SA’s Best cocktail bar for 2018 – announced

(image: Leah van Deventer)

Last night saw South Africa’s bar community celebrating their own at the annual Bartending Accolades and Recognition (BAR) Awards, held at the Westin Cape Town Hotel.

Organised by industry stalwarts Travis and Leigh Kuhn, the awards recognise exceptional achievements within the trade, from best bartender to best cocktail bar. Some 70 leading bartenders, bar owners, brand ambassadors and generally bar-savvy people were asked to vote (including Food24’s resident cocktail and spirits writer, Leah van Deventer). 

ALSO READ: What you need to know about Cape Town’s new experiential cocktail kitchen

These were the winners:

Best Cocktail Bar: Sin+Tax in Joburg

Doors are open for 2018! Celebrate the new year with us! ?? #openforbusiness #sinandtax #sintax #bonenkai #japaneseflavours #japaneseinspiredcocktails #japaneseinspired #theartofdrinking #cocktailgram

A post shared by Sin + Tax (@sin_tax_bar) on Jan 4, 2018 at 12:06pm PST

Bartender of the Year: Julian Short (from Sin + Tax)

Day #29 – Fly me to the moon “They caught me cheesin'” Inspired by a recent and rather delightful late night visit from Alfred Cointreau himself !! Awesome guy. Cointreau Caperatif Lemon Techno Fresh rocket (loads of the stuff) Cellulose mix Salt Love this drink! #day29 #flymetothemoon #cocktailoftheday #alfredcointreau #latenightvisits #lovemyjob

A post shared by Julian Short (@the_flavourist) on Nov 29, 2017 at 8:51am PST

Trailblazer Award: Mootee Bar in Joburg

Although we don’t condone #dryjanuary (imbibing should be responsibly balanced year round) we do love low-abv cocktails. This is the Bamboo. It is your new favourite cocktail. So come by and give it a go! #lowjan

A post shared by MOO-TEE (@mooteebar) on Jan 16, 2018 at 1:07am PST

Best Hotel Cocktail Bar: Twankey

Our very own AJ Snetler aka @the_tattooed_bartender slinging drinks @tajlandsend #mumbai #Repost @the_tattooed_bartender(@repost_via_instant)Some of the cocktails done for @tajlandsend #houseofnomad #cocktails ??@connoiseur_couple #thetattooedbartender #drinksmumbai #friday #fridaynight #bar #photography #foodies

A post shared by The Twankey Bar (@thetwankeybar) on Jan 21, 2018 at 3:56am PST

Social Media Award: AJ Snetler 

Almost time ro kick off with Butter night @tajlandsend #houseofnomad #cocktails #cocktail #cocktailnight #shotsshotsshots #tequilashots #thetattooedbartender #mumbai #bartendersforlife #barfamily @veeni_saumil_shah thanks for pulling in!!!

A post shared by AJ Snetler (@the_tattooed_bartender) on Jan 19, 2018 at 9:23am PST

Best Pop up Bar:  The Polynesian Pearl Diver 

You know the saying by now…. if it still hurts you haven’t had enougb rum!!!! And our Painkiller will do just that with its warm Rums, coconut water, delicious coconut syrup, pineapple juice, orange juice and fresh nutmeg! Aarrgggg!

A post shared by The Polynesian Pearl Diver (@thepolynesianpearldiver) on Mar 26, 2017 at 2:46am PDT

Brand Ambassador of the Year: Marson Strydom

Introducing the @hendricksgin Pom Pom cocktail being served at #5ForChange tonight. #behindthergbcbar

A post shared by Marson Strydom (@marsonstrydom) on Jul 2, 2016 at 11:50am PDT

International Footprint Award: Julian Short (from Sin + Tax)

Day #42 – Wagasa (oil paper umbrella) . This is pretty little number is one of my favourite original creations of this last past year. Inspired by the beauty of spring, this drink is bright, fresh and delicious. . Fortaleza Blanco ?? Sour rhubarb juice ?? Maraschino ?? Lemongrass cordial ?? Saline. . Aweh! . #cocktailoftheday #day42 #springdays #fresh #bright #rhubarb #cocktails #wagasa

A post shared by Julian Short (@the_flavourist) on Dec 21, 2017 at 2:45am PST

Best High Volume Bar: Orphanage in Cape Town

Your weekend weather forecast: Today: Tantalizing tipples with @glenfiddich and @josecuervosa. Tomorrow: Genuinely gracefully delightful concoctions with @whitleyneillginsa Sunday: Join us for the funky side of music with #SundayFunk and @ketelone Lord hath mercy! #orphanagecocktailemporium #mixology#cocktails #breestreet #igers #igerscapetown#igerssouthafrica #vodka ##capetownliving #premiumliquor #housemusic#deephouse #igers #drinks #drank #techno #deephouse

A post shared by Orphanage Cocktail Emporium (@orphanageclub) on Dec 8, 2017 at 12:16am PST

New Comer of the Year: Burdett Geiling 

Adventure is what u make of it!!! This is what makes my job worth while!! #bartender #Capetown #travel #adventuredays #nature #burdithebartender #ilovemyjob #cocktails #thebotanist #walks #2Beautifulthingssaidbythemanilove @liquid_squire ??????

A post shared by B U R D E T T?? (@burdithebartender_21) on Nov 5, 2017 at 4:29am PST

Bartenders Brand of Choice: Bulleit Bourbon 

Best Brand Campaign: World Class

ALSO READ… 

Could fish sauce be the new trending cocktail ingredient?

A trendy Melbourne Vietnamese restaurant and rooftop bar is delighting its diners with dynamic cocktails and drinks. Fish sauce being a star ingredient. Read more… by: Tessa Purdon | 16 Jan 2018 image: iStock The South African cocktail world has definitely come a long long way from tooth-achingly sweet “cooldrinks” and is wowing international visitors (and locals!)