One name that immediately piques my interest is Sam Birdsong, a loyal patron of Root Squared in New Orleans. According to Tales of the Cocktail, Birdsong is the quintessential “regular” at the establishment, having become a fixture at the bar since its opening in 2014.
“I call my neighborhood the Barmuda Triangle because once you come into it, it’s hard to leave,” Birdsong says, his eyes twinkling with the mischief of a seasoned bar-hopper. “There are great dive bars and neighborhood bars like Half Moon, The Saint, Garden District Pub. My rotation, which is more like a progression, is that I’ll start off at Root Squared at about 7 or 10 o’clock, then someone will probably pull me over to The Saint, and then it’s sunrise and I’ve gone out for just one drink and it feels like 20.”
But Birdsong’s love for Root Squared goes beyond the allure of a neighborhood watering hole. It’s the bartenders and their innovative cocktail creations that have truly captured his heart.
“One of the bartenders started doing a Moscow Mule with mezcal and some tinctures he would add into it,” Birdsong recalls. “He called it the Mezcal Mule. It was awesome, and that was my go-to drink for a while.”
Cocktail Artistry Unleashed
As I listen to Birdsong’s tales of bartender-customer camaraderie and the evolution of his cocktail palate, I can’t help but wonder about the techniques and ingredients that go into crafting award-winning libations. What secrets do these Spirited Award winners hold, and how can aspiring bartenders emulate their success?
According to the Spirits Business, the 2023 Spirited Awards have once again highlighted the industry’s finest. From International Bartender of the Year to Best New Cocktail Bar, the nominees represent the pinnacle of cocktail craftsmanship.
But what sets these bartenders apart? Is it their mastery of classic techniques, their innovative use of ingredients, or their ability to captivate their audience?
As I ponder these questions, a sudden hush falls over the pub, and all eyes turn towards the bar. A lone figure, clad in a crisp white shirt and a bow tie, steps forward, commanding the attention of the room.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” the bartender begins, his voice smooth and confident. “Tonight, we’ll be exploring the winning recipes of the Spirited Awards, where the true masters of our craft have been honored.”
Spirited Award-Winning Cocktails Unveiled
With a dramatic flourish, the bartender reaches for a bottle of premium gin, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, and a jar of raspberry preserves. As he skillfully combines the ingredients, he begins to weave a tale of his own.
“This cocktail, the ‘Raspberry Rosemary Gin Fizz,’ was the winner of the Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book category at the 2022 Spirited Awards,” the bartender explains, his hands moving with the precision of a surgeon. “The author, a rising star in the industry, has brought together a unique blend of flavors that perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the competition.”
As the bartender pours the vibrant pink liquid into a chilled coupe glass, the aroma of the rosemary wafts through the air, tantalizing the senses. The first sip is a revelation, the tart raspberry and the earthy rosemary dancing on the palate, with the gin providing a backbone of botanical complexity.
“Remarkable,” I mutter, leaning back in my chair and savoring the moment. “This is what the Spirited Awards are all about – elevating the craft and inspiring us to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cocktails.”
The bartender nods, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “And that’s just the beginning,” he says, reaching for another bottle. “Wait until you taste the winner of the Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient category.”
As the night unfolds, I’m taken on a captivating journey through the winning recipes of the Spirited Awards, each cocktail a testament to the creativity and skill of the bartenders who crafted them. From the delicate floral notes of the “Lavender Lemon Drop” to the bold, smoky flavors of the “Mezcal Old Fashioned,” I’m left in awe of the artistry on display.
A Toast to the Masters
As I reluctantly bid farewell to the pub, my senses still reeling from the extraordinary cocktail experience, I can’t help but feel a newfound appreciation for the bartenders who have graced the stage at the Spirited Awards.
These are the alchemists of the drinks world, the guardians of a centuries-old tradition that continues to evolve and captivate. They are the masters of balance, the storytellers who weave their magic through the simple act of mixing a drink.
And as I raise my glass in a toast to their enduring legacy, I can’t help but wonder what other delightful surprises the Spirited Awards have in store for the future. One thing is certain: the spirit of cocktail mastery will continue to thrive, inspiring us all to savor the moment and discover the extraordinary in the everyday.
