Best Cocktail List
JUDGING (70% COCKTAIL LIST ASSESSMENT + 30% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)
*To be eligible to nominate for Best Cocktail List, the venue must also enter Best Regional/Metropolitan Local OR Best Unique Bar Experience.
OVERVIEW
This category is open to any venue with a featured cocktail list located within at least one bar.
A copy of the current cocktail list must be submitted along with your nomination.
GENERAL CRITERIA
- Décor and design characteristics
- Condition of furniture, fittings and electrical
- Popularity of the establishment
BAR CRITERIA
- Professionalism and outstanding customer service
- Staff neat, clean attired and well groomed
- Bar presentation to be of the highest standard
- Availability of a selection of food
- Comfortable and positive experience for customers
- Beverage experience and offerings (presentation, accuracy, appearance, variety, and quality)
- Hygiene and cleanliness
EXPERIENCE CRITERIA
- Ambience – audio visual, lighting, music
- Staff friendliness and knowledge
- Knowledge and implementation of Responsible Service of Alcohol
- Efficiency of operations throughout the experience
- Quality and suitability of glassware
COCKTAIL CRITERIA
- Staff knowledge of food and cocktail pairing and product knowledge
- Variety and quality of spirits offered to accompany the cocktail
- Original and innovative cocktail options available
- Evidence of domestic and imported spirits
- Pricing relevant to local market and the venue
- Suitability to style and image of the venue
COCKTAIL LIST ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
- Cocktail list design and format
- Cocktail list description and presentation
- Innovation of cocktail list
- Appropriate variety of cocktails
- Layout of menu is clear, concise, and easily navigated
2024 WINNER - Nags Head Hotel, Adamstown
Categories
Experience Awards
- Best Family Friendly
- Best Regional Local
- Best Metropolitan Local
- Best Outdoor Experience (including rooftop bars)
- Best Late-Night Venue
- Best Sporting Entertainment Venue
- Best Wagering Venue
- Best Retail Liquor Outlet
- Best Draught Beer Quality
- Best Wine List
- Best Cocktail List
- Best Regional Gaming Venue
- Best Metropolitan Gaming Venue
- Best Unique Bar Experience (Including small, cocktail, lounge or themed bars)
The following categories are judged by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
- Best Live Music Venue
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketing Activity
Property Awards
The following categories are judged 75% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Food Awards
FOOD AWARDS OVERVIEW- Best Steak
- Best Parmi
- Best Steak Sandwich
- Best Burger
- Best Sunday Roast
- Best Cheap Eat Meal (under $20)
- Best Chip
- Best Regional Casual Dining (Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Metropolitan Casual Dining (CBD & Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western)
- Best Restaurant
People Awards
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2025 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award