The esteemed 19th Spirited Awards were held in the vibrant city of New Orleans, highlighting the crème de la crème of the bar industry, both nationally and internationally. The Spirited Awards form a significant part of the Tales of the Cocktail conference, a congregation of bar proprietors, bartenders, spirits manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the cocktail sphere over an event-filled weekend. The educational sessions, social activities, and award recognitions are truly the highlight of the celebratory event. Within various categories, the Spirited Awards laud individuals, bar crews, exemplary menus, and influential mentorships, among other significant contributions.
The coveted title of the ‘Best Hotel Bar in the U.S’ was bestowed upon Phoenix’s charming establishment, Little Rituals, at this year’s ceremony. As the name of Little Rituals was announced, the co-proprietor and celebrated local bar figure, Aaron ‘Doc’ DeFeo, ascended the stage to graciously accept the prestigious accolade. Accompanying him on the stage was Frank de la Cruz, the lead bartender at Little Rituals, who proudly held the glass trophy while DeFeo delivered his words of appreciation.
In his heart-warming acceptance speech, DeFeo uttered words of profound gratitude. ‘Our deepest thanks to everyone, this recognition is astounding, phenomenal! We never could have anticipated standing here among so many of our idols and the individuals we admire,’ expressed DeFeo. He applauded the other nominees in the category while emphasizing the significance of their collective contribution to the industry.
DeFeo further underlined that the award was emblematic of not just dedication and knowledge, but also of the trust, mentorship, and partnership shared among those who gathered onstage that night. ‘Without my esteemed partner, Ross Simon, I would not be standing here today. He believed in me and in other members of Little Rituals, offering us mentorship and partnership. I am proud to say that this award belongs as much to him as to anyone else,’ shared DeFeo.
Ross Simon, a revered cocktail expert in Phoenix, is also known for his award-winning establishment, Bitter & Twisted. Super excited with the remarkable achievement, Simon commented, ‘We are beyond delighted that Little Rituals has won the honorable Best U.S. Hotel Bar award at this year’s Spirited Awards. This noteworthy acknowledgment fortifies our steadfast resolve to our craft and the principles we stand for, while celebrating the unwearied effort put in by our extraordinary team.’
DeFeo rounded out his powerful acceptance speech with a thought-provoking call to action, expressing their gratitude, ‘We are immensely thankful.’
Little Rituals, ensconced within the Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown hotel, sits on the fourth floor. To discover this hidden gem, customers travel via an elevator ride to the fourth floor. This trip culminates in stunning downtown vistas and glimpses of the PHX Arena. Visitors can choose to take a seat at the trendy bar, opt for one of the private tables, or revel in the relaxed vibe of the comforting lounge areas.
The well-furnished bar exudes a mix of elegance and playfulness, all under the twinkling, sprinkling light of overhead starburst chandeliers and flashy neon glows. To assist customers in making their ideal selection, a beautifully illustrated drink menu is on offer. Whether patrons fancy a refreshing Crisp Martini or the crowd favorite Big City Nights, a blush-colored sour cocktail with blackberry, cinnamon, and lemon, crowned with a picture collage of downtown, they’re sure to be delighted.
Furthermore, the establishment provides a food menu alongside its drink selection, offering everything from communal nibbles to hearty main courses. Diners can indulge in Disco Fries, lavishly topped with brisket, cheese sauce, and pho gravy, or opt for fuller entrees like the Korean BBQ Salmon served over shishito mashed potatoes.
The journey to the Spirited Awards isn’t a swift one. Starting in April, the Regional Top 10 Honorees are first declared. May sees the announcement of the Top 10 Nominees, followed by the disclosure of the Top Four finalists in June. The grand award ceremony culminates in late July, a true waiting game for all involved.
In the previous year, Little Rituals had made its way to the Top Four finals. Fast forward a year later, it rightfully claimed the winner’s title, achieving an extraordinary height in the spirited world of cocktails and connections.
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