Chicago, June 10, 2025, The timeless tropical favorite, the Mai Tai from Straightaway Cocktails, has been honored with the coveted International RTD of the Year award at this year’s Bartender Spirits Awards. Celebrated for capturing the essence of the classic tiki cocktail, this ready-to-drink (RTD) innovation stood out among an exceptional field of international entries.

Made with a blend of Jamaican and French Island Rum, Orange Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, House Orgeat. “A lot of complexity here tastes like an actual cocktail. I appreciate the flavor and seems like real, natural ingredients,” said Danny, one of the leading bar managers in the USA, a founding partner in Scofflaw Group who continues to preside over its beverage programs (Scofflaw, Slippery Slope, The Heavy Feather, The Moonlighter).

The Bartender Spirits Awards panel, comprised of industry-leading bartenders, sommeliers, and spirits experts from across the globe, selected the Mai Tai RTD for its exceptional taste, craftsmanship, and consumer appeal.

As the international RTD category continues to grow in sophistication and popularity, the Mai Tai RTD sets a new benchmark for quality and authenticity in canned cocktails.

The Mai Tai RTD of the Year is now available in select international markets, inviting consumers worldwide to enjoy the vibrant, tropical spirit of the islands anytime, anywhere.

Here are some top winners:

Special Awards	Product Name	Country	Category
Spirit Of The Year	Nativo Bosque Gin	Argentina	Gin
Vodka Of The Year	Angry Giraffe Premium Vodka	United States	Vodka
Rum Of The Year	Old Road Rum	Saint Kitts and Nevis	Rum
Tequila Of The Year	Don Nacho Tributo Reposado 100% Pure of Agave	Mexico	Tequila
Gin Of The Year	Nativo Bosque Gin	Argentina	Gin
Whisky Of The Year	Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition - Batch 032	United States	Whisky
Brandy Of The Year	The Calistoga Star Brandy	United States	Brandy
Liqueur Of The Year	TAU Hierbas	Switzerland	Liqueurs
Cognac Of The Year	Rémy Martin	France	Cognac
Mezcal Of The Year	400 Conejos Espadin Joven	Mexico	Mezcal
RTD Of The Year	Mai Tai	United States	Ready to drink (RTD)
Non-Alcoholic Of The Year	Aperitif Spritz	United States	Non-alcoholic Spirits
Fruit Spirits Of The Year	Ferrand Dry Curaçao Yuzu Late Harvest	France	Fruit Spirits (Distilled)
Vermouth Of The Year	Silvio Carta Mazzini Bianco Vermouth	Italy	Other Spirits
Pisco Of The Year	Demonio De Los Andes by Vina Tacama	Peru	Other Spirits
Best Spirit By Value	Verita Vodka Italiana	Italy	Vodka
Best Spirit By Package	Mai Tai	United States	Ready to drink (RTD)

View the full 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards Winners Here.

What Sets the Bartender Spirits Awards Apart

Miranda Breedlove, the National Director of Bars at Hyatt, is judging for the 2025 Bartender Spirits Awards on May 18, 2025, in Chicago

Designed specifically for the on-premise trade, the Bartender Spirits Awards evaluates each spirit based on:

1. Mixability 

2. Balance and Versatility 

3. Taste, Mouthfeel, and Finish 

4. Value 

5. Package

The evaluation process begins with a blind tasting where spirits are assessed by top bartenders based on mixability, balance, versatility, overall taste, mouthfeel, and finish, ensuring unbiased and expert review by category and origin. Following this, judges review the price to determine the value score, measuring how well the quality aligns with the cost, and providing insight for both bartenders and consumers on fair pricing. Finally, the packaging is evaluated for creative design, back-bar appeal, and functionality—including shape, weight, and ease of pouring—to ensure the spirit stands out visually while offering practical usability.

Judges include beverage buyers from top U.S. hospitality groups, award-winning bartenders, and bar directors from some of the country’s most iconic restaurants and hotels. Spirits are blind-tasted and scored based on how likely they are to be used and recommended by bartenders in real-world bar programs.

About Bartender Spirits Awards

Launched in 2018, the Bartender Spirits Awards is a premier competition focused exclusively on the U.S. on-premise market. Held annually in Chicago, the competition is organized by the Beverage Trade Network and judged by leading U.S. bartenders and beverage professionals. The competition is a trusted platform for both domestic and international spirits seeking relevance and success in the American bar scene.