BAR 1661, a celebrated cocktail venue located in Dublin 7, has secured a place among the world’s top ten cocktail menus at the prestigious 2025 Spirited Awards. The recognition comes as part of the globally respected event that honours excellence in the bar industry across both domestic and international categories.
The Spirited Awards are regarded as one of the highest accolades in the industry, spotlighting outstanding achievements in bartending, bar ownership, media, and design. Among its most competitive categories are World’s Best Cocktail Bar and World’s Best Cocktail Menu.
BAR 1661 was honoured for its innovative menu, We Call This Power—a 28-drink collection that pays tribute to Irish poitín, native ingredients, and local producers. The menu reflects the bar’s mission to showcase a modern Irish identity through its drinks program.
“This achievement is a huge team effort from all our staff, and testament to the fantastic work from our design partners, Studio FDDP, and photographer Al Higgins,” said BAR 1661 owner Dave Mulligan in a statement. “Here’s to the spirit of Irish hospitality – bold, rooted, and unapologetically our own.”
Founded in 2019 by Mulligan—who also produces poitín under the Bán brand—BAR 1661 has become known for its commitment to a “staunchly Irish and fiercely independent” ethos, collaborating with small and independent producers across Ireland.
Situated just off Capel Street, the bar recently marked its sixth anniversary, coinciding with the launch of its sister venue, the Sackville Lounge. Opened in April, the Sackville is Dublin’s latest addition to the cocktail scene, offering elevated classics in a striking, black-accented interior intended to reintroduce glamour to O’Connell Street.
In addition to its bars, BAR 1661 has expanded into retail and product innovation. In 2020, the bar launched Craft Cocktails, a line of ready-to-serve bottled cocktails made exclusively with premium spirits and natural ingredients. The range is now stocked in over 50 outlets across Ireland.
Furthering its product portfolio, BAR 1661 teamed up with Intrepid Spirits in 2022 to introduce Little & Green, a collection of sparkling canned poitín cocktails, inspired by the intersection of Little Britain and Green Streets—home to the bar.
In 2021, the team unveiled Cuckoo Lane, a multifunctional space designed to support cocktail production, host events, and offer private tastings, further cementing BAR 1661’s influence in both hospitality and spirits innovation.
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