PHOENIX — A pair of Phoenix bars on Monday were named finalists for the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation’s 2022 Spirited Awards.

Little Rituals, located on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott at Central Avenue and Madison Street, was named in the top 10 for “Best U.S. Hotel Bar.”

Down the road at Central Avenue and Jefferson Street, Bitter and Twisted was recognized as a finalist for “Best U.S. Cocktail Bar.”

“At Little Rituals our goal from day one was to redefine the hotel bar experience to prove that you could create a world-class cocktail lounge where both travelers and locals alike could enjoy a spectacular setting that’s still very welcoming and, most important, highlights the best of our city,” Aaron DeFeo, co-founder of Little Rituals, said in a press release.

“We’re proud to be recognized for elevating the bar here in Arizona.”

Both cocktail bars will know soon whether they will receive more plaudits from the Spirited Awards.

The lists of 10 will shrink to four on June 21. Category winners are announced on July 28.

Awards, both for the U.S. and internationally, are judged by bartenders, bar owners, educators and writers from across the globe.

The Spirited Awards were founded in 2006 and are in its 16th year.

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