Best Cocktail List - NEW

JUDGING (70% COCKTAIL LIST ASSESSMENT + 30% ANONYMOUS SITE INSPECTION)

*To be eligible to nominate for Best Cocktail List, the venue must also enter Best Bar Presentation & Service 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

Categories

PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

PEOPLE AWARDS 

The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.

Interview guidelines

Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January 2024 – 2 May 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between 2 June - 25 July 2025. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.

EXPERIENCE AWARDS

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

Best Live Music Venue is judged 25% written submission, 25% interview & 50% site visit) . Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

FOOD AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

ACCOMMODATION AWARDS 

The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:

Judging voucher information guidelines

OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS  - nominations are not required 
  • People’s Choice - NEW
  • Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
  • Hotel of the Year - General Division