The craft cocktail world has a new champion, and it’s making waves from a discrete location in Mexico City’s trendy Colonia Juarez district. Handshake Speakeasy, a sophisticated two-story establishment that opened its mysterious lower level just last year, has captured the coveted World’s 50 Best Bars crown at a glittering ceremony in Madrid.
The victory marks a dramatic ascent for Handshake Speakeasy, which leapfrogged from third place in 2023 to claim the top spot. But they’re not the only fresh face shaking up the global cocktail scene. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, championing the democratic philosophy of “cocktail populari,” clinched second place and the title of Asia’s Best Bar with their innovative take on Italian drinking culture.
Barcelona’s celebrated Sips, last year’s champion, rounds out the top three. Though only in operation since 2021, Sips benefits from serious cocktail pedigree – its ownership team includes an El Bulli veteran and an alumnus of London’s legendary Artesian.
The annual rankings, determined by 700 industry experts including renowned bartenders and beverage journalists, paint a vibrant picture of global drinking culture, with standout establishments from Athens to Tokyo, Sydney to Lima earning recognition.
Hotel Bars Make Their Mark
For cocktail enthusiasts planning their next trip, several acclaimed venues offer the convenience of hotel locations. London’s portfolio includes the sophisticated Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood and the iconic Connaught Bar in Mayfair. Dubai’s sole representative, Mimi Kakushi at the Four Seasons Jumeirah, earned recognition as the Middle East and Africa’s finest, while Singapore’s celebrated Jigger & Pony continues to innovate from within the Amara Hotel.
Cities to Watch
London and New York City remain cocktail capitals, each boasting four entries in the top 50. However, Latin America is gaining ground, with Buenos Aires and Mexico City each securing three spots on the prestigious list.
Celebrating Innovation Behind the Bar
This year’s “Bartender’s Bartender” award went to Iain McPherson of Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons (No. 30). McPherson, who also runs the creative Senor Scoops boozy ice cream line, earned praise from colleagues for his inventive and playful approach to mixology.
Legacy Meets Innovation
While newcomers dominated headlines, established venues proved their endurance. Singapore’s Jigger & Pony, a fixture since 2012 and former Asia’s Best Bar winner, maintained its elite status. Tokyo’s intimate Bar Benfiddich, drawing crowds since 2013, secured the 25th position, demonstrating that excellence in mixology knows no expiration date.
The world’s 50 best bars for 2024:
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong
- Sips, Barcelona
- Tayer + Elementary, London
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- Line, Athens
- Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
- Alquimico, Cartagena
- Zest, Seoul
- Paradiso, Barcelona
- Himkok, Oslo
- BKK Social Club, Bangkok
- Connaught Bar, London
- Double Chicken Please, New York City
- Overstory, New York City
- Lady Bee, Lima
- Baba au Rum, Athens
- Coa, Hong Kong
- The Cambridge Public House, Paris
- Tlecan, Mexico City
- Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
- CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
- Salmon Guru, Madrid
- Martiny’s, New York City
- Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
- Maybe Sammy, Sydney
- Superbueno, New York City
- Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
- Satan’s Whiskers, London
- Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
- Tan Tan, Sao Paulo
- Licoreria Limantour, Mexico City
- Drink Kong, Rome
- Jewel of the South, New Orleans
- Byrdi, Melbourne
- Locale Firenze, Florence
- Scarfes Bar, London
- Moebius Milano, Milan
- Bar Nouveau, Paris
- Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
- Bar Us, Bangkok
- Virtu, Tokyo
- Atlas, Singapore
- La Sala de Laura, Bogota
- Roda Huset, Stockholm
- Floreria Atlantico, Buenos Aires
- Analogue Initiative, Singapore
- El Gallo Altenero, Guadalajara
- Danico, Paris
- 1930, Milan