The worldwide cocktail spotlight turned to Hong Kong on October 8, as the 17th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars unveiled its 2025 rankings. The list has become a cultural touchstone, and for many individuals, it represents a dream cocktail bucket list. Seen as a whole, the list highlights the industry’s rich diversity and boundary-pushing ethos.
This year featured bars from 29 different cities around the world, including 8 new entries from Athen, Bratislava, Tirana, Guangzhou, Lima, New York, Oslo and Tokyo.
Bar Leone from Hong Kong was crowned The World’s Best Bar, marking the first time a bar in Asia topped the list. Handshake Speakeasy slipped into the No. 2 spot, and following behind, Barcelona’s Sips clinched at No. 3.
London and New York once again tied for the most awarded cities with four bars each on the list. In New York, Superbueno finished at No.12 – up 15 spots from last year, as well as Three Cents Best New Opening Award with Sip&Guzzle at No.39.
Asia saw an impressive representation in the list. Tokyo bars led the pack with three bars represented in the list. Bar Benfiddich landed at No.18, and Virtu secured the No.45 place. New entry bar The Bellwood stormed into the list at No.48.
Singapore’s Jigger & Pony and Nutmeg & Clove ranked No.9 and No.50, respectively. Bar Us came in at No.15 by jumping 26 spots. Bangkok’s BKK Social Club snagged the place at No.49, and Hope & Sesame made its debut at No.29.
The ceremony recognized outstanding individuals and establishments that continue to define the industry’s spirit. Uno Jang received the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. Simone Caporale of Sips was named the Roku Industry Icon, and The Cambridge Public House from Paris earned the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award. Notable winners included Lady Bee from Lima honored for excellence in category of Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.
“We are deeply honoured to spotlight the extraordinary diversity of the global bar landscape in 2025 and we raise a glass to every bar that has earned their place in this year’s list. With more cocktail capitals represented than ever before, this ranking continues to serve as a vibrant compass for curious drinkers and passionate explorers alike – igniting wanderlust and raising the bar for cocktail culture across the globe,” said Emma Sleight, head of content for The World’s 50 Best Bars.
The awards for Best in each country:
- The Best Bar in Asia: Bar Leone
- The Best Bar in North America: Handshake Speakeasy
- The Best Bar in South America: Tres Monos
- The Best Bar in Europe: Sips
- The Best Bar in Africa: Hero Bar
- The Best Bar in Middle East: Mimi Kakushi
- The Best Bar in Australia: Caretaker’s Cottage
The World’s 50 Best Bars has, since 2009, become a global benchmark for excellence in bartending and hospitality. The 2025 list was compiled from the votes of more than 800 bar industry experts, including bartenders, journalists, and consultants who each cast seven votes based on bar experiences from the past 18 months.
See below the full list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025:
