The annual World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed in Madrid on October 22, 2024, showcasing the finest venues from 28 cities worldwide. In an exciting win, Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City was named the No. 1 bar, marking the first time a bar from Mexico has claimed the top spot.
Located in the heart of Colonia Juárez, Handshake Speakeasy has become a leader in the global cocktail community, combining classic Hollywood speakeasy aesthetics with innovative, modern cocktails crafted in-house. Bar Director Eric van Beek has transformed the bar’s offerings, blending tradition with cutting-edge techniques that have made Handshake Speakeasy a standout.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars, remarked:
“It is with immense pride that we announce Handshake Speakeasy as The World’s Best Bar 2024, sponsored by Perrier. This win is a testament to their unique combination of flawless hospitality and truly excellent cocktails.”
Top Highlights of the Awards:
- Bar Leone (Hong Kong) debuted at No. 2, winning the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.
- Sips (Barcelona) secured No. 3, continuing its dominance in the top ranks.
- Tayēr + Elementary (London) took the No. 4 spot, with co-founder Monica Berg winning the Roku Industry Icon Award.
- Jigger & Pony (Singapore) rounded out the top five, cementing Singapore’s influence in the global bar scene.
Global Trends Shaping the 2024 List:
- Molecular Mixology: Led by Handshake Speakeasy, innovative cocktail techniques involving molecular elements are reshaping the drinking experience.
- Asia’s Rise: Bars from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Seoul, such as Bar Leone (No. 2) and Zest (No. 9), have emerged as trendsetters, combining tradition with bold new methods.
- Sustainability: Zest in Seoul, winner of the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, is pioneering zero-waste cocktail creations, setting a standard for eco-conscious practices in the industry.
Special Awards:
- Campari One to Watch: Singapore’s Cat Bite Club received this honor, highlighting its potential to break into future editions.
- Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu: London’s Lyaness took home this award for its inventive “3.0 Cookbook” menu.
- Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award: Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage was recognized for its outstanding service.
- Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award: Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires was celebrated for its consistent excellence since the list’s inception.
The Full List of the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024:
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong
- Sips, Barcelona
- Tayēr + Elementary, London
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- Line, Athens
- Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
- Alquímico, Cartagena
- Zest, Seoul
- Paradiso, Barcelona
- Himkok, Oslo
- BKK Social Club, Bangkok
- Connaught Bar, London
- Double Chicken Please, New York
- Overstory, New York
- Lady Bee, Lima
- Baba au Rum, Athens
- Coa, Hong Kong
- The Cambridge Public House, Paris
- Tlecān, Mexico City
- Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
- CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
- Salmon Guru, Madrid
- Martiny’s, New York
- Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
- Maybe Sammy, Sydney
- Superbueno, New York
- Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
- Satan’s Whiskers, London
- Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
- Tan Tan, São Paulo
- Licorería 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
- Virtù, Tokyo
- Atlas, Singapore
- La Sala de Laura, Bogotá
- Röda Huset, Stockholm
- Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires
- Analogue Initiative, Singapore
- El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
- Danico, Paris
- 1930, Milan
This year’s list showcases the diversity of the global bar scene, with entries from cities as varied as Bangkok, Bogotá, Milan, and New York. As cocktail culture continues to evolve, the 2024 rankings highlight innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship across continents.
