On Saturday night, New Orleans played host to the 5th Annual Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, which recognises bars, brands and books from around the world. It seems only fitting that in the year of the London Olympics, the Brits took home a number of awards including World’s Best Cocktail Bar and International Bartender of the Year, among others. The southern hemisphere was light on awards this year but we’re hoping that in 2013, our adopted Australian son, Jacob Briars (ok, ok, we know he’s a kiwi!) goes on to take out the Brand Ambassador prize! But we are very happy to report that Gaz Regan Bartender magazine contributor and all-round legend was honoured for his writing and given the lifetime achievement award. Read on to see the full list of winners…
- World’s Best New Cocktail Bar
Zetter Townhouse, London - World’s Best Hotel Bar
Artesian at The Langham hotel, London - Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
PDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan - Best Cocktail Writing – Non Book
Liquor.com - World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Callooh Callay, London - Best New Product
Cognac Pierre Ferrand 1840 Formula - Best American Brand Ambassador
Jim Ryan, Hendricks Gin - Best Restaurant Bar
Slanted Door – San Francisco, California - Best Cocktail Writing – Author
Gary Regan - Best Drinks Selection
Salvatore Calabrese – Playboy Club, London - Best International Brand Ambassador
Angus Winchester, Tanqueray Gin - Best Bar Mentor
Steve Olson - Best High Volume Cocktail Bar
Eastern Standard – Boston, Massachusetts, USA - International Bartender of the Year
Alex Kratena – Atesian at the Langham, London - Best American Cocktail Bar
The Varnish – Los Angeles, California - American Bartender of the Year
Joaquin Simo, Death & Co. - World’s Best Cocktail Bar
The Connaught Bar, London
