2 downtown Phoenix cocktail bars named in new 'Michelin-style guide for the bar industry'
The Pinnacle Guide, a new, self-described "Michelin-style guide for the bar industry," just released its first list of top cocktail bars in the world and two Arizona bars made the list — Little Rituals and Bitter & Twisted, both owned by Phoenix cocktail powerhouse Ross Simon.
Founded by beverage industry consultants Hannah Sharman-Cox and Siobhan Payne who cofounded London Cocktail Week in 2010 and Dan Dove, a 20-year industry veteran of bar operations, international event management, beverage marketing and advocacy development.
Bars submit an application to The Pinnacle that includes questions about the front and back of the house, drinks program, look and feel, staff management and the bar's involvement in the community, which includes working with charities, encouraging responsible drinking and anything the bar owners are proud of. Those selected are visited by an anonymous panel of experts for in-person evaluation to "assess the 'feeling' generated by the bar within the reviewer, through the drinks service, hospitality and ambience, factoring in the thoughtful touches that elevate a guests experience."
Bars can receive one, two or three pins, which correspond to Excellent, Outstanding and Exceptional status respectively. The symbols are an upside down V with a period over the apex for one pin, two inverted Vs (like two mountains), each with a period on the apex for two pins and three inverted Vs with periods over the apex for three pins.
The inaugural list included bars from United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Singapore, Mexico, Dubai and Australia, currently the only country where the guide has reviewers. Based on the above criteria, 25 bars were awarded one pin, 12 won two pins and none of the bars earned three pins.
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Little Rituals in downtown Phoenix received 1 pin for Excellent
“For our team, this is a defining moment," said Aaron DeFeo, co-owner of Little Rituals, in a news release. "We sought out the scrutiny of a very difficult judging process and we succeeded in making our mark and becoming pinned… In a sense, it’s worth it just to try, but actually getting a pin is just all the more rewarding. We have been recognized before by amazing committees and awards, but many awards are transitory, especially if you are a finalist or runner-up. This is the type of recognition that puts a seal of approval on our bar and forces us to defend that seal. I love that.”
Previous wins: Little Rituals was in the Top Four "Best Hotel Bars" in 2023 and "Best U.S. Hotel Bar – U.S. West" nominee in 2024.
Details: 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix (on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown). 602-603-2050, littleritualsbar.com.
Bitter and Twisted in downtown Phoenix received 2 pins for Outstanding
"In the past decade, our journey has certainly encountered its share of challenges, but it has been one of passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to crafting exceptional hospitality while also striving to promote social and environmental thoughtfulness within our bar and team," said Ross Simon, owner of Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour and co-owner of Little Rituals, in a press release. "Not to mention, serving some truly delicious cocktails along the way. This recognition reaffirms that we've been doing something right all these years. We're immensely proud of our team and eagerly anticipate the ongoing F&B cultural advancement for both the city and the state on the global stage."
Previous nominations: Bitter & Twisted received nominations for "World's Best Cocktails Menu" and "Best U.S. Cocktail Bar" in 2023 from Tales of the Cocktail.
Details: 1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix. 602-340-1924, bitterandtwistedaz.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix bars Little Rituals and Bitter and Twisted make Pinnacle Guide