Phoenix’s cocktail community had a significant reason to celebrate this summer, as Little Rituals, a bar within the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Phoenix, took home the title of Best U.S. Hotel Bar at the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Held annually in New Orleans, the Spirited Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the international spirits and hospitality industry.
Now in its 19th year, the Spirited Awards – presented by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation in partnership with Forbes – recognize global excellence in bars, bartenders, and beverage professionals.
Previously listed as an honoree in the competitive U.S. Hotel Bar category, Little Rituals emerged as the winner this year, edging out a field of some of the most iconic and innovative hotel bars in the country. The award is given to a bar that exemplifies outstanding service, consistently exceptional drinks, and a welcoming, well-designed environment, in keeping with the tradition of the classic hotel bar.
For co-owners Aaron DeFeo and Ross Simon, the award is more than a personal victory; it’s a meaningful recognition of Phoenix’s growing cocktail culture.
“Any time we are recognized nationally, it is huge for our team,” said DeFeo, who also serves as the bar’s director. “They put in so much hard work, and we wouldn’t have a successful bar without them. We strive to maintain a high level of excellence, and winning a Spirited Award in a category filled with so many outstanding bars affirms that our efforts are worth it, day in and day out.”
Simon, also owner of the acclaimed Phoenix bar Bitter & Twisted, echoed the sentiment.
“We are elated that Little Rituals won the prestigious award of Best U.S. Hotel Bar,” he said. “This recognition reaffirms our unwavering commitment to our craft and our bar’s ethos, while also acknowledging the tireless dedication exhibited by our remarkable team.”
Simon also emphasized the role of the community in their success. “We are genuinely grateful for the opportunity to showcase Phoenix’s vibrant spirit. Our deepest appreciation goes to our guests, whose unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our success during our nine-year journey. Without their patronage and the incredible community, our very existence would not have been possible.”
With this recognition, the bar joins the ranks of previous Spirited Awards winners and cements its place among the finest hotel bars in the United States. Learn more at littleritualsbar.com.
