The Best Bars and Bartenders in the World in 2025, According to Tales of the Cocktail

After nearly a week of parties, seminars, tastings, and panels, world-renowned spirits conference Tales of the Cocktail ended its 2025 gathering last night by crowning the best bars and bartenders in the world at the Filmore Theater in New Orleans.

“It’s a real delight to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Spirited Awards,” said Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.”Each winner represents the spirit of evolution, pushing boundaries, embracing change, and moving this industry forward. Congratulations to everyone recognized — your work inspires all of us! Thank you also to the Spirited Awards Committee and the global community for making this such a remarkable year.”

Below is this year’s list of the best bars and bartenders in the U.S. and internationally, as voted on by a mix of veteran bartenders, bar owners, historians, and writers. For a full list of international Spirited Award winners, media winners, and a list of judges, see Tales of the Cocktail’s website.

U.S. Categories

U.S. Bartender of the Year presented by Pernod Ricard: Christine Kim — Service Bar, Washington, D.C.

Best U.S. Bar Mentor presented by Pernod Ricard: Colin Asare-Appiah

Best U.S. Brand Ambassador: Natasha Sofia — Mijenta Tequila

Best U.S. Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons: Allegory at the Eaton Hotel — Washington, D.C.

Best U.S. Cocktail Bar presented by Pernod Ricard: Trick Dog — San Francisco, CA

Best U.S. Hotel Bar: Little Rituals at the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott — Phoenix, AZ

Best U.S. Restaurant Bar: Kumiko — Chicago, IL

Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar: Sip & Guzzle — New York, NY

International Categories

International Bartender of the Year: Lorenzo Antinori — Bar Leone, Hong Kong, China

Best International Bar Mentor: Iain McPherson

Best International Brand Ambassador: Dré Masso — Altos Tequila and Nusa Caña Rum

Best International Bar Team: Panda & Sons — Edinburgh, Scotland

Best International Cocktail Bar: Bar Leone — Hong Kong, China

Best International Hotel Bar: Side Hustle at The NoMad Hotel London — London, UK

Best International Restaurant Bar: Moebius Milano — Milan, Italy

Best New International Cocktail Bar: Devil’s Cut — Madrid, Spain