Tales Spirited Awards 2026: Top 10 World’s Best Spirits Nominees

Prioritise Origin Bar when the brief is a serious hotel-bar drink in Singapore, especially later in the evening when comfort and a strong spirits program matter. Awards from Asia's Best Bars, Top 500 Bars, Pinnacle Guide, Tatler, Tales give it real weight; large groups and view-first plans may be better served elsewhere.

Mirate is the Los Feliz pick when cocktails are the main plan, especially for dates or small groups willing to organize ahead. Its national bar recognition gives it more weight than a casual neighborhood stop, but groups of four or more should treat it as a planned anchor rather than a spontaneous add-on.

Tlecān is the Mexico City bar to prioritize when cocktails are the point of the night, not a side stop. Its major international bar recognition makes it worth planning around, especially for two people or a small group that wants a focused late-room experience in Roma Norte.

A strong choice for a polished London hotel-bar night, especially if live jazz, deep lounge seating and a serious spirits program are part of the plan. Expect about $60 per person, smart casual dress and a room that suits dates or small groups better than a quick casual round.

A strong pick for groups who want a guided agave tasting rather than a standard cocktail stop. Salón de Agave is better for curious drinkers, visiting friends, value-seekers who want producer context with each pour; skip it if the night calls for loud music, mixed drinks, or bar snacks.

Chef Carlos Delgado's Amazonian-Peruvian kitchen in Washington, D.C. earns an OAD Casual 2026 recommendation for ingredient-driven plates that skip the coastal ceviche clichés. Sourcing depth (ají chilies, paiche, jungle tubers) justifies the visit, booking difficulty stays low; reserve a few days out or walk in early for counter seats.

Sexy Fish is worth booking for a Mayfair drinks-led night, especially if the occasion needs energy, recognisable address value, a bar program with serious awards recognition. Treat the food as supporting the evening rather than the main reason to go; for a purist dinner or quieter conversation, compare other London options first.

Bar 1802 is worth shortlisting for a cocktail-focused night in Paris, especially if external recognition matters more than chasing the cheapest round. Go with a date or small group, keep it to a focused drinks stop, compare wine-led alternatives if the evening is more about bottles than cocktails.

Barro Negro is a practical Athens pick for an evening or late-night drink, especially when bar seating is the point and dinner is handled elsewhere. It is easier to recommend for pairs than for larger groups, works better as part of a wider night out than as the main dining decision.

Cat Bite Club is a high-conviction Singapore cocktail pick for dates, celebrations, small groups that want recognized bar quality rather than a casual fallback. Plan ahead, keep the party size tight, cross-shop Jungle Ballroom for ambiance or The Elephant Room for a more Singapore-focused bar identity.