Miami was presented with numerous awards for achievements in the spirits industry. It was a special moment for Miami as the late, legendary bartender, John Lermayer, was also awarded the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award for his impactful contributions to the spirits community. The 2018 class of winners has been recognized amongst peers and supporters at the awards ceremony hosted at the Orpheum Theater in New Orleans during Tales of the Cocktail.
“Since its establishment in 2007, the Spirited Awards® have grown to become one of the most prestigious and coveted honors in the industry. Recognizing writers and brand ambassadors alongside bartenders and bars, the Awards showcase the talent found throughout the entire spirits community.”
The evening was topped off with a Pursue Happiness party presented by Sweet Liberty at Santos Bar that brought one of John Lermayer’s favorite bands, Patrick & The Swayzees, to perform at the after party at Santos Bar.
Miami’s awards were amongst the most prestigious including: Best American Bar Team and World’s Best Spirits Selection presented to Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. The Broken Shaker Miami Beach added one more accolade to the award-winning bar by winning Best American Hotel Bar. Congrats to all the deserving winners recognized at the Spirited Awards. See the full list below.
2018 Spirited Award® Recipients:
American Categories
Best American Bar Team
Presented by William Grant & Sons
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co., Miami, FL
American Bartender of the Year
Presented by Bacardi USA
Yael Vengroff, The Spare Room, Los Angeles, CA
Best American Brand Ambassador
Presented by VinePair
Anne Louise Marquis, Campari America
Best American Cocktail Bar
Presented by Pernod Ricard USA
Lost Lake, Chicago, IL
Best American High Volume Cocktail Bar
Presented by William Grant & Sons
The NoMad Bar, New York City, NY
Best American Hotel Bar
Presented by Bacardi USA
The Broken Shaker Miami at The Freehand, Miami, FL
Best American Restaurant Bar
Presented by Woodford Reserve
Clyde Common, Portland, OR
Best New American Cocktail Bar
Presented by Pierre Ferrand Cognac
Navy Strength, Seattle, WA
International Categories
Best International Bar Team
Presented by The House of Angostura
The American Bar, The Savoy, London
International Bartender of the Year
Presented by Bacardi USA
Joe Schofield, Tippling Club, Singapore
Best International Brand Ambassador
Presented by G.H. Mumm
Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador
Best International Cocktail Bar
Presented by Pernod Ricard USA
Happiness Forgets, London
Best International High Volume Cocktail Bar
Presented by Rutte
The Clumsies, Athens
Best International Hotel Bar
Presented by Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association
The American Bar, The Savoy, London
Best International Restaurant Bar
Presented by Mandarine Napoléon
Sager & Wilde, London
Best New International Cocktail Bar
Presented by Pierre Ferrand Cognac
Writing Categories
Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication
Presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
The Daily Beast, Half Full Section
Best Cocktail & Spirits Writer
Presented by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
M. Carrie Allan, The Washington Post, Imbibe, and more
Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book
Presented by Gra’it Grappa
Meehan’s Bartender Manual by Jim Meehan
Best New Book on Drinks Culture, History or Spirits
Presented by Cocktail Kingdom
By the Smoke and the Smell by Thad Vogler
Best Broadcast, Podcast or Online Video Series
Presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
Global Categories
Best Bar Mentor
Presented by BarSmarts
Andy Seymour, Liquid Productions
Best New Spirit or Cocktail Ingredient
Presented by Maverick Drinks
Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal Jabali
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Presented by Peroni
Dandelyan, London
World’s Best Spirit Selection
Presented by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation
Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co., Miami, FL
World’s Best Bar
Presented by Italicus
The American Bar at The Savoy, London
Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented by William Grant & Sons
John Lermayer