About 4 years ago, I asked Ann Tuennerman why there wasn't a red carpet leading into the Spirited Awards at Tales of the Cocktail. She thought it was a great idea, and voila - my annual "Live From the Red Carpet" video was born. I've done it every year since, and intend to continue until I'm an old broad following my passon, hobbling around like Joan Rivers interviewing bar folk from around the world.A huge congratulations to the many talented nominees, and an even bigger toast to the winners! (A special shout out to my dear friend Gary 'Gaz' Regan for the lifetime achievement award!)See other Tales 2012 videos hereTales of the Cocktail 2012 - Red Carpet - Inspired Sips with the Liquid Muse from Small Screen on Vimeo.The 2012 Spirited Award® Winners:American Bartender of the YearJoaquin Simo of New York, New YorkBest American Brand AmbassadorJim Ryan of New York, New YorkBest American Cocktail BarThe Varnish of Los Angeles, CaliforniaBest Bar MentorSteve Olson of New York, New YorkBest Cocktail Writing – AuthorDave Wondrich of New York, New York for his writing on Liquor.comBest Cocktail Writing - Non BookLiquor.comBest High Volume Cocktail BarEastern Standard of Boston, MassachusettsBest International Brand AmbassadorAngus Winchester of London, United KingdomBest New Cocktail/Bartending BookPDT Cocktail Book by Jim Meehan & Chris GallBest New ProductCognac Pierre Ferrand 1840 Formula of Bonbonnet, FranceBest Restaurant BarSlanted Door of San Francisco, CaliforniaInternational Bartender of the YearAlex Kratena of London, United KingdomWorld’s Best Cocktail BarThe Connaught Bar of London, United KingdomWorld’s Best Cocktail MenuCallooh Callay of London, United KingdomWorld’s Best Drinks SelectionSalvatore's at The Playboy of London, United KingdomWorld’s Best Hotel BarArtesian at The Langham of London, United KingdomWorld’s Best New Cocktail BarThe Zetter Townhouse of London, United KingdomHelen David Lifetime Achievement AwardGary Regan of New York, New York