Close Menu
News

Singapore’s Fura wins World’s Best Bar at Spirited Awards

The winners of the 20th annual Spirited Awards were announced during the Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) festival last week (23 July).

Representative of FURA of Singapore after winning the award for World's Best Bar at the 20th Annual Spirited Awards on July 23, 2026 in New Orleans, LA, USA. (Photo by Caitlyn Ridenour/Tales of the Cocktail)
Fura opened in Singapore in October 2023 (Photo credit: Caitlyn Ridenour)

The awards are divided into International, US and Global categories, with a top four selected prior to the conference.

Each prize winner was selected by a panel of more than 250 industry experts, led by Tiffanie Barriere and Ryan Chetiyawardana, the awards’ US and International chairs.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the winners of the 2026 Spirited Awards,” said Charlotte Voisey, executive director of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. “On the 20th anniversary of Spirited Awards, it is remarkable to look back and see not only how far our industry has come, but to celebrate the bars, bartenders, writers, and industry icons who have shaped the modern resurgence of cocktail culture globally over the past 20 years.

“The 2026 list of winners reflects the very combination of evolution and excellence that makes this such an inspiring industry to be a part of. Congratulations to all who have been recognised and a special thank you to our worldwide committee of judges who work to ensure these awards remain so profoundly significant.”

Fura in Singapore was one of the night’s big winners, bagging two prizes: Best International Restaurant Bar and World’s Best Bar.

David Wondrich was also honoured twice, first with the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award and second for Best New Book for his Comic Book History of the Cocktail.


The 2026 Spirited Awards winners

Yayo Nava (Photo credit: Caitlyn Ridenour)

International

International Bartender of the Year, presented by Brown-Forman

Yayo Nava – Bar Mauro, Mexico City, Mexico

Best International Bar Mentor, presented by Helmsman Imports

Indra Kantono

Best International Brand Ambassador

Jesse Estes – Tequila Ocho

Best International Bar Team, presented by William Grant & Sons

Bar Leone – Hong Kong, China

Best International Cocktail Bar, by Gruppo Montenegro

Satan’s Whiskers – London, UK

Best International Hotel Bar

Argo at the Four Seasons – Hong Kong, China

Best International Restaurant Bar

Fura – Singapore

Best New International Cocktail Bar

De Vie – Paris, France


US categories

Takuma Watanabe (Photo credit: Erika Goldring)

US Bartender of the Year, presented by Brown-Forman

Takuma Watanabe – Martiny’s, L’Americana and Midnight Blue, New York City, NY

Best US Bar Mentor presented by Helmsman Imports

Amanda Gunderson and Travis Nass

Best US Brand Ambassador

Benny Hurwitz – Campari American Whiskies

Best US Bar Team, presented by William Grant & Sons

Service Bar – Washington, DC

20th Annual Spirited Awards Ceremony Red Carpet
Schmuck (Photo credit: Erika Goldring)

Best US Cocktail Bar, by Gruppo Montenegro

Bar Snack – New York City, NY

Best US Hotel Bar presented by Patrón

ViceVersa at the Elser Hotel – Miami, Florida

Best US Restaurant Bar

Cobra – Columbus, Ohio

Best New US Cocktail Bar, presented by Cutwater

Schmuck – New York City, NY


Global categories

World’s Best Bar, presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation

Fura – Singapore

World’s Best Cocktail Menu, presented by Australian Bitters Co

Allegory at the Eaton Hotel – Washington, DC

World’s Best Spirits Selection

Tlecān – Mexico City, Mexico

Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient, presented by Helmsman Imports

Bruichladdich The Laddie Rye 7 Year

Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by William Grant & Sons

David Wondrich

Representatives of Jean Trinh poses on the red carpet after accepting the Tales Visionary Award at the 20th Annual Spirited Awards on July 23, 2026 in New Orleans, LA, USA. (Photo by Caitlyn Ridenour/Tales of the Cocktail)
Jean Trinh (Photo credit: Caitlyn Ridenour)

Tales Visionary Award, presented by Château Sainte Marguerite

Jean Trinh

Timeless International Award, presented by Explore Louisiana

The Bamboo Bar at Mandarin Oriental – Bangkok, Thailand

Timeless US Award, presented by Explore Louisiana

Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge – Milwaukee, Wisconsin


Writing and media categories

Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication

Imbibe

Best Broadcast, Podcast, or Online Video Series

Amour Drink

Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing

‘Thinking Differently: Neurodivergent Bartenders Thrive Behind the Stick’, by Rich Manning for VinePair

Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book, presented by Branca USA

Soju Party: How to Drink (and Eat!) Like a Korean by Irene Yoo

Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History, or Spirits

The Comic Book History of the Cocktail by David Wondrich and illustrated by Dean Kotz

Related news

Beluga illuminates on-trade with Noble Night

World Cup: England win boosts on-trade spend by up to 152%

Bols Coconut liqueur makes US on-trade debut

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No

The Spirits Business
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.