3 Denver bars honored among the best in the U.S.
Colorado is thought for producing a few of the finest beer on the planet, however cocktail followers right here even have entry to bars the place mixology retains step with a few of the nation’s finest. Want proof?
The 18th annual Spirited Awards, a part of the esteemed Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans, not too long ago introduced its roster of 2024 regional honorees, which included three Denver bars. The annual competitors is self-described as “honoring excellence within the drinks business, showcasing the most effective of the worldwide cocktail group.”
The divey Yacht Membership (3701 N. Williams St.) earned recognition in two classes – the most effective bar crew within the Western U.S. and finest cocktail bar within the Western U.S. In the meantime, chef/restaurateur Kelly Whitaker’s ideas OK Yeah and Hey Kiddo, which share an area at 4337 Tennyson St., have been acknowledged as the most effective new bars within the area.
The Spirited Awards honored greater than 150 U.S. companies in its regional announcement and greater than 250 within the worldwide a part of the competitors. However equally to the James Beard Awards, the pool of worthy institutions will probably be whittled down twice extra till it palms out accolades for the world’s finest bar crew, finest cocktail bar, finest resort bar, finest restaurant bar, and finest new cocktail bar.
On Could 29, the Spirited Awards will announce a prime 10 for every class within the U.S. and internationally, earlier than deciding on a prime 4 from throughout the globe on June 17. The winners of every class will probably be introduced at a July 25 awards ceremony throughout Tales of the Cocktail within the Crescent Metropolis and topped the world’s finest.
Within the final 12 months, each Yacht Membership and Whitaker have been magnets for nationwide accolades. Yacht Membership, for instance, was named one of many prime 50 bars in North America in 2023, whereas Whitaker earned Michelin stars for his eating places Brutø and The Wolf’s Tailor. Whitaker can also be a finalist for a James Beard Award within the Excellent Restaurateur class.
Based in 2002 as a strolling bar tour, Tales of the Cocktail has grown into the nation’s most prestigious gathering of spirits business professionals. Every summer season, bartenders and model reps flock to New Orleans – the birthplace of iconic libations just like the Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz and Hurricane – to shake and stir till they drop. The convention additionally contains workshops, tastings, and different occasions. The Spirited Awards began in 2007.
Subscribe to our new meals publication, Stuffed, to get Denver foods and drinks information despatched straight to your inbox.