Last chance to put Asia on the global cocktail map at the Spirited Awards. By Holly Graham.

The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation Spirited Awards, currently in its 12 year, recognises professionals, products and establishments redefining the spirits industry – and nominations close tomorrow May 15, so act fast.

The award categories honour talent including venues, bartenders, journalists, brand ambassadors, brands and media, meaning each and every corner of the bar industry is recognised for its contributions in America as well as internationally. Coveted awards include World’s Best Cocktail Bar and World’s Best Cocktail Menu, won last year by Dandelyan (London) and Trick Dog (San Francisco) respectively.

Two panels of over 100 industry experts, led by Chairperson Charlotte Voisey, Spirited Awards International Chairman Jacob Briars and US Committee Chairs Bridget Albert and Kiowa Bryan will determine the winners from the list of nominees, which will be announced on July 21, during Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans which runs from July 17-22.

Voisey says: “The Spirited Awards have allowed the industry to recognise excellence and celebrate advances in the cocktail industry around the world for the past 11 years. As always nominations are encouraged from far and wide to truly capture the very best of the bar world.” So, get voting and give Asia’s bar industry and professionals the international recognition the deserve by nominating here.

2017 award winners flying the flag for Asia include Shingo Gokan (Speak Low, Shanghai), who was awarded International Bartender of the Year and Tippling Club (Singapore) received the prize for Best International Restaurant Bar.