Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) has announced the Top 10 nominees in the international categories at the 18th annual Spirited Awards, with a slew of Australian bartenders and bars making the sought-after cut.

Sydney siblings Dean & Nancy, Maybe Sammy and El Primo Sanchez lead the pack. Dean & Nancy at  A by Adina Sydney earned a place among the Top 10 Best International Hotel Bar nominees, the only Australian hotel bar to feature and its third consecutive nomination.

Maybe Sammy (pictured above at the 2002 Spirited Awards), was named in the World’s Best Cocktail Menu category and Best International Cocktail Bar, while El Primo Sanchez earned the Maybe Group a third Top 10 nomination in the Best New International Cocktail Bar category.

Sydney’s Re and The Baxter Inn also scored nominations, alongside two for Melbourne’s Byrdi, and one for The Caretaker’s Cottage.

Since its founding in 2007, the Spirited Awards has become one of the industry’s most sought-after awards, recognising beverage professionals, products, and establishments across every facet of the spirits and cocktail community on a global scale. TOTCF will honour recipients during the Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC) conference, which is celebrating its 22nd year in New Orleans from July 21-26, 2024.

“Once again we are in awe of the impeccable global talent coming out of our industry, and this year’s Spirited Awards shortlist is no exception,” said Charlotte Voisey, Spirited Awards Overall and International Chair. “We are so impressed by these nominees, their hard work and dedication to creating innovative and exceptional cocktails, and to improving the industry on a global level to provide extraordinary experiences and unmatched hospitality.”

And the Australian finalists are …

International Bartender of the Year

• Luke Whearty — BYRDI, Melbourne, Australia
• Matt Whiley — Re, Sydney, Australia

Best International Bar Team

• Caretaker’s Cottage — Melbourne, Australia

Best International Cocktail Bar

• BYRDI — Melbourne, Australia
• Maybe Sammy — Sydney, Australia

Best International Hotel Bar

• Dean & Nancy on 22 at the A by Adina Hotel — Sydney, Australia

Best New International Cocktail Bar

• El Primo Sanchez — Sydney, Australia

World’s Best Cocktail Menu

• Maybe Sammy — Sydney, Australia

World’s Best Spirits Selection

• The Baxter Inn — Sydney, Australia

Spirited Awards Top 4 Finalists will be named on June 17. All winners will be celebrated on July 25 at the 18th Annual Spirited Awards Ceremony in New Orleans.

View all the nominees here.

Australia’s 2024 Bartender of the Year