The 'Oscars of bars' just named these Phoenix spots among the best in US
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation released its Top 10 U.S. nominees for the 19th Spirited Awards, considered the Oscars of the beverage world, and six Arizona bars and bartenders made the list.
The nominees will be narrowed down to the top four finalists in each category on June 9 and the winners will be announced at the Spirited Awards Ceremony on July 24 in New Orleans.
'Every year, we're inspired by the extraordinary and diverse global talent emerging from our industry,' said Tiffanie Barriere, Spirited Awards U.S. Chair, in a press release. 'This year's shortlist is a celebration of those who are redefining excellence — crafting remarkable cocktails, elevating guest experiences, and pushing our industry to new heights around the world.'
Here are the Arizona bars and bartenders that made Top Ten in their categories.
Category: Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar.
Details: 2 N. Central Ave., Suite 101, Phoenix. carryonphx.com. Check-in inside Wren and Wolf.
Category: U.S. Bartender of the Year for Libby Lingua and Best U.S. Bar Team.
Details: 1514 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-675-4244, highballphx.com.
Asher left Barter & Shake Cocktail Entertainment, the team behind Century Grand and Sunny's Lounge, in December 2024 to launch his own consulting company Juniper and Jigger Hospitality.
Category: Best U.S. Bar Mentor.
Details: juniperandjiggerhospitality.com.
Little Rituals has been in the top four in this category several times.
Category: Best U.S. Hotel Bar.
Details: 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix (on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown). 602-603-2050, littleritualsbar.com.
Category: Best U.S. Restaurant Bar.
Details: 4130 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-612-2961, valentinephx.com.
The winners will be announced at the 19th annual Spirited Awards Ceremony, which takes place on July 24, 2025, in New Orleans.
Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 4 Phoenix bars named among the 10 best in US. How to visit
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