Spirited Awards unveils 2023 nominees

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has revealed the top 10 nominees for its 2023 Spirited Awards, with The Spirits Business named as one of the finalists for Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication.

Founded in 2007, the Spirited Awards seeks to put the spotlight on a range of industry talent from bartenders, journalists, and ambassadors, to brands and media.

The annual New Orleans-based festival is preparing to host its 21st edition on 23-28 July.

All winners will be celebrated on 27 July at the 17th Annual Spirited Awards Ceremony, to be held at the Fillmore New Orleans.

Spirited Awards Ceremony tickets will be available via the TOTCF website on June 8 2023.

Jacob Briars, Spirited Awards international chair, said: "The Tales Spirited Awards shortlist shows that in spite of ongoing challenges, our industry is in incredible health, with bars and bartenders continuing to create extraordinary guest experiences and elevate their craft in so many ways.

"I think it is also heartening to see the wide range of nominees from so many different towns and cities across the US and around the world. Great cocktails can now be found anywhere, and that is a wonderful opportunity for cocktail lovers across the globe."

The ‘top four’ finalists will be announced on 21 June. Scroll below to see the list of top 10 finalists of this year's Spirited Awards.

International Bartender of the Year presented by The Busker

Best International Bar Mentor* presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

*denotes 11 nominees due to a tie

Best International Brand Ambassador* presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

*denotes 12 nominees due to a tie

Best International Bar Team presented by Angostura Caribbean Rum

Best International Cocktail Bar presented by Patr​​ón Tequila

Best International Hotel Bar presented by Perrier

Best International Restaurant Bar presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best New International Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

US Bartender of the Year presented by Pernod Ricard USA

Best US Bar Mentor* presented BarSmarts

*denotes 12 nominees due to a tie

Best US Brand Ambassador presented Libbey

Best US Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons

Best US Cocktail Bar presented by Absolut Vodka

Best US Hotel Bar presented by Grey Goose

Best US Restaurant Bar presented by Amaro Montenegro and Select Aperitivo

Best New US Cocktail Bar presented by Diageo Bar Academy

Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient presented by Lyre's Non-Alcoholic

World's Best Cocktail Menu presented by Diageo Bar Academy

World's Best Spirits Selection presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

The Spirits Spirits was also nominated for the Spirited Awards 2022.