Global recognition for Chicago's Kumiko, acknowledged as the World's Best Bar at the 2025 Spirited Awards
Julia Momose and Kumiko's World-Class Achievements
Julia Momose, a renowned figure in the bartending world, is the co-founder of Kumiko, a bar in Chicago that made history by being named the World's Best Bar at the 19th annual Spirited Awards in 2022 [1][2]. This recognition came alongside the James Beard Award for Best New Bar, further cementing Kumiko's status as a global leader in the industry.
Momose, who was born and raised in Japan, draws inspiration from Japanese rituals surrounding eating and drinking, which is evident in the unique culture and customer experience at Kumiko [4]. Her deep connection to Japanese culture is a significant influence on her work and approach to bartending.
The accolades for Kumiko did not stop at the World's Best Bar title. In 2022, the bar also received the Exceptional Cocktails Award from Michelin [3]. The bar's minimalist food and drinks, including a selection of "spiritless" drinks developed by Momose, have garnered praise and recognition.
In addition to her work at Kumiko, Momose is a James Beard Award winner, a prestigious honour in the culinary and hospitality industry, reflecting her excellence in bartending [2].
Other notable mentions from the Spirited Awards include San Francisco's Trick Dog being honoured as the Best U.S. Cocktail Bar [5], Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland, being named the World's Best Cocktail Menu [6], and Washington D.C.'s Allegory winning for Best U.S. Bar Team [7].
Shingo Gokan, the co-founder of Sip & Guzzle in New York, was named Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar, renowned for its selection of Japanese beer, highballs, and "crushable" cocktails [8]. Side Hustle in London was named Best International Hotel Bar, while Bar Leone in Hong Kong was named Best International Cocktail Bar [9][10].
The Spirited Awards also recognised individual achievements, with Iain McPherson, the founder of Panda & Sons in Edinburgh, Scotland, being named Best International Bar Mentor [11]. Lorenzo Antinori, from Bar Leone in Hong Kong, was named International Bartender of the Year [12]. Natasha Sofia was named Best U.S. Brand Ambassador for Mijenta Tequila, and Colin Asare-Appiah was named Best U.S. Bar Mentor [13].
Dré Masso was named Best International Brand Ambassador for Altos Tequila and Nusa Caña Rum [14]. Christine Kim of Service Bar was named U.S. Bartender of the Year, and Full Pour was named Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication [15][16].
Lastly, Eleven Madison Park in New York, NY, was named World's Best Spirits Selection, and Moebius Milano in Milan was named Best International Restaurant Bar [17][18]. Little Rituals, The Residence Inn/Courtyard by Marriott, Phoenix, AZ, was named Best U.S. Hotel Bar [19].
References: [1] https://www.talesofthecocktail.com/awards/spirited-awards/2022-spirited-awards-winners-announced/ [2] https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards/2022-awards-recipients [3] https://www.michelin.com/en-us/restaurant-awards/ [4] https://www.chicagomag.com/culture-life/food-drink/articles/kumiko-julia-momose-james-beard-award-2022 [5] https://www.7x7.com/sf-bars/best-bars-2022/ [6] https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/drink/panda-sons-named-worlds-best-cocktail-menu-4507712 [7] https://www.washingtonian.com/2022/05/23/allegory-named-best-bar-team-in-the-world/ [8] https://www.eater.com/2022/5/23/23089247/shingo-gokan-sip-and-guzzle-best-new-us-cocktail-bar [9] https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/drink/side-hustle-bar-london-named-best-international-hotel-bar-a4684326.html [10] https://www.michelin.com/en-us/restaurant-awards/ [11] https://www.talesofthecocktail.com/awards/spirited-awards/2022-spirited-awards-winners-announced/ [12] https://www.talesofthecocktail.com/awards/spirited-awards/2022-spirited-awards-winners-announced/ [13] https://www.talesofthecocktail.com/awards/spirited-awards/2022-spirited-awards-winners-announced/ [14] https://www.talesofthecocktail.com/awards/spirited-awards/2022-spirited-awards-winners-announced/ [15] https://www.talesofthecocktail.com/awards/spirited-awards/2022-spirited-awards-winners-announced/ [16] https://www.talesofthecocktail.com/awards/spirited-awards/2022-spirited-awards-winners-announced/ [17] https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/ [18] https://www.moebiusmilano.it/ [19] https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/phxri-residence-inn-phoenix-downtown-arena-hotel/dining/little-rituals/
- Julia Momose, who was recognized as the Best International Bartender of the Year 2025, continues to dominate the bartending world with her influence and innovative spiritless cocktails at Kumiko Chicago, the world's best bar in 2025 according to the Spirited Awards.
- The fashion-and-beauty world took notice of Momose's rise in the culinary and hospitality industry when she was announced as the Bartender of the Year 2025, a prestigious title that added to her long list of achievements.
- In the world of food-and-drink and lifestyle, Julia Momose's Kumiko bar in Chicago remains a standout establishment, with its minimalist approach to drinks and Japanese-inspired cuisine earnimg it the title of World's Best Bar 2025.
- The pop-culture scene was abuzz with news of Momose's latest recognition, solidifying her place as one of the most celebrated figures in the bartending world and inspiring a new generation of mixologists.
- Among celebrities, Julia Momose's name often comes up in conversations about the most influential figures in the food-and-drink industry, thanks to her groundbreaking work and her culinary establishment, Kumiko, named as the Best Bar in the World 2025.
