Paris has added another headline-worthy accolade to its food and drink scene, and this one is already making waves in Europe news, ireland news and wider irish news coverage. De Vie, a stylish cocktail destination in Paris’s Montorgueil district, has been crowned the best new international cocktail bar at the 20th annual Spirited Awards, cementing the French capital’s reputation for innovation in hospitality.
The recognition came from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, one of the drinks industry’s most respected institutions. Opened only last year, De Vie has quickly built a name for itself with a tasting-led concept that moves beyond the standard bar menu and into immersive dining territory.
Europe news: Why De Vie in Paris stood out
What makes De Vie different is its five-step seasonal tasting menu, delivered over roughly 90 minutes and paired with snacks. Rather than serving full-size cocktails throughout, the bar offers tasting portions, with the overall amount equating to about three standard drinks. Guests can also choose a non-alcoholic version, reflecting growing demand for sophisticated alcohol-free experiences across Europe.
The rotating menu changes with the seasons, but examples of drinks previously featured include:
- Strawberry with oxidised strawberry, fig leaf wine and strawberry spirit
- Fennel with fennel spirit, fennel leaf cordial and celery eau de vie
- Rhubarb with cryo-concentrated rhubarb wine, rhubarb and crème fraîche liqueur
For guests who prefer more flexibility, De Vie also serves à la carte cocktails and small plates. Signature options reportedly include a pepper-based drink with charred pepper spirit and prickly pear eau de vie, alongside dishes such as yellowtail tartare and agnolotti.
How the Spirited Awards ranked the world’s top bars
The Spirited Awards split honours across several categories, including best international cocktail bar, best US cocktail bar and overall global recognition. While De Vie secured the title of best new international cocktail bar, London’s Satan’s Whiskers was named best international cocktail bar overall.
At the top of the global list was FURA in Singapore, which took the award for world’s best bar. FURA has attracted attention for its sustainability-first philosophy, using ingredients that are abundant, invasive or underused. Its menu includes highly unconventional creations, from bean-based drinks to cocktails featuring mealworm, showing how far experimental mixology has evolved.
That wider trend matters in Europe news because it highlights a shift in what top bars are now judged on:
- Creativity and originality
- Sustainability and ingredient sourcing
- Guest experience beyond the drink itself
- Strong non-alcoholic options
What this means for Paris travel and irish news readers
For travellers planning a city break, this award puts De Vie firmly on the must-visit list in Paris. The Montorgueil quarter is already known for its lively food culture, and this latest win gives visitors another reason to explore the area. For readers following ireland news and irish news, the story also reflects a broader European appetite for high-concept hospitality, where cocktails, food pairing and sustainability now go hand in hand.
FAQ: Is De Vie a traditional cocktail bar? Not exactly. It blends elements of a tasting menu, fine dining and cocktail service. Can you visit if you do not drink alcohol? Yes, a non-alcoholic option is available. Why is it getting so much attention? Because the bar has earned one of the most prestigious awards for new venues in the global drinks industry.
Explore more: best Irish travel news, Europe city break trends and long-form Ireland lifestyle coverage
Conclusion
De Vie’s Spirited Award win is more than a niche hospitality story; it is a standout moment in Europe news that shows where the continent’s bar culture is heading next. With its seasonal five-step cocktail experience, strong zero-proof offering and inventive ingredients, the Paris venue has set a new benchmark for what a modern cocktail bar can be.
