The Spirited Awards Celebrated The World's Leaders As A Part Of The 10th Anniversary Celebration

On July 28th, cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike gathered at the new Hyatt Regency in New Orleans to honor industry leaders at Tales of the Cocktail's Annual Spirited Awards. The celebration was hosted by the lovable co-hosts Simon Ford and TV host Zane Lamprey, which was proudly presented by Tales of the Cocktail, Pernod Ricard USA and the Beverage Media Group. The entertaining awards show honored eighteen of the world's top mixologists, brand ambassadors, bars, spirits, authors and more.

The "Ford Lamprey Bar" took center stage as hosts Simon Ford and Zane Lamprey entertained 1,000 attendees, while the Crooners provided the fitting music and humor throughout evening with their British inspired stylings.

It is quite clear that this year, London's cocktail community took home top honors at the ceremony. Artesian at the Langham flew home with World's Best Hotel Bar and Artesian's bartender, Alex Kratena, was honored with the title of International Bartender of the Year. Other Londoners who took the honor home included: The Connaught Bar, the winner of World's Best New Cocktail Bar, Callooh Callay, the winner of World's Best Cocktail Menu, Salvatore's at the Playboy took home the trophy for World's Best Drinks Selection and the Zetter Townhouse is the 2012 winner of World's Best New Cocktail Bar. All award winners were honored with Reidel Crystal trophies and Barwear Jackets from Chefwear.

"Every nominee this year I felt deserved to be there. It really did represent the best of the best when it comes to bars and bartenders and the people that support it," said Simon Ford, Chairman of the Spirited Awards and Director of Brand Director of Education of Pernod Ricard USA.

The 2012 Spirited Award Winners:

American Bartender of the Year
Joaquin Simo of New York, New York

Best American Brand Ambassador
Jim Ryan of New York, New York

Best American Cocktail Bar
The Varnish of Los Angeles, California

Best Bar Mentor
Steve Olson of New York, New York

Best Cocktail Writing - Author
Dave Wondrich of New York, New York for his writing on Liquor.com

Best Cocktail Writing - Non Book
Liquor.com

Best High Volume Cocktail Bar
Eastern Standard of Boston, Massachusetts

Best International Brand Ambassador
Angus Winchester of London, United Kingdom

Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
PDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan & Chris Gall

Best New Product
Cognac Pierre Ferrand 1840 Formula of Bonbonnet, France

Best Restaurant Bar
Slanted Door of San Francisco, California

International Bartender of the Year
Alex Kratena of London, United Kingdom

World's Best Cocktail Bar
The Connaught Bar of London, United Kingdom

World's Best Cocktail Menu
Callooh Callay of London, United Kingdom

World's Best Drinks Selection
Salvatore's at The Playboy of London, United Kingdom

World's Best Hotel Bar
Artesian at The Langham of London, United Kingdom

World's Best New Cocktail Bar
The Zetter Townhouse of London, United Kingdom

Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award
Gary Regan of New York, New York

About Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail is the world's premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Held annually in New Orleans, this international event has something for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike with a spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products.

About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary