Raising a Glass to the Best of the Best
As I push open the doors to The Up & Under Pub, the familiar scent of oak-aged spirits and freshly squeezed citrus greets me. This is my local haunt, a cozy neighborhood spot where the bartenders know my name and the cocktail list rotates more frequently than a Miami nightclub. But today, I’m here on a special mission – to celebrate the crème de la crème of the cocktail world.
You see, the annual Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards have just wrapped up, and the industry’s top talent has been rightfully honored. As I slide onto my favorite barstool, I can’t help but wonder: What does it really take to stand out in this spirited sea of excellence? Luckily, I have a front-row seat to find out.
Raising the Bar: The Spirited Awards Revealed
The Spirited Awards, established in 2007, have become the Oscars of the cocktail world – a prestigious accolade that recognizes the global movers and shakers behind the bar. Each year, a panel of over 200 industry experts carefully sift through hundreds of nominations, searching for the crème de la crème. And let me tell you, the competition is fierce.
“The Spirited Awards celebrates excellence in our industry, and this year’s winners embody that standard so well,” says Charlotte Voisey, the Spirited Awards Overall Chair. “After a difficult few years, it is truly inspiring to gather together once more and see what these recognitions really mean to everyone nominated.”
As I take a sip of my expertly crafted Old Fashioned, I can’t help but wonder: What sets these award-winning bartenders, brands, and establishments apart from the rest? The answer, it seems, lies in their unwavering commitment to progress, innovation, and an unyielding dedication to their craft.
Raising the Ante: Honoring Global Cocktail Excellence
The Spirited Awards don’t just recognize the best of the best in the US – they cast a wide net, celebrating the global cocktail community. From the bustling bars of Asia Pacific to the trendsetting watering holes of Europe, the awards shine a light on the industry’s true superstars.
“The Spirited Awards is crucial to our industry not only as an award, but also as an appreciation for every Regional Top 10 Honorees’ hard work and effort, which eventually motivates them to reach higher,” says Symphony Loo, the Spirited Awards Asia Pacific Co-Chair.
As I peruse the list of this year’s Regional Top 10 Honorees, I’m struck by the sheer diversity of talent represented. From the sleek, sultry bars of the Middle East to the vibrant, forward-thinking watering holes of Latin America, these establishments are redefining what it means to be a world-class cocktail destination.
“It is an honor to share this with our industry colleagues in Miami,” says Jonathan Gabbay, the director of bars at the Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons at The Surf Club, one of the nominees in the Best US Hotel Bar category. “The entire team works tirelessly to deliver the best service to our guests, and to receive industry recognition shows that we are on the right track.”
Raising the Stakes: The Spirited Awards Judges
But what exactly are the Spirited Awards judges looking for? Well, it’s not just about the perfect pour or the most Instagram-worthy garnish. No, these esteemed panelists are searching for something deeper – a true mastery of the craft, a unwavering commitment to innovation, and a genuine passion for the ever-evolving world of cocktails.
“The Spirited Awards nominations are not based on popular vote, and all nominations are evaluated by their respective judging committees, ensuring each vote carries equal weight in the evaluation process,” explains the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.
As I sip my drink, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like to be in the judges’ shoes. To sift through countless nominations, to debate the merits of each contender, and to ultimately crown the true champions of the cocktail kingdom. It’s a responsibility I can only imagine, one that requires an unparalleled depth of knowledge and an unwavering dedication to the industry.
Raising the Roof: Celebrating the Winners
And the winners are… Well, you’ll have to stay tuned to find out! The Spirited Awards ceremony is the industry’s biggest night, a chance for the movers and shakers of the cocktail world to come together and celebrate their hard-earned achievements.
“Miamis Jaguar Sun is up for Best Restaurant Bar at this years TOTCF Spirited Awards,” reports Forbes. “The Miami cocktail scene continues to make waves with several local hotspots just announced as Regional Top 10 nominees by the esteemed Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.”
As I sip my drink and imagine the excitement and energy of the Spirited Awards ceremony, I can’t help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the bartenders, brand ambassadors, and industry leaders who have risen to the top of their game. These are the true innovators, the trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible behind the bar.
“This is Macchialinas third year earning this nomination, and its a testament to our industrys ongoing commitment to the craft of an inspired drinking experience,” says Jacqueline Pirolo, the managing partner and beverage director at Macchialina, another Miami-based nominee.
Raising the Bar for Excellence
As the night winds down and I reluctantly make my way out of The Up & Under, I can’t help but feel inspired by the stories of the Spirited Awards winners. These are the individuals and establishments that are truly moving the needle, redefining what it means to be a world-class cocktail destination.
And you know what? I think I’ll be making a trip to New Orleans for the Tales of the Cocktail conference this year. After all, “Honoring excellence” is the name of the game, and I can’t wait to see who will be crowned the true champions of the cocktail kingdom.
Cheers to the Spirited Awards winners, and here’s to raising the bar for excellence in the years to come!
