The vibrant heart of the global bar industry beat once again in New Orleans this July, as Tales of the Cocktail® 2025 drew thousands of bartenders, brand ambassadors, spirits professionals, and cocktail lovers to celebrate excellence, innovation, and community in the world of mixology.
Marking its 23rd edition, Tales of the Cocktail returned to The Ritz‑Carlton New Orleans and venues across the French Quarter from July 20 to 25, culminating in the highly anticipated 2025 Spirited Awards® on Thursday, July 24. This year’s theme, “Inspire”, was a fitting reflection of the week’s electric atmosphere — from immersive tastings and educational panels to brand activations and unforgettable parties.
Honoring Global Excellence
The 2025 Spirited Awards, now in their 18th year, continue to be among the most prestigious accolades in the cocktail world. Winners were selected across international, U.S., media, and writing categories, judged by more than 200 industry professionals.
Among the top honors:
- World’s Best Bar: Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City, Mexico)
- International Bartender of the Year: Tess Posthumus (Netherlands)
- Best New International Cocktail Bar: Bar Leone (Singapore)
- Best American Bar Team: Double Chicken Please (New York, NY)
- Best U.S. Cocktail Bar: Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco, CA)
The awards also recognized lifetime achievements, philanthropic impact, and emerging talent, further solidifying their reputation as an inclusive and forward-thinking celebration of global bar culture.
“The Spirited Awards are not just about the winners — they are a mirror of the vibrancy and diversity of our industry,” said Tales of the Cocktail Foundation CEO Eileen Wayner.
Education, Culture & Community
Beyond the glamour of the awards, Tales 2025 offered a deep dive into the craft, culture, and challenges of bartending today. With over 300 events, the week featured thought‑provoking seminars, spirit tastings, pop‑ups, and networking sessions led by top-tier voices from every continent.
New additions this year included:
- Sustainability Spotlights featuring zero‑waste bar programs
- Cultural exchange panels exploring global bar identity
- Mental health sessions focused on wellness in hospitality
The event also served as a launchpad for brand innovations, such as new product debuts from global spirits companies and boutique distillers alike.
A Growing Legacy
Tales of the Cocktail continues to be a cultural and economic force for the city of New Orleans. According to the Foundation, last year’s event generated $22 million in local economic impact, and this year is projected to surpass that.
With its mission rooted in education, advancement, and celebration, the Tales Foundation also supports year-round programming, including grants, scholarships, and regional activations under the Beyond the Bar initiative.
What’s Next?
As the curtain falls on the 2025 edition, Tales of the Cocktail once again proved why it remains the defining event in cocktail culture worldwide — where innovation meets tradition, and the world’s best gather not just to compete, but to connect.
“This year we saw more collaboration, more international voices, and more purpose-driven conversation than ever before. The future of hospitality is in good hands,” said Tales Board Member Christine Wiseman.
Tales of the Cocktail 2026 is set to return to New Orleans in July next year. Until then, the spirits world will raise a well-deserved glass to another unforgettable chapter.
Source: Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
