The annual World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024 has been unveiled, and once again, it has set a new benchmark for the global cocktail scene. Held in the vibrant city of Madrid, the awards ceremony brought together the elite of the bar industry, highlighting bartenders, bar owners, and cocktail innovators who are reshaping how the world drinks. Sponsored by Perrier, this event in its 16th edition marked yet another year of celebrating the best of cocktail culture from around the globe.
Mexico City Takes the Top Spot
This year, for the very first time, Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy has claimed the coveted title of The World’s Best Bar 2024, sponsored by Perrier. Tucked away in the Colonia Juárez neighborhood, Handshake Speakeasy is a modern twist on a classic speakeasy, complete with a hidden entrance and interiors that evoke the nostalgia of the roaring twenties with its black marble, brass accents, and moody lighting.
However, the bar is more than just its ambiance. It’s the innovation in its cocktail program that has truly made it stand out. Bar Director Eric van Beek has taken traditional cocktails and elevated them with cutting-edge techniques, merging time-honored classics with futuristic flair. The bar also prides itself on an impressive selection of vintage spirits and a menu of homemade infusions and tinctures, all of which are created in their on-site lab.
In receiving the award, van Beek expressed pride and excitement, stating, “To be the first bar from Mexico to achieve this is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. We strive to push the boundaries of what cocktails can be, while still honoring the roots of our craft.” The venue’s rise through the ranks of the World’s 50 Best Bars in previous years has been notable, and this achievement solidifies its place at the very top of the cocktail world.
Top Contenders in Europe and Beyond
While Handshake Speakeasy might have claimed the number one spot, the rest of the list features a diverse array of cocktail havens from across the globe. Europe, long known for its cocktail culture, saw multiple cities represented in the top 50, with Barcelona’s Sips taking the No. 3 spot and retaining its title as Best Bar in Europe. This innovative bar continues to impress with its avant-garde cocktail creations and its ability to blend flavors in unexpected ways.
Barcelona also secured a second bar in the top 10, with Paradiso at No. 10, while the host city Madrid saw Salmon Guru land at No. 23. Madrid’s hosting of the event also highlighted its growing reputation as a premier cocktail destination, with the city attracting global talent, renowned chefs, and bartenders.
London maintained its stronghold as Europe’s cocktail capital, boasting four bars in the top 50. Tayēr + Elementary ranked at No. 4, a favorite for its minimalist design and perfectly balanced cocktails, while Connaught Bar placed at No. 13. London’s Satan’s Whiskers and Scarfes Bar also made the list, at No. 29 and No. 37 respectively. Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons rose to No. 30, with its founder Iain McPherson receiving the prestigious Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.
In Italy, bars like Drink Kong in Rome, Locale Firenze in Florence, and Moebius Milano and 1930 in Milan also secured places on the list, further cementing Italy’s position as a rising star in the global cocktail scene.
Rising Stars in the Americas
New York City, historically a strong contender in the World’s 50 Best Bars list, once again had an impressive showing with four bars making the cut. Double Chicken Please at No. 14 and Overstory at No. 15 held strong, while new entries Martiny’s at No. 24 and Superbueno at No. 27 also made waves. The latter received the London Essence Best New Opening Award, solidifying its place among the city’s elite cocktail spots.
While New York dominated in North America, it was Mexico City that truly shone, with Handshake Speakeasy at No.1 being joined by fellow Mexican entries Tlecān at No. 20 and Licorería Limantour at No. 32. Additionally, Guadalajara’s El Gallo Altanero, a newcomer to the list, made its debut at No. 48, further showcasing Mexico’s burgeoning cocktail culture.
In South America, Tres Monos in Buenos Aires was crowned The Best Bar in South America at No. 7, a testament to the growth of the region’s cocktail scene. Buenos Aires also saw two other bars, CoChinChina at No. 22 and Florería Atlántico at No. 46, both making strong showings, with the latter winning the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award. Colombia’s Alquímico in Cartagena continued to climb the ranks, securing No. 8, while La Sala de Laura in Bogotá entered the list at No. 44.
Asia and Australasia’s Cocktail Powerhouses
In Asia, Singapore emerged as a cocktail hotspot with four bars in the top 50. Jigger & Pony ranked at No. 5, while Nutmeg & Clove and Analogue Initiative made their debuts at No. 28 and No. 47. Atlas, another Singaporean favorite, came in at No. 43. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone soared to No. 2, taking the title of The Best Bar in Asia and receiving the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award. Coa in Hong Kong also ranked at No. 18.
Bangkok and Tokyo both claimed two bars each, with Bangkok’s BKK Social Club rising to No. 12, and Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich and Virtú also representing Japan at No. 25 and No. 42 respectively. Seoul’s Zest, another rising star, placed at No. 9 and won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award.
In Australasia, Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage rose to No. 21, taking home the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, while Sydney’s Maybe Sammy ranked at No. 26. Melbourne’s Byrdi also made its debut at No. 35. Dubai’s Mimi Kakushi continued its reign as the Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa at No. 40.
Looking Ahead
The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024 showcases a truly global cocktail scene, highlighting the innovation, creativity, and passion driving bartenders and bar owners worldwide. From Mexico City to Singapore, each bar on the list represents the best of what the world has to offer in cocktail craftsmanship, hospitality, and design. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting developments in the years to come. For now, cocktail lovers everywhere can raise a glass to the world’s finest bars and the bartenders who make them shine.
