A cocktail bar in Paris has been named the best new international cocktail bar at the 20th Spirited Awards, organised by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. De Vie, located in the Montorgueil quarter of the French capital, opened last year and has quickly earned recognition for its innovative approach to drinks.
The bar is known for its five-step seasonal tasting menu, which is served with small snacks over the course of an hour and a half. Each drink is a tasting portion, so the entire experience is roughly equivalent to three standard cocktails. Guests can also opt for a non-alcoholic version of the menu.
Because the menu changes with the seasons, the drinks are constantly evolving. Recent examples include a strawberry concoction made with oxidised strawberry, fig leaf wine, and strawberry spirit; a fennel drink featuring fennel spirit, fennel leaf cordial, and celery eau de vie; and a rhubarb option with cryo-concentrated rhubarb wine, rhubarb, and crème fraîche liqueur.
For those who prefer to order à la carte, De Vie offers drinks such as the pepper, made with charred pepper spirit, prickly pear eau de vie, and herb stem cordial. The food menu includes plates like yellowtail tartare and agnolotti.
The Spirited Awards are split into categories for best international, best US, and best overall bar. Satan’s Whiskers in London’s Bethnal Green took the title of best international cocktail bar, while the overall world’s best bar prize went to FURA in Singapore. Named after the Swedish word for pine, FURA focuses on sustainability, using ingredients that are abundant, invasive, or prevalent. Its creatively named drinks include “beans, beans the musical fruit” with Empirical soka, tonka bean, butter bean koji, and pea shoot, and “get the worm” featuring Altos Plata tequila, chilli, mealworm, orange, and lime.
The recognition for De Vie comes amid a broader trend of Paris solidifying its reputation as a global cocktail destination. The city has seen a surge in high-end cocktail bars in recent years, with establishments like Little Red Door and Candelaria already earning international acclaim. The Montorgueil quarter, known for its lively market streets and historic architecture, has become a hub for food and drink innovation.
For those interested in French politics and society, the success of De Vie also highlights a cultural moment in Paris. The city continues to attract international talent and investment, even as debates over tax policy and capital flight persist. A recent report on why France's wealthy are leaving underscores the complex economic landscape that coexists with the capital's vibrant cultural scene.
Meanwhile, the French government has been grappling with other pressing issues, including a controversial emergency farming bill that has split parties over the reintroduction of banned pesticides. These political tensions contrast with the celebratory atmosphere at De Vie, where the focus is on craftsmanship and seasonal ingredients.
For travellers planning a visit to Paris, the Montorgueil quarter offers more than just cocktails. The area is home to some of the city's best bakeries, cheese shops, and seafood restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a food-focused itinerary. The recognition of De Vie as the best new international cocktail bar adds another reason to explore this vibrant neighbourhood.
As the cocktail scene in Europe continues to evolve, Paris is proving that it can compete with traditional powerhouses like London and Barcelona. The success of De Vie is a testament to the creativity and dedication of its team, and it will be interesting to see how the bar builds on this early acclaim in the years to come.
