Had a bad day? Seeking a vibrant night out on the town? Look no further; there's a cocktail for that.
With South Africa rapidly becoming a leading hub for cocktail enthusiasts, finding the perfect bar can be a daunting task.
Thankfully, the recently held 2024 Angostura Bar and Beverage Awards, hosted in Cape Town, has made that task just a tad easier by celebrating the finest cocktail spots in the country.
At the awards ceremony, Johannesburg's renowned Sin+Tax claimed the coveted title of Best South African Cocktail Bar for the second consecutive year.
The establishment has carved a niche for itself with a meticulously curated cocktail experience that celebrates quality without pretentiousness.
Sin+Tax offers patrons an inclusive yet exclusive journey, making it a must-visit in the bustling City of Gold.
Emerging as a fresh contender on the cocktail scene, Cape Town's Talking to Strangers walked away with the award for Best New Cocktail Bar.
Co-owner Alessandro Galassi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the community, stating, "We're really honoured to receive this award and to be part of such a vibrant and incredible community. Shout out to the fam!"
The awards further recognised outstanding talents within the industry, with Joshua "JJ" Hendricks of Fable earning the prestigious title of Best Bartender.
Hendricks acknowledged the collective support that fuels his creativity behind the bar, saying, “It’s your belief in me that fuels my creativity behind the bar.”
Sin+Tax continues its winning streak by also securing the accolade for Best Bar Team, showcasing the synergy and expertise that underpins their exceptional service.
Additionally, the awards celebrated Marble Restaurant for their superior blend of dining and cocktails, earning the title of Best Restaurant Bar.
Proud Mary, a notable hotel bar in Johannesburg, also received accolades for their exceptional service and elevated cocktail offerings, securing the award for Best Hotel Bar.
Here’s the full list of winners:
- Best Cocktail Bar: Sin+Tax
- Best New Cocktail Bar: Talking to Strangers
- Best Hotel Bar: Proud Mary
- Best Restaurant Bar: Marble Restaurant
- Best Bar Solutions: Just Short
- Best Upliftment Programme or Initiative: Socks Flair Club
- Best Bartender: Joshua "JJ" Hendricks
- Best Bar Team: Sin+Tax
- Best Support Staffer: Thandeka Ncube
- Best Brand Ambassador: Caitlin Hill
- Best Bar Communicator: Julian Short
- Best Mentor: Leah Van Deventer
- Industry Icons: Dale Parker, Evert de Jong, Nicholas Crouse, and Stephanie Oosthuizen
- Best CSI Campaign: Fitch & Leedes
- Best New Local Product: Hope Distillery
- Best Place to Work: Fable
- Best Distributor or Retail Outlet: Mothercity Liquor