The good news for Painkiller is this: After being named one of Esquire’s “Best Bars in America,” it now gets some love in Time Out’s epic “State of the Cocktail” package (the bar’s Jet Pilot cocktail is one of the 41 best drinks). Plus, Tales of the Cocktail just nominated the tiki bar for World’s Best New Cocktail Bar (you can see the rest of the 5th Annual Spirited Awards nominees below; winners will be announced July 23 in New Orleans). The bad news is this: As the result of a lawsuit settlement with Pusser’s Rum Ltd., Painkiller has had to change its name to PKNY.
The Lo-Down reports that the 31-year-old rum company holds the copyright for the brand name “Painkiller” — not only does the bar have to change its name, but it can’t put a Painkiller cocktail on the menu unless it’s made with Pusser’s Rum. And this isn’t the only pain PKNY is feeling: The Lo-Down also reports that the bar tallied up 101 violation points during a health inspection last week. Someone pour these guys a Penicillin — oh, wait a minute, that name isn’t exactly legal either.
American Bartender of the Year
Eric Alperin, Los Angeles, California
Kenta Goto, New York City, New York
Misty Kalkofen, Boston, Massachusetts
Sam Ross, New York City, New York
Joaquin Simo, New York City, New York
Best American Brand Ambassador
Colin Asare-Appiah, U’luvka Vodka
Jacques Bezuidenhout, Partida Tequila
Jamie Gordon, Absolut Vodka
Jim Ryan, Hendrick’s Gin
Best American Cocktail Bar
Clover Club, New York City, New York
Drink, Boston, Massachusetts
Employees Only, New York City, New York
The Varnish, Los Angeles, California
Best Bar Mentor
Wayne Collins, London, England
Steve Olson, New York City, New York
Audrey Saunders, New York City, New York
Dushan Zaric, New York City, New York
Best High Volume Cocktail Bar
Eastern Standard, Boston, Massachusetts
Flatiron Lounge, New York City, New York
Florida Room, Miami, Florida
Rickhouse, San Francisco, California
Best Cocktail Writing - Non Book
BarlifeUK.com
Imbibe USA
Liquor.com
Tasting Panel Magazine
Best Cocktail Writing - Author
Toby Cecchini, New York City, New York
Camper English, San Francisco, Francisco
Darcy O’Neil, London, Ontario
Naren Young, New York City, New York
Best International Brand Ambassador
Ian Burrell
Claire Smith, Belvedere Vodka
Dan Warner, Beefeater Gin
Angus Winchester, Tanqueray Gin
Best New Cocktail/Bartending Book
Fix the Pumps by Darcy O’Neill
Left Coast Libations by Ted Munat & Michael Lazar*
Punch by David Wondrich
Speakeasy by Dushan Zaric and Jay Kosmas
Best New Product
Bank’s Rum
Cocchi Americano**
Smith & Cross Rum
Tequila Calle 23
Best Restaurant Bar
The Drawing Room, Chicago, Illinois
Eleven Madison Park, New York City, New York
Hawksmoor Seven Dials, London, England
Hix, London, England
International Bartender of the Year
Erik Lorincz, London, England
Dre Masso, London, England
Sam Ross, New York City, New York
Dushan Zaric, New York City, New York
World’s Best Cocktail Bar
69 Colebrooke Row, London, England
Dry Martini, Barcelona, Spain
Employees Only, New York City, New York
High Five, Tokyo, Japan
World’s Best Cocktail Menu
Artesian at The Langham, London, England
Eau de Vie, Sydney, Australia
Mayahuel, New York City, New York
Sanctuaria, St. Louis, Missouri
World’s Best Drinks Selection
Artesian at The Langham, London, England
Cure, New Orleans, Louisiana
Eau de Vie, Sydney, Australia
Employees Only, New York City, New York
World’s Best Hotel Bar
Artesian at The Langham, London, England
Clive’s Classic Lounge at Chateau Victoria Hotel, Victoria, British Columbia
Clyde Common at The Ace Hotel, Portland, Oregon
The Savoy, London, England
World’s Best New Cocktail Bar
1534, New York City, New York
Dram, New York City, New York
Eau de Vie, Sydney, Australia
Painkiller, New York City, New York
