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
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 category is judged 25% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS, 25% by interview and 50% by anonymous site inspection.
The following categories are judged 100% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS.
- Heart of the Community
- Best Environmental/Sustainability Practices
- Best Bush Pub
- Best Marketed Hotel
- Best Social Media Campaign
Property Awards
The following categories are judged 75% by written submission WRITTEN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS and 25% by guided site inspection.
Food Awards
- 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
The following categories are judged 30% by WRITTEN SUBMISSION and 70% by INTERVIEW.
The following categories are judged 100% by practical interview.
NOTE: Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category
Overall Hotel Awards - nominations are not required
- Individual Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - Group Hotel Operator of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - Regional & Metropolitan Hotel of the Year
Note: All finalists in the 2026 Awards are eligible to win this award - People’s Choice Award
Note: Every AHA NSW member venue is eligible to win this award
