Tales of the Cocktail 2011: Spirited Award Nominees

 New Orleans - The Fifth Annual Spirited Awards™ nominees for 2011 have been announced. The winners will be crowned  at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Award Ceremony and Dinner on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans. Tables can be purchased online at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com

We have added our Votes (*) and predictions (W - Winners). A wrap up of the awards after TOTC.

American Bartender of the Year

Eric Alperin, The Varnish

Kenta Goto, Pegu Club

Misty Kalkofen, Drink

Sam Ross, Milk & Honey

Joaquin Simo, Death & Co. * (W)

Best American Brand Ambassador

Colin Asare-Appiah, U'luvka Vodka

Jacques Bezuidenhout, Partida Tequila

Jamie Gordon, Absolut Vodka (W)

Jim Ryan, Hendrick's Gin*

Best American Cocktail Bar

Clover Club, Brooklyn

Drink, Boston

Employees Only, New York * (W)

The Varnish, Los Angeles

World’s Best Hotel Bar

Artesian at The Langham, London*

Clive's Classic Lounge at Chateau Victoria Hotel, Victoria

Clyde Common at The Ace Hotel, Portland

The Savoy, London, England (W)

Best Cocktail Writing

Toby Cecchini, New York(W)

Camper English, San Francisco*

Darcy O'Neil, London, Ontario

Naren Young, New York

Best New Product

Bank's Five Island Rum

Cocchi Americano

Smith & Cross Rum* (W)

Tequila Calle 23

World’s Best Drinks Selection

Artesian at The Langham, London*

Cure, New Orleans

Eau de Vie, Sydney

Employees Only, New York(W)

Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book

Fix the Pumps by Darcy O'Neill

Left Coast Libations by Ted Munat & Michael Lazar

Punch by David Wondrich

Speakeasy by Dushan Zaric and Jay Kosmas*(W)

World’s Best Cocktail Menu

Artesian at The Langham, London*

Eau de Vie, Sydney

Mayahuel, New York (W)

Sanctuaria, St. Louis

International Bartender of the Year

Erik Lorincz, American Bar at Savoy Hotel, London(W)

Dre Masso, Green & Red - London

Sam Ross, Milk & Honey*

Dushan Zaric, Employees Only

World’s Best New Cocktail Bar

1534, New York

Dram, New York

Eau de Vie, Sydney

PKNY (ex Painkiller), New York* (W)

World’s Best Cocktail Bar

69 Colebrooke Row, London(W)

Dry Martini, Barcelona

Employees Only, New York*

High Five, Tokyo

Best International Brand Ambassador

Ian Burrell

Claire Smith, Belvedere Vodka

Dan Warner, Beefeater Gin (W)

Angus Winchester, Tanqueray Gin*

Best Bar Mentor

Wayne Collins, London

Steve Olson, New York

Audrey Saunders, New York (W)

Dushan Zaric, New York*

New Categories added in 2011:

Best High Volume Cocktail Bar

Eastern Standard, Boston

Flatiron Lounge, New York*

Florida Room, Miami

Rickhouse, San Francisco (W)

Best Cocktail Writing - Non Book

BarlifeUK.com

Imbibe USA*

Liquor.com (W)

Tasting Panel Magazine

Best Restaurant Bar

The Drawing Room, Chicago(W)

Eleven Madison Park, New York*

Hawksmoor Seven Dials, London

Hix, London

(source: Tales of the Cocktail Newsletter)