The definitive guide to the world's most exquisite drinking establishments, The World's 50 Best Bars list, has been unveiled.
Announced at a red-carpet ceremony in Hong Kong, this year's rankings celebrate the pinnacle of high-end mixology and the flourishing global cocktail culture.
Barcelona's vibrant bar scene notably secured two coveted spots within the top five. From Hong Kong to London, these watering holes are truly at the top of their game, offering deluxe experiences.
1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong
The Hong Kong cocktail scene is a big hitter, and last year’s second runner-up, Bar Leone, has claimed the top spot… and first time a bar from Asia has won the title.
With a simplistic approach to bar culture and design, Italian co-founder Lorenzo Antinori has taken the concept of ‘cocktail popolari,’ which translates to ‘cocktails of the people,’ to another level.
The awards describes Bar Leone as a “tribute to the neighbourhood bars of Rome, where locals gather for coffee, aperitivi and casual conversation.”
Expect a warm reception, first-class drinks, and access to the rotating cocktail recipes on the menu to recreate at home.
2. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
The ingeniously named Handshake Speakeasy was also ranked the Best Bar in North America, and its dazzling décor is inspired by the prohibition era of the Twenties… along with moody lighting, wood panelling and black and gold interior, its innovative cocktail menu will send you in a spin.
Moreover, with a choice of two bar experiences for good measure, the basement offers a “more up-tempo experience with a hip-hop soundtrack,” where expertly made craft cocktails include their famous Fig Martini or Three Sips Martini.
3. Sips, Barcelona
When you have Gothic cathedrals as your backdrop and Gaudi’s iconic architecture, Sips makes for a sophisticated cocktail experience to drink in the city’s vibrant cultural scene – and most importantly… a cocktail haven for innovation.
Maintaining its number three position from The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list, Sips was also voted The Best Bar in Europe 2025.
And the awards describes their drinks as “a spectacle in themselves, showcasing intricate presentation and bold flavours.”
Highlights include The Nixtamil, which is cited is an experience: “A red fruit reduction is licked from a small mirror, preparing the palate for a mixture of bourbon, corn and miso distillate.” And there you have it.
4. Paradiso, Barcelona
A go-to for cocktail hounds, Paradiso was named The World’s Best Bar in 2022, and worthy of its name… Italian for paradise.
Although to enter utopia, firstly you have to walk through a fridge door in a pastrami shop. Inside, the drinking den features a curved wooden ceiling (said to resemble the inside of a whale) and tropical displays to set the scene for extraordinary concoctions.
Indeed, the awards say theatricality is a hallmark of the Paradiso experience – describing its serves as multi-sensory experiences. “With each concoction exploring a scientific or cosmic mystery.”
With unusual twists, attention to detail, focus on creativity and fantastic presentation, what are you waiting for?
5. Tayēr + Elementary, London
The UK’s cocktail capital, London boasts four bars in the top 50, with Tayēr + Elementary at number five… and a bar of two halves, each with their own personality.
Elementary stands out for its industrial-style space that’s light and open with a relaxed vibe; serving an array of classic cocktails on tap, alongside high balls and own-label wines and beer.
Meanwhile, behind a concrete partition sits Tayēr… a moodier cocktail bar with low lighting, and more intimate setting to grab a bar stool at the chef’s table – aka bar station and main centrepiece.
Here, sophisticated cocktails are made to order… while raising your glass to the best of both worlds. Cheers!
