This year, one cocktail menu in Miami is so good that it might win big on a worldwide scale.
The Spirited Awards are among the most respected honors in the cocktail industry, judged by more than 250 experts using a set of strict criteria. The recognition comes at a time when Miami's restaurant and bar scene continues to attract national attention, with chefs and bartenders from other major cities opening outposts here.
The nominations reflect Miami's gradual shift from a nightlife scene dominated by bottle service and flashy clubs to one that values quality cocktails and skilled bartending. Local spots have invested in experienced bartenders, quality ingredients, and innovative menu development that competes with more established cocktail markets.
The bar at Kaiju.
Photo by Anthony Nader/52 Chefs
Bar Kaiju Leads the Pack
Bar Kaiju received two nominations: Best U.S. Cocktail Bar and World's Best Cocktail Menu. The latter puts the Miami bar in rare international company, competing against venues in Dublin, Bangkok, Mexico City, Barcelona, Oslo, Singapore, Edinburgh, and Sydney.The monster-themed cocktail bar sits on the second floor of the Citadel food hall in Little River. Electric red lights cast a glow on collages of movie monster posters, while the cocktail menu, modeled after trading cards, features drinks inspired by famous beasts like King Kong and Chupacabra. The bar already ranks No. 77 on North America's 50 Best Bars list. Plus, it was even named Best Cocktails in Miami by New Times in 2024.
Four Miami bars, including Bar Kaiju and ViceVersa, scored five Spirited Awards nominations, spotlighting Miami's rise as a global cocktail destination.
R.C. Visuals photo
Other Miami Nominees
Downtown Miami newcomer ViceVersa was named a finalist for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar, joining nine other recently opened bars across the country. The cocktail lounge opened in the past year and has quickly gained attention for its creative drink program.The ritzy Champagne Bar at the Four Seasons Surf Club earned a nomination for Best U.S. Hotel Bar, alongside finalists in New Orleans, New York, Dallas, Portland, Phoenix, and San Diego. The oceanfront Surfside property's bar has become a staple for both hotel guests and locals seeking upscale cocktails with unbeatable ocean views.
Macchialina, the long-running Italian restaurant on Alton Road, was recognized in the Best U.S. Restaurant Bar category. The South Beach spot has earned a reputation for pairing its Italian cuisine with a thoughtful cocktail program that draws from classic European influences and local ingredients.
TOTCF, which launched the awards in 2007, announced the nominees on Thursday, May 22. Winners will be revealed during the Tales of the Cocktail conference, held July 20 through July 25, 2025, in New Orleans.
