The World’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony recently took place in Madrid, Spain, marking the first time the event has been held in this city. Bartenders and industry leaders from around the world gathered to celebrate the best of the best. This year, the awards highlighted exceptional bars across various continents, each offering a distinct and unforgettable experience.
The Best Bar in North America: Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy, named both the Best Bar in North America and the Best Bar in the World, offers a distinctive two-part experience. With its intimate black and gold aesthetic, the ground floor channels the Prohibition era, while the basement bar, opened in 2023, pulses with a vibrant Mexican energy.
Head bartender Eric Van Beek uses advanced techniques to create innovative cocktails, some of which involve infusions and preparations that take over 48 hours. The bar has a laboratory where the team, led by Yiyi Aparicio, experiments with new flavours.
Notable options include the Fig Martini, a sophisticated twist on the classic with fig-infused gin and a hint of lavender, and the Salt N Pepper, a refreshing mezcal highball with a spicy kick.
C. Amberes 65, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Mexico City, Mexico
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Best Bar in Europe: Sips, Barcelona
Opened in 2021 by industry veterans Simone Caporale and Marc Alvarez, Sips quickly gained recognition for its special design and innovative cocktails. The bar’s island design breaks away from traditional bar layouts and creates a distinctive atmosphere.
Signature cocktails like the Krypta, served in a bespoke olfactory chamber, and the Primordial, served in two metal hands, showcase Sips’ creativity and attention to detail. In 2024, Sips introduced Esencia, an intimate 14-seat space offering a tasting menu of innovative drinks that push the boundaries of cocktail creativity.
C/ de Muntaner, 108, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
The Best Bar in South America: Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
This lively bar in Buenos Aires has a punk-rock vibe, with neon lights and graffiti contributing to its energetic atmosphere. But beyond the edgy aesthetic, Tres Monos is committed to sustainability and showcasing Argentinian identity.
The bar team, led by Charly Aguinsky, Sebastián Atienza, and Gus Vocke, not only creates innovative cocktails but also produces their own spirits and wines using local ingredients. A popular cocktail is the Vuelta Nah Manzana, made with house-made whiskey, loquat liqueur, and fresh apple juice.
Tres Monos expanded in the past year to include El Garage, a larger space next door. In 2023, the bar received the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and opened La Escuelita, a hospitality school in a former shantytown.
Guatemala 4899, C1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Best Bar in Asia: Bar Leone, Hong Kong
This Italian-inspired bar, which won the title of The Best Bar in Asia last July, is located halfway up Victoria Peak and offers a taste of Roman romance. With a focus on ‘cocktail popolari,’ Bar Leone offers a curated selection of classic cocktails with subtle twists, respecting traditional recipes while adding a touch of originality.
Founded by Lorenzo Antinori, the bar exudes a welcoming ‘home away from home’ ambience. Its Italian-style cocktails are complemented by a food menu featuring a popular mortadella sandwich. Bar Leone emphasises warm hospitality and excellent service, ensuring guests enjoy both the drinks and the friendly atmosphere.
11-15 Bridges St, Central, Hong Kong
The Best Bar in Australasia: Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
This unassuming bar, located in the city center, was once the home of the caretaker for a neighbouring church. Opened in 2022, Caretaker’s Cottage has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Owners Rob Libecans, Ryan Noreiks, and Matt Stirling are all experienced bartenders who actively work behind the bar, creating a welcoming and down-to-earth atmosphere.
The drinks menu changes monthly, featuring new cocktails and a fresh design. However, two staples remain: their signature ice-cold martini and a perfectly poured Guinness. Caretaker’s Cottage was also recognised for its exceptional service with the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2024.
139-141 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
The Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa: Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
This Japanese restaurant and bar, located in the Four Seasons Resort, draws inspiration from 1920s Osaka when Western fashion was becoming popular in Japan. The bar’s cocktail menu is designed like a collection of records, with each drink paired with a specific musical track.
The Kiyo Mizu, for instance, is paired with Hideo Shiraki’s Matsuri No Genso. This clarified cocktail features Nikka Days Japanese whisky, Tia Maria, vanilla, and yuzu juice. Another standout is the Shadrach, a dry martini served in a small bottle frozen within a block of ice and presented at -20°C.
Four Seasons Resort, 23A St, Jumeirah, Jumeirah 2, Dubai, UAE
