Who wins Best US Cocktail Bar at the 20th Spirited Awards?

Winning the Best US Cocktail Bar award influences professional reputations and commercial success within the hospitality sector. A victory results in increased brand prestige, often solidifying a venue's position in the global beverage hierarchy. The 20th anniversary of the ceremony adds additional weight to the selection as the foundation reflects on two decades of industry development. Past cycles indicate that the selection committee favors venues that demonstrate both technical mastery and a commitment to hospitality. Previous winners have spanned major markets like New York and New Orleans, showing that geography is less important than operational excellence. Forecasters determine if the current trend toward minimalist service or maximalist storytelling carries more weight with the 2026 panel. The calibration of this market involves tracking the regional top ten lists released in the spring. These lists serve as the primary indicator of which venues captured the attention of the judging committee. Observers look for consistent performance across high volume service periods and innovation in cocktail programming as the ceremony approaches.