Cocktail aficionados worldwide turned their eyes towards Madrid, Spain, on October 22 to see which drinks establishments were named to the 2024 World’s 50 Best Bars list. The list, first launched in 2009 and curated by the media company William Reed, has become an annual event that spotlights the world’s best mixologists and watering holes.
In the ever-changing world of drinks and hospitality, few accolades carry the weight of The World’s 50 Best Bars list. It’s not just a rundown of trendy spots; it’s a global beacon for cocktail culture, showcasing creativity, innovation, and the art of mixology at its finest. The list has shown it can catapult lesser-known bars onto the world stage, drawing in travelers and boosting local economies. It inspires bartenders to push their limits, embracing new techniques, flavors, and ingredients that elevate the craft.
As society becomes more connected, the World’s Best Bars list has become a cultural touchstone, charting the shifting tastes of discerning drinkers. For many individuals, it represents a dream cocktail bucket list. Seen as a whole, the list highlights the industry’s rich diversity and boundary-pushing ethos—whether it’s the timeless charm of The Connaught in London or the boundary-pushing flair of Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City.
“It is with immense pride that we announce Handshake Speakeasy as The World’s Best Bar 2024, sponsored by Perrier. To be the first ever No.1 from Mexico is an outstanding achievement, of which Eric van Beek and his team are hugely deserving,” says Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Bars. “The bar’s impressive rise through the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars over the years is a testament to their unique combination of flawless hospitality, innovative technique, and truly excellent cocktails. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every bar on this year’s list, which once again highlights the incredible diversity of the global bar sector. We hope that this year’s list continues to operate as a beacon for cocktail lovers the world over.”
One highlight from the latest list, which includes several from North America, is the global balance of bars. Every continent except Africa and Antarctica had bars on the list. London and New York City tied for the most awarded cities with four bars each on the list, and the UK and USA both finished with five bars each, also a tie for first. Mexico continued its rapid rise in the cocktail world by finishing tied with Italy with four bars in the top 50. There were sixteen newcomers on the list.
Without further ado, here is the 2024 World’s Best Bar List. Each establishment presents drinkers with high-quality beverages and a timeless feel that makes a classic bar unforgettable. Each newcomer is marked with an asterisk.
1. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
2. Bar Leone, Hong Kong
3. Sips, Barcelona
4. Tayēr + Elementary, London
5. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
6. Line, Athens
7. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
8. Alquímico, Cartagena
9. Zest, Seoul
10. Paradiso, Barcelona
11. Himkok, Oslo
12. BKK Social Club, Bangkok
13. Connaught Bar, London
14. Double Chicken Please, New York
15. Overstory, New York
16. Lady Bee, Lima *
17. Baba au Rum, Athens
18. Coa, Hong Kong
19. The Cambridge Public House, Paris
20. Tlecān, Mexico City *
21. Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
22. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
23. Salmon Guru, Madrid
24. Martiny’s, New York *
25. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
26. Maybe Sammy, Sydney
27. Superbueno, New York *
28. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore *
29. Satan’s Whiskers, London
30. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
31. Tan Tan, São Paulo *
32. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
33. Drink Kong, Rome
34. Jewel of the South, New Orleans
35. Byrdi, Melbourne *
36. Locale Firenze, Florence
37. Scarfes Bar, London
38. Moebius Milano, Milan *
39. Bar Nouveau, Paris *
40. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
41. Bar Us, Bangkok *
42. Virtù, Tokyo *
43. Atlas, Singapore
44. La Sala de Laura, Bogotá *
45. Röda Huset, Stockholm
46. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires
47. Analogue Initiative, Singapore *
48. El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara *
49. Danico, Paris *
50. 1930, Milan
Follow here for the most up to date information about the ever changing beer, wine, and spirits industry.
MORE FROM FORBES
Read the full article here