Little Rituals Named Best U.S. Hotel Bar

Little Rituals, awarded Best U.S. Hotel Bar, showcases a vibrant cocktail culture.

News Summary

Little Rituals, located in downtown Phoenix, has been awarded the title of Best U.S. Hotel Bar at the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. This prestigious accolade recognizes excellence in service and innovation within the spirits and hospitality industry. Co-owners Aaron DeFeo and Ross Simon noted that this achievement reflects the growing cocktail culture in Phoenix, highlighting their team’s dedication and the bar’s unique offerings. Little Rituals’ victory comes after being finalists multiple times, further solidifying its reputation among hotel bars nationwide.

Phoenix – Little Rituals, located in the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Phoenix, was awarded the title of Best U.S. Hotel Bar at the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, held annually in New Orleans. This accolade represents one of the highest honors in the spirits and hospitality industry, celebrating excellence in service and innovation.

The Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, now in its 19th year, is organized by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation in collaboration with Forbes and recognizes outstanding bars and bartenders globally. Little Rituals had previously been recognized as an honoree in the U.S. Hotel Bar category, marking their ascent to the top with this year’s victory.

The award specifically acknowledges bars that not only excel in crafting exceptional cocktails but also provide a welcoming and well-designed atmosphere for their patrons. Co-owners Aaron DeFeo, who also serves as the bar director, and Ross Simon expressed that receiving this recognition is a significant nod to the emerging cocktail culture in Phoenix, reflecting the hard work of their dedicated team.

Little Rituals stood out amidst fierce competition from renowned hotel bars located in major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago. The bar’s commitment to maintaining a high level of excellence, combined with a unique array of cocktails, contributed to their success after being finalists in the competition four times prior. The acceptance speech delivered on behalf of Little Rituals emphasized themes of mentorship, teamwork, and gratitude towards the community that has supported their vision and efforts.

Among those acknowledged during the acceptance was lead bartender Frank De La Cruz, whose contributions have been significant to the bar’s identity. Known for high-concept cocktails, Little Rituals features unique drinks such as The Ponzie Scheme, which showcases innovative ingredients and flavor profiles that appeal to a discerning clientele.

In addition to this recent honor, Little Rituals received the Pinnacle Guide Pin in May 2024, a global distinction recognizing cocktail excellence. The bar has also achieved recognition as a James Beard Award semifinalist on multiple occasions in the Outstanding Bar category, further solidifying its reputation in the competitive landscape of hospitality.

Little Rituals operates out of the fourth floor of the Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott, located at 132 S. Central Ave., Phoenix. The bar can be contacted at 602-603-2050, or for more information, stakeholders can visit their official website at littleritualsbar.com.

This recognition and the evolving reputation of Little Rituals serve as a testament to the broader growth and significance of Phoenix’s cocktail scene, inspiring local bartenders and businesses to pursue excellence in the hospitality industry.