Home » Bartending News » NY COCKTAIL EXPO’S 2025 WINNERS
This year, BARTENDER® Magazine continued our partnership with the NY Cocktail Expo!
The event featured two incredible competitions — Cocktail of the Year and the Tiki Throw Down — and we’re excited to finally share this year’s winners.
1st Place Best Cocktail of The Year: N°Between Bar with Tequila Herradura
“Thai Mango Salad”
“The drink is inspired by a Thai dish – Papaya Salad. We wanted to highlight Herradura Blanco in a spicy margarita riff. The combination of the two is where the initial flavor pairing was born!” – Sheldon Wong, Bar Manager
2nd Place Best Cocktail of The Year: Izakaya Lucky Cat with Mio Sparkling Sake
& People’s Choice Best Cocktail of The Year
“Sailor Moon”
“Sailor Moon is a story of love, friendship, and transformation under the magic of the moonlight. This cocktail is designed to capture that same spirit—romantic, playful, and a little bit magical.” – Bank Nateephat, Head Bartender
3rd Place Best Cocktail of The Year: Beauty & Essex NYC with Hendrick’s Gin
“The Beauty Elix”
“Partnering with Hendrick’s Gin, our goal was to highlight botanicals and the essence of the spirit while showcasing a whimsical summer cocktail.” – Beverage Manager For New York Restaurants
______________
1st Place Best Tiki Cocktail of The Year: Cellar 335 with Probitas Rum
“Ghost of Christmas Past”
“We created this drink with the idea of what Santa would drink if he was sitting on the beach. The drink is a play on the classic tiki cocktail – the zombie cocktail” – Peter Arnone, COO & PARTNER
2nd Place Best Tiki Cocktail of The Year: Do Not Disturb with El Mayor Tequila
“Let’s Tonka ‘Bout It”
“I wanted this drink to bridge those two worlds—my Filipino heritage & growing up in Queens – honoring the flavors I grew up with while reflecting my personal flair and approach to mixology.” Yvan Dalen, Bar Manager
3rd Place Best Tiki Cocktail of The Year: Yawning Cobra with Tanduay Rum
& People’s Choice Best Tiki Cocktail of The Year
“Meccha Colada”
“The Piña Colada is one of the most iconic cocktails in the Tiki world. In our version, we infuse it with a hint of matcha to give it a refined Japanese twist…The result is a cocktail that’s tropical at heart, but layered with unexpected flavors that surprise and delight” – Sota Kandaka, Beverage Director