Iain McPherson bags triple at Spirited Awards
The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has announced the winners of the 19th annual Spirited Awards.
The winners were recognised in a ceremony during TOTCF’s conference in New Orleans yesterday (24 July).
Each recipient was selected by a panel of more than 250 industry experts, led by Tiffanie Barriere and Ryan Chetiyawardana, the awards’ US and International chairs.
“It’s a real delight to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Spirited Awards,” said Charlotte Voisey, TOTCF executive director. “Each winner represents the spirit of evolution, pushing boundaries, embracing change, and moving this industry forward. Congratulations to everyone recognised – 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.”
Iain McPherson of Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons took home three awards. He was named Best International Bar Mentor, while the bar picked up awards for Best International Bar Team and World’s Best Cocktail Menu.
It was also a big night for Lorenzo Antinori, who was named International Bartender of the Year. His Hong Kong venue, Bar Leone, received the prize for Best International Cocktail Bar.
Chicago’s Kumiko also took home a pair of gongs: Best US Restaurant Bar and World’s Best Bar.
The Best New Cocktail Bars were Madrid’s Devil’s Cut in the International category and New York’s Sip & Guzzle in the US.
Global rum ambassador Ian Burrell was recognised with the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award. Meanwhile, mixologist Lynnette Marrero won the Tales Visionary Award.
Below is the full list of this year’s winners.
The 2025 Spirited Awards winners
International
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
US
US Bartender of the Year, presented by Pernod Ricard
Christine Kim – Service Bar, Washington, DC
Best US Bar Mentor, presented by Pernod Ricard
Colin Asare-Appiah
Best US Brand Ambassador
Natasha Sofia – Mijenta Tequila
Best US Bar Team, presented by William Grant & Sons
Allegory at the Eaton Hotel – Washington, DC
Best US Cocktail Bar, presented by Pernod Ricard
Trick Dog – San Francisco, CA
Best US Hotel Bar
Little Rituals at the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott – Phoenix, AZ
Best US Restaurant Bar
Kumiko – Chicago, IL
Best New US Cocktail Bar
Sip & Guzzle – New York, NY
Writing and media
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
Full Pour
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing
‘In War-Torn Ukraine, Nightlife Offers a Fleeting Escape’ by Adam Robb, for Wine Enthusiast
Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series, presented by Cheech & Chong Cannabis Co
Radio Imbibe
Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book, presented by Branca USA
The Bartender’s Pantry: A Beverage Handbook for the Universal Bar by Jim Meehan and Bart Sasso with Emma Janzen
Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits
The Cocktail Parlor: How Women Brought the Cocktail Home by Nicola Nice
Global
World’s Best Bar, presented by TOTCF
Kumiko – Chicago, IL
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Panda & Sons – Edinburgh, Scotland
World’s Best Spirits Selection, presented by Flor de Caña Rum
Eleven Madison Park – New York, NY
Award recipients
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by William Grant & Sons
Ian Burrell
Tales Visionary Award, presented by Johnnie Walker
Lynnette Marrero
Timeless International Award
Bar Cock – Madrid, Spain
Timeless US Award
The Bar at Keens Steakhouse – New York, NY
Related news
Eyes on the prize: the benefits of winning bar awards
