logo
Phoenix bars named among top 10 in US for 'remarkable cocktails'

Phoenix bars named among top 10 in US for 'remarkable cocktails'

Yahoo27-05-2025
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation released its Top 10 U.S. nominees for the 19th Spirited Awards, considered the Oscars of the beverage world, and six Arizona bars and bartenders made the list.
The nominees will be narrowed down to the top four finalists in each category on June 9 and the winners will be announced at the Spirited Awards Ceremony on July 24 in New Orleans.
'Every year, we're inspired by the extraordinary and diverse global talent emerging from our industry,' said Tiffanie Barriere, Spirited Awards U.S. Chair, in a press release. 'This year's shortlist is a celebration of those who are redefining excellence — crafting remarkable cocktails, elevating guest experiences, and pushing our industry to new heights around the world.'
Here are the Arizona bars and bartenders that made Top Ten in their categories.
Category: Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar.
Details: 2 N. Central Ave., Suite 101, Phoenix. carryonphx.com. Check-in inside Wren and Wolf.
Category: U.S. Bartender of the Year for Libby Lingua and Best U.S. Bar Team.
Details: 1514 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-675-4244, highballphx.com.
Asher left Barter & Shake Cocktail Entertainment, the team behind Century Grand and Sunny's Lounge, in December 2024 to launch his own consulting company Juniper and Jigger Hospitality.
Category: Best U.S. Bar Mentor.
Details: juniperandjiggerhospitality.com.
Little Rituals has been in the top four in this category several times.
Category: Best U.S. Hotel Bar.
Details: 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix (on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown). 602-603-2050, littleritualsbar.com.
Category: Best U.S. Restaurant Bar.
Details: 4130 N. Seventh Ave., Phoenix. 602-612-2961, valentinephx.com.
The winners will be announced at the 19th annual Spirited Awards Ceremony, which takes place on July 24, 2025, in New Orleans.
Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.
Christopher Gross loathes mustard: plus other things I learned at his favorite restaurant
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix bars named best in US for 'remarkable cocktails'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Snubbed by Oscars, redeemed by Emmys: How eligibility rules revived ‘Super/Man,' ‘I Am: Celine Dion,' and ‘Will & Harper'
Snubbed by Oscars, redeemed by Emmys: How eligibility rules revived ‘Super/Man,' ‘I Am: Celine Dion,' and ‘Will & Harper'

Yahoo

time11 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Snubbed by Oscars, redeemed by Emmys: How eligibility rules revived ‘Super/Man,' ‘I Am: Celine Dion,' and ‘Will & Harper'

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, I Am: Celine Dion, The Remarkable Life of Ibelin, and Will & Harper share something in common: all four documentaries were snubbed at the 2025 Oscars but have now earned nominations at the 77th Emmys. It's an unusual rule that makes this possible. Even after launching a full Oscar campaign — as these documentaries did — they can still compete at the Emmys if they fail to secure an Oscar nomination. The rule is a bit murky, though, as simply earning an Oscar nomination (in any category) makes a film ineligible for the Emmys. While this has become a common practice, there's still confusion about how documentaries are submitted for the Emmys, which categories they qualify for, and why some films can compete at both the Oscars and Emmys while others cannot. More from Gold Derby 'Squid Game' and Diego Luna are the year's biggest Emmy snubs: Poll Instant Emmy prediction data shows 'The Studio' and 'Severance' out to early leads, with 'Hacks' and 'The Pitt' lurking Adding to the complexity is the fact that documentaries that campaign for an Emmy first — even if they win — are still eligible to campaign for an Oscar. Such was the case just two years ago when Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie won the Emmy for Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special and subsequently launched an Oscar campaign. While the film made the shortlist, it ultimately failed to secure an Academy Award nomination. "Eligibility is only affected if the documentary has been nominated for an Oscar prior to being submitted to the Emmys," a rep for the TV Academy explains to Gold Derby. "No rule exists in the Emmy competition that would disallow a program from submitting to the Oscars after it has been awarded the Emmy." In short, it's possible for a documentary to win both the Emmy and the Oscar — as long as the Emmy comes first. Adding to the confusion is the distinction between two Emmy categories to which these films are submitted: Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking and Best Documentary or Nonfiction Special. Once again, Gold Derby asked the Television Academy to clarify: "The producers or network/platform decide which category they wish to submit to, but all entries that are submitted to Exceptional Merit are reviewed to confirm the program meets the eligibility criteria. Additionally, if a documentary had an extended theatrical run (an aggregate of more than 70 days), it's not eligible to compete as a Documentary Special, but is eligible in Exceptional Merit if it was produced by a media company that produces programs primarily for television and there was always the intent for the program to have a national distribution on television." One key "eligibility criterion" states that a documentary's television broadcast or streaming debut must occur within one year of its initial public exhibition — excluding film festival screenings, which are not considered theatrical releases. The Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category was designed to honor documentaries that enjoyed a robust theatrical run before airing on television. With the rules clarified, let's dive into the nominees. Prime Video's I Am: Celine Dion and Netflix's The Remarkable Life of Ibelin are both contenders in the Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking category, alongside Disney's Patrice: The Movie. However, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, despite earning four other Emmy nominations for directing, editing, writing, and musical score, was excluded from this top category. Gold Derby's early Emmy predictions now show The Remarkable Life of Ibelin as the early front-runner over I Am: Celine Dion. Documentary Filmmaking Contender Odds 1. The Remarkable Life of Ibelin 60.2% 2. I Am: Celine Dion 37.5% 3. Patrice: The Movie 2.3% Meanwhile, Netflix's Will & Harper is competing in the Documentary or Nonfiction Special category against Deaf Presidents Now! (Apple TV+), Martha (Netflix), Pee-wee as Himself (HBO Max), and Sly Lives! (aka the Burden of Black Genius) (Hulu). Our data has Pee-wee as Himself is the current favorite, with Will & Harper coming in a close second. Documentary Special Contender Odds 1. Pee-wee as Himself 62.5% 2. Will and Harper 31.8% 3. Sly Lives! -- 4. Deaf President Now! 3.4% 5. Martha 2.3% Winners will be announced at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys taking place Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 in Los Angeles. Best of Gold Derby Everything to know about 'The Pitt' Season 2, including the departure of Tracy Ifeachor's Dr. Collins Everything to know about 'Too Much,' Lena Dunham's Netflix TV show starring Megan Stalter that's kinda, sorta 'based on a true story' Cristin Milioti, Amanda Seyfried, Michelle Williams, and the best of our Emmy Limited Series/Movie Actress interviews Click here to read the full article. Solve the daily Crossword

Shane Gillis ESPYs monologue: Comedian's best jokes about Shedeur Sanders, Donald Trump, more at sports award show
Shane Gillis ESPYs monologue: Comedian's best jokes about Shedeur Sanders, Donald Trump, more at sports award show

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Shane Gillis ESPYs monologue: Comedian's best jokes about Shedeur Sanders, Donald Trump, more at sports award show

The ESPYs are the biggest sports award show that isn't focused on just one sport. They're basically the Oscars, but all about sports. Similar to the Oscars, a host is tasked with presenting an opening monologue that introduces everyone to the show and then guides the program through the rest of the night. Previous hosts have included high-profile athletes and actors. The 2024 show was hosted by Serena Williams, while comedian Tracy Morgan hosted the 2019 ESPYs. The 2025 ESPYs were hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, who's known for his stand-up comedy career as well as the TV show "Tires," a comedy series starring Gillis as a mechanic. The second season premiered on June 5 of this year, and it has been picked up for a third season. Gillis has been known to push the envelope with his comedy, and his ESPYs monologue was no exception. 📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Here are the best jokes from Gillis' monologue to open the 2025 ESPYs. Shane Gillis ESPYs monologue The tough part about hosting an award show is that the host has to give a monologue. Later in the night, the show is carried by the award results and guest presenters. There are also usually sketches to entertain the crowd and keep the vibe light. The host, though, has to start the show with a monologue. Gillis is known for his edgy humor and wouldn't be considered politically correct. He mixed in jokes about athletes in the crowd, along with political humor that included a Trump impersonation. Some of his jokes landed, many didn't. Gillis saved face, joking that the crowd wasn't into his commentary and that they should have cut some of the jokes. Shane Gillis' best jokes Gillis was all over the place in his monologue. He took shots at Shedeur Sanders, Aaron Rodgers, Jake Paul, and Megan Rapinoe. While it doesn't seem like he landed with the audience with every joke, he had some pretty good commentary mixed in. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gillis started his monologue by pointing out some athletes in the crowd. He called out SGA and added, "And now, everyone sitting around him is in foul trouble." Donald Trump Gillis is known to have a great Trump impersonation. He brought up the President the first time in his monologue by talking about how he wants to host a UFC fight on the White House lawn. Gillis followed that up with, "The last time he staged a fight in DC, Mike Pence almost died." Later on in his monologue, Gillis came back to Trump. "Can we stop pretending that Donald Trump knows ball? He doesn't know anything about sports. Every time a team comes to visit the White House, he's like (in a perfect Trump impression), "And you must be the guy who catches. Look at these guys, big guys." Simone Biles "Simone Biles is 4-8 and has seven gold medals. She's short and has a lot of gold. When she isn't competing, she leads a quiet life at the base of a rainbow." Gillis then added, "If you tell Simone a riddle, and she can't answer it, she has to give you all of her gold medals." Aaron Rodgers "Aaron Rodgers did not take the vaccine because he predicted it would be bad for him. And then he joined the New York Jets." Shedeur Sanders "Shedeur Sanders had his jersey number retired at Colorado this year, and people are saying it was because of nepotism because of his father. And it's not. It's because he went 13-12 over his career and almost won the Alamo Bowl." Caitlin Clark "Caitlin Clark and I have a lot in common. We're both whites from the Midwest who have nailed a bunch of 3s." Gillis had another about her, saying, "When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she's going to work at a Waffle House, so she can continue doing what she loves most, fist fighting black women." Shohei Ohtani "Shohei Ohtani couldn't make it tonight. Man, I hope his interpreter didn't bet that he was going to be here." Gillis added, "Shohei is a once-in-a-generation talent; no one has been able to do what he does at so many positions — pitcher, hitter, and bookie." Bill Belichick Right after the second Ohtani line, Gillis went right into, "a bookie is what Bill Belichick reads his girlfriend before bedtime." Gillis started listing off fake book titles that the couple would read together and included, "The Little Engine That needed a pill first." Jake Paul "Sugar Ray [Leonard], you're the man. But in 10 years, Jake Paul is going to try to knock you out, so take it easy." Travis Hunter Gillis took inspiration from the late comedian Norm MacDonald for his final monologue joke of the night, who delivered a variation of this joke when he hosted in 1998. "Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy this year. He is the first defensive player since Charles Woodson to win the Heisman. Congratulations, Travis Hunter, winning the Heisman is something they can never take away from you — unless you kill your wife and a waiter, in which case, they can take it away from you."

More Than Just A Playlist: These SoCal DJs Are Redefining the Celebration Experience
More Than Just A Playlist: These SoCal DJs Are Redefining the Celebration Experience

Los Angeles Times

timea day ago

  • Los Angeles Times

More Than Just A Playlist: These SoCal DJs Are Redefining the Celebration Experience

Music is never just background noise—it's the heartbeat of any celebration. A great DJ does more than spin tracks; they read the room, set the mood, and craft an immersive journey that lingers long after the last dance. From the smooth vibes of cocktail hour to the all-out energy of the after-party, DJs are the unsung architects of unforgettable moments. They bridge generations, elevate emotional highs, and bring a presence that turns any gathering into a true celebration. DJs are more than entertainers—they're storytellers behind the booth. With every drop, transition, and blend, they curate a sonic experience that matches the soul of the occasion. Whether it's hyping up a crowd or tenderly scoring a first dance, the best DJs know how to elevate a moment into a memory. In a world dominated by playlists and algorithms, it's their instinct, artistry, and human connection that set the vibe apart—and keep the dance floor alive. In an era where automation and playlists reign supreme, the role of the DJ has never been more vital—or more human. These artists don't just play music; they orchestrate moments that move people. As we celebrate the creatives who bring events to life, let's not forget the ones behind the turntables, blending culture, connection, and pure joy. The dance floor may be where the night ends, but for the best DJs in the business, that's where the magic truly begins. Music isn't just what Adam Gomez does — it's how he vibes and connects with people. As the founder of ADM Entertainment, Adam is a DJ, emcee, and musician who lives for the moment the crowd lights up when the perfect song hits at just the right time. Every set he creates is infused with positive energy and a genuine love for the experience. Whether he's spinning at a wedding at the Grand Californian Hotel at Disney, setting the tone with chill tunes at a celebrity luxury lounge in the Beverly Hills Wilshire before the Oscars, fueling the vibe for NFL players at the Los Angeles Chargers Headquarters, or mixing the perfect tracks at a George Lopez Charity Golf Tournament, Adam brings the same passion every time. His goal is always to create an experience people can feel, connect with, and remember long after the last song plays. What distinguishes Adam's DJ style in a competitive industry is his deep commitment to personalization. Every set he performs is crafted with intentionality—featuring custom transitions, wordplay, and tone play designed specifically for the event and its guests. For weddings in particular, he invests time in getting to know each couple, weaving in musical elements that reflect their story—be it a college fight song or a subtle Disney nod. The result is a soundtrack that feels authentic, thoughtfully curated, and unforgettable. DJ Dazzler is reshaping what it means to command a crowd. From global stages and brand activations to sports arenas and red carpets, she delivers high-impact experiences with precision and intention. With a versatile music range at her core and a sharp instinct for crowd connection, she creates moments that feel both elevated and personal. Whether it's a luxury wedding, an electric stadium, or a star-studded premiere, she knows how to read the room and raise the bar. Her client list includes Nike, Netflix, Chanel, NASCAR, the LA Kings, USWNT, Angels, and celebrity names like Lisa Vanderpump, Pitbull, and Wolfgang Puck, with performances for crowds of over 100,000. DJ Dazzler approaches every event as if the crowd itself is a living, breathing pulse. She stays hyper-aware of the energy in the room—reading body language, watching subtle reactions even from those lingering on the sidelines. Her ability to pivot quickly isn't reactive, but intentional. She shifts the vibe with confidence and control, understanding that her role isn't just to keep the party going, but to create unexpected, powerful moments that people didn't even know they needed. What sets DJ Dazzler apart is her commitment to crafting a fully immersive experience. Her sets are bold, elevated, and emotionally charged, blending genres with precision and purpose. Every beat is designed to move people both physically and emotionally. She commands the room with intention, making her presence felt behind the decks. As the founder of DJ Keelez & Associates, DJ Keelez has built a boutique DJ agency with one clear mission: to create unforgettable, high-energy experiences that leave a lasting impression long after the final song. Specializing in weddings, private events, and corporate celebrations, she is proud to be one of the most visible LGBTQ+ women DJs in Los Angeles, known for her authenticity, precision, and ability to command any room she steps into. DJ Keelez has a unique gift for reading the room and crafting a journey through music that resonates on an emotional level. From intimate rooftop gatherings to large-scale Pride festivals, her sets blend crowd-pleasing favorites with unexpected remixes, creating electrifying moments that stay with guests for years to come. Booking DJ Keelez means hiring more than just a DJ—it means securing a curated vibe, a creative collaborator, and a true artist who knows how to turn any celebration into a core memory. One of her most unforgettable moments happened during a wedding when she transitioned from a remix of a beloved queer anthem into a Bay Area classic that reflected the couple's hometown roots. The response was immediate and electric—the crowd erupted, and guests of all ages rushed to the dance floor. In that instant, the room transformed; the energy elevated into pure, collective joy. For DJ Keelez, it's those moments—where music becomes a shared celebration—that define why she does what she does. DJ Purple Lettuce, born Perpetua Romain, is a genre-blending DJ and electric force in the entertainment world, known for her high-energy sets and bold royal purple and emerald green aesthetic. A New Jersey native turned Southern California standout, her background as an award-winning journalist, performer, and radio host fuels her dynamic DJ persona. Spinning everything from Hip Hop and R&B to Afrobeat, Baile Funk, and House, DJ Purple Lettuce brings unmatched versatility to events of all kinds—from community festivals to luxury brand activations. Her client list includes Disney, Netflix, Nike, and NWSL teams like Gotham FC and Angel City FC. With residencies across LA and stages like NAMM and MEX under her belt, she doesn't just play music—she curates unforgettable experiences through rhythm and soul. DJ Purple Lettuce's approach to reading the room begins long before the event itself. During planning calls, she dives into the couple's story, musical preferences, and relationship milestones to craft a thoughtful sonic roadmap. On the day of the celebration, she observes everything—from guest interactions and energy to subtle body language during cocktail hour. Her real-time adjustments are grounded in intuition and emotion, allowing her to build a personalized musical journey that evolves seamlessly with the crowd. For her, it's part instinct, part artistry, and entirely driven by heart. For Tim Hampton, known to global audiences as HAMX, DJing and producing isn't just about sound. As a three-time Olympic DJ and music producer, he's trusted not only for his music and stage presence, but for his ability to orchestrate emotion on a massive scale. His secret? A rare mix of technical mastery, emotional intuition, and the discipline to design moments that evolve, breathe, and build like a story. He doesn't just read a room, he rewrites it. That's why elite brands, festivals, and private clients turn to him when the stakes are high and the experience has to deliver. What distinguishes Tim's style is his ability to do more with less. He believes in creating contrast, holding space, and building toward authentic, climactic moments. His performances are deeply intentional—each one a narrative shaped by emotion and nuance. Having opened for icons like Prince and earned praise from Quincy Jones, who once said his set 'blew me away,' Tim has proven himself as more than a DJ—he's a storyteller behind the decks, with a rare sense of control and presence that keeps crowds engaged from start to finish. One standout memory for Tim came during a private event where, mid-set, he took a risk and shifted musical direction entirely. The result was electric. Guests who had been still for most of the night suddenly came alive, filling the dance floor in an instant. For Tim, that's when the power of music becomes clear—it moves beyond entertainment and transforms the entire energy of a space. Every set he creates is grounded in this intention: to make people feel seen, connected, and fully present in the moment. That's what turns a playlist into a memory—and it's the experience he brings to every event. Instagram: @hamxofficialPhotographer: Rachael B Photography DJ Anthony 'Tony' Hernandez of Honored Occasions brings over 15 years of experience to the wedding and event industry. Fluent in English and Spanish, Tony is known for his ability to create inclusive, high-energy celebrations that reflect both cultural tradition and modern flair. His deep expertise in Latin music and crowd reading ensures the dance floor stays full and the vibes stay elevated. Highly rated on WeddingWire and The Knot, Tony is more than a DJ—he's a trusted event consultant who collaborates with couples to fine-tune music, flow, and special moments. Especially in multicultural weddings, his bilingual skills and cultural awareness make him a standout, seamlessly blending traditions into one unforgettable experience. For DJ Tony, reading the room is a balance of observation and instinct. He doesn't just watch who's dancing—he scans facial expressions, senses energy shifts, and notices how guests of different ages are responding throughout the event. If the energy dips, he pivots without hesitation. Whether that means shifting from high-energy reggaetón to a nostalgic throwback or slowing things down for a romantic interlude before ramping it up again, Tony treats his sets like emotional waves—using music not just to fill space, but to tell a dynamic story that flows with the crowd. DJ Will Gill is the world's most decorated and awarded event entertainer. As an audience engagement specialist, he masterfully blends music, hosting, and connection to keep energy high and guests fully engaged. His dynamic stage presence drives not only entertainment but also meaningful interaction and retention. Will has hosted for The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Voice on NBC, and served as emcee for the Super Bowl in Minnesota, Miami, and Los Angeles. He was the voice of Sir Richard Branson's first outer space flight and a featured emcee at the UN Global Summit. His innovative approach has earned recognition from Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies worldwide, Will Gill remains the go-to talent for events that demand impact and unforgettable moments. When it comes to reading the room, DJ Will Gill takes a responsive and strategic approach. He closely watches how the crowd reacts to each track, using their energy to guide his next move. If a song lands well, he'll stay within that genre for a few more tracks. If it doesn't, he shifts quickly and seamlessly to something new. He also pays attention to influential clusters within the crowd—groups whose energy can elevate the entire room—and makes it a point to keep them engaged and energized, effectively letting their enthusiasm ripple outward. DJ Wrex is a musical storyteller who transforms events into unforgettable experiences. With over 20 years behind the decks and a background in piano, trumpet, and turntablism, he brings a rare level of musicality, instinct, and creativity to every set. Known for his clean, genre-blending transitions, tasteful scratches, and custom remixes, DJ Wrex crafts moments that resonate long after the music ends. Whether spinning at a Filipino-Chinese fusion wedding or a sleek corporate rooftop event, DJ Wrex is part hype man, part curator, part conductor—reading the room and delivering what the crowd didn't even know it needed. Every client has a story, and he sees it as his mission to translate that narrative into sound. More than just playing songs, DJ Wrex sculpts energy, elevates emotion, and leaves guests saying, 'I've never seen a DJ like that before.' One of Wrex's most memorable moments came during a wedding with Dee Lee Designs, where he crafted a custom mix for a surprise dance battle between the bride, groom, and their entire wedding party. The groom, a former b-boy, faced off against the bride in a final round that had every guest cheering. That single moment didn't just hype up the crowd—it opened the dance floor in a way that kept it full all night, even after In-N-Out arrived. For Wrex, it was the perfect example of music's power to turn a celebration into a core memory.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store