In an exciting development for the city’s vibrant cocktail scene, Vancouver has been chosen to host North America’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony in 2025. This event marks the first time the prestigious ceremony will take place in Canada, recognizing the city’s growing influence in the world of mixology and hospitality. Held over a three-day celebration, the awards will reach their climax with the main ceremony on April 29, 2025. Moving the event from its traditional locations in New York City and San Miguel de Allende to Vancouver reflects a broader acknowledgment of the city’s dynamic and innovative cocktail culture.
The decision to host this event in Vancouver underscores the city’s rich culinary landscape and thriving bar scene. It serves as a testament to Vancouver’s dedication to excellence in both gastronomy and hospitality. The city’s selection for such a significant event demonstrates its progress and influence in the cocktail industry. By hosting this ceremony, Vancouver will offer visitors and locals alike a unique opportunity to celebrate some of North America’s finest watering holes and talented bartenders. The three-day event will include a range of festivities designed to highlight the best the industry has to offer.
Expanding the Awards
One of the exciting expansions of the 2025 awards will be the inclusion of bars ranked 51-100, recognizing the growing sophistication and talent within North America’s cocktail industry. This additional recognition provides a broader platform for more bars to showcase their unique styles and innovations. The expanded ranking not only offers more establishments the chance to shine but also enriches the entire event by presenting a more comprehensive picture of the cocktail scene across the continent.
The program’s highlights include the Bartenders’ Feast, a convivial gathering where attendees can engage, share insights, and celebrate their shared passion for craft cocktails. The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender recognition are also key components, each celebrating different facets of the industry. These awards aim to honor the creativity, dedication, and skill of individuals who significantly contribute to the bar and hospitality scene. Through these recognitions, the event seeks to promote excellence and inspire others within the industry.
Reasons for Vancouver’s Selection
Royce Chwin, President & CEO of Destination Vancouver, expressed immense pride and excitement about the city being chosen to host such a prestigious event. He highlighted Vancouver’s vibrant culinary culture and its innovative spirit as crucial factors that set the city apart. The decision to hold the ceremony in Vancouver not only boosts local pride but also puts a global spotlight on the city’s burgeoning cocktail culture. This acknowledgment from the North America’s 50 Best Bars organizers showcases Vancouver as a leader in the industry.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, emphasized the exceptional talent and innovation found within Vancouver. She noted that the city’s dynamic cocktail scene and its contributions to the industry made it a deserving host for the 2025 awards. Vancouver’s unique blend of traditional and contemporary cocktail-making techniques, coupled with its dedication to creativity, differentiates the city from other locations. This selection serves as recognition of the city’s achievements and its potential to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in mixology and hospitality.
Curating the List and Live Broadcast
The meticulous process of curating the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars involves a comprehensive evaluation by industry experts and enthusiasts. The selection committee takes into account various factors, including innovation, quality of service, and overall guest experience. The results are eagerly anticipated by industry professionals and cocktail aficionados alike.
For the first time, the awards ceremony in 2025 will be live-streamed, allowing a broader audience to witness the excitement and celebrate the achievements of the top bars and bartenders. The live broadcast aims to engage cocktail enthusiasts from all over the world, further elevating the profile of the event and the host city, Vancouver.
