Crafting the perfect cocktail involves a delicate blend of art, science, and a splash of love. However, the world’s best bars offer more than just exquisite drinks; they serve experiences, stories, and memories within every glass. Embark with us on a spirited journey across the globe, as we explore the top 25 establishments where mixology meets magic.
1. Tayēr + Elementary, London
Tayēr + Elementary, founded in 2019 by Monica Berg and Alex Kratena, uniquely blends the casual with the exquisite in London’s bustling cocktail scene. At Elementary, the front section, patrons enjoy unpretentious, seasonally-focused cocktails, such as the signature One Sip Martini, served from taps in a communal, industrial-inspired space.
Move through to Tayēr, and experience a deeper dive into innovative mixology, where daily-changing recipes explore nuanced, culinary-inspired flavors using cutting-edge techniques, all delivered with an unassuming approach. Together, they offer a compelling narrative of modern, explorative, and unpretentious drinking.
2. The Dead Rabbit, New York
Walking into The Dead Rabbit is a step back into the lively 19th-century Five Points, New York City. Distinguished by its extensive, story-laden menu and perfectly executed classic cocktails, it’s a seamless merge of Irish pub culture and sophisticated mixology, providing a robust and warm experience that transports you to another era.
3. Floreria Atlántico, Buenos Aires
Floreria Atlántico in Buenos Aires disguises itself as a charming flower shop and wine store. However, descend the staircase, and a vibrant underground bar unveils a treasure of Argentinian and South American spirits. Embracing a nautical theme, the bar not only offers a delightful array of cocktails but also serenades the patrons with tales of Atlantic-crossing immigrants, thereby mingling the local and foreign into every concoction.
4. Himkok, Oslo, Norway
Himkok stirs Norwegian tradition into its drinks, employing locally sourced ingredients and a keen eye for sustainability. This distillery-bar amalgamation brings forth not only their in-house spirits but also a vibrant atmosphere that makes each visit a festivity. Engage in the airy courtyard or find solace in the cozy interiors, while every sip tells a story of Norway’s spirited landscape.
5. Black Pearl, Melbourne
Enter Black Pearl, and you’re welcomed into a home-like ambiance, where cocktails are both an art and an intimate experience. With a penchant for pushing boundaries, this family-run bar explores inventive cocktails while maintaining a vibe that’s both eclectic and comforting. Each drink is a narrative, with ingredients and presentation meticulously chosen to elevate your Melbourne night.
6. The Clumsies, Athens
Embedded in the historic heart of Athens, The Clumsies has cultivated a space that is both an homage to tradition and a nod to modernity. Renowned for its innovative cocktail menu, which masterfully intertwines Greek flavors with global mixology trends, every drink serves as a narrative, linking the past to the present with each sip.
7. Attaboy, New York
An unassuming entrance leads to Attaboy, a cocktail haven where personalized service reigns supreme. Eschewing traditional menus, the bartenders curate a bespoke drinking experience for each patron, crafting concoctions that are as unique as the stories shared across the bar, ensuring an exclusive and memorable night in the city that never sleeps.
8. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
Bar Benfiddich in Tokyo invites patrons into a world where ancient apothecary meets modern mixology. Helmed by Hiroyasu Kayama, the bar explores forgotten Japanese spirits and ingredients, crafting potions that are not only a treat to the senses but also a journey through Japan’s rich, albeit often overlooked, cocktail history.
9. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
Limantour, with its suave ambiance and masterfully created cocktails, puts Mexican mixology on the global map. The menu is a vibrant fusion of local ingredients and spirits, with every drink reflecting a piece of Mexico’s spirited soul. From mezcal concoctions to innovative tequila infusions, it’s a flavorful exploration of Mexico in a glass.
10. Candelaria, Paris
Hidden behind an unassuming taqueria, Candelaria unfolds a world where Parisian chic meets spirited Mexican warmth. Known for its agave spirit-focused cocktails, it balances the elegance of Paris with the vibrant, hearty spirit of Mexico, crafting a space where cultures mingle effortlessly amongst clinks of cocktail glasses.
11. Native, Singapore
Venturing into Native, one embarks on a spirited journey through Asia. Championing local and foraged ingredients, the cocktails here tell tales of regional culture, flora, and fauna. From ants to tropical fruits, every concoction is an adventurous exploration of taste and tradition within a contemporary, cozy setting.
12. The Baxter Inn, Sydney
With an impressive array of whiskies gracing its shelves, The Baxter Inn in Sydney is a haven for whisky lovers. The bar merges old-world charm with a lively Australian spirit, providing a whisky experience that’s both educational and enchanting, amidst a bustling, friendly atmosphere.
13. Little Red Door, Paris
Little Red Door, with its unpretentious facade, unveils a world where creativity and inclusivity reign supreme. The cocktails, inspired by architectural movements, bridge aesthetics and flavors seamlessly, providing a visual and sensory journey that extends beyond the sipping experience.
14. La Factoría, San Juan
In the historic streets of San Juan, La Factoría invites patrons into a realm where Puerto Rican flair and classic cocktails meld. Renowned for its vivacious atmosphere and meticulously crafted drinks, it offers a lively, rhythmic experience that is quintessentially Puerto Rican.
15. 1930, Milan
A hidden gem in Milan, 1930 offers a speakeasy experience shrouded in mystery and elegance. With a secret entrance and an air of exclusive allure, it crafts Italian cocktails that intertwine classic mixology with innovative, local twists, wrapped in an intimately vintage ambiance.
16. The Old Man, Hong Kong
Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man offers a balance of nostalgia and innovation. With cocktails named after Hemingway’s works, and a charming, intimate setting, it serves experiences that are both literary and sensory, beneath the vibrant pulse of Hong Kong.
17. Paradiso, Barcelona
Paradiso, a whimsical world hidden behind a pastrami shop, melds mixology with spectacle. Every cocktail is a performance, where the presentation is as enchanting as the flavors. Amidst the playful, secretive vibe, drinks become adventures, guiding patrons through imaginative, flavorful tales.
18. Tjoget, Stockholm
Tjoget, with its sleek, Scandinavian design, and a menu that’s a nod to global flavors, offers a harmonious blend of Swedish precision and international zest. During winters, the cozy, warm interiors and during summers, the lively terrace become a backdrop for elegant, carefully curated cocktails.
19. Coa, Hong Kong
Nestled in the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, Coa pays homage to the diverse world of agave spirits, championing flavors from Mexico to the Far East. Jay Khan, the founder and passionate agave enthusiast, has curated an establishment where education meets enjoyment.
Coa boasts an expansive collection of hand-selected agave spirits, and each cocktail tells a story of heritage, terroir, and artisanal production. Visitors embark on a flavorful journey, exploring traditional Mexican libations and inventive creations, all while being embraced by a warm, intimate atmosphere that is both enlightening and engaging.
20. Bar Soho, London
Bar Soho invites you to a vibrant and eclectic experience. This stylish bar seamlessly blends modern flair with a touch of classic elegance. As night falls, the ambiance comes alive with pulsating music and the clinking of glasses. Explore an extensive menu featuring expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of beverages. Whether you’re seeking a lively night out or a relaxed evening with friends, Bar Soho promises a memorable taste of London’s nightlife.
21. Dante, New York
An establishment steeped in history, Dante has been serving its patrons since 1915. Now globally recognized for its impeccable Negronis and aperitivo culture, the bar, while maintaining an old-world charm, curates a lively, warm atmosphere where classic and innovative cocktails coexist harmoniously.
22. Atlas, Singapore
Atlas takes you into a grand, Art Deco-inspired hall, boasting one of the world’s largest gin collections. It’s not merely a bar; it’s an institution where the elegance of the 1920s and a meticulously curated cocktail menu create an immersive experience, blending luxury, history, and masterful mixology.
Carnaval is a vibrant celebration of colors, flavors, and spirits, reflecting the dynamic culture of Peru. With a cocktail menu that’s an adventurous journey through various countries and a lively, festive atmosphere, Carnaval provides a whimsical, joyous experience, rooted deeply in the spirit of Peruvian festivity.
24. Schumann’s, Munich
A classic, Schumann’s in Munich stands as a testament to timeless bars, where simplicity and quality reign supreme. With a no-frills approach to cocktails and a casual, yet sophisticated environment, it offers a genuine, unpretentious space where every drink is crafted with expertise and tradition.
25. Two Schmucks, Barcelona
With a quirky name and an equally eclectic vibe, Two Schmucks merges casual with craft. Offering a menu that explores creative, yet unassuming cocktails and a space that is both vibrant and laid-back, it redefines cocktail bars with a refreshing, genuine spirit, amidst the lively heart of Barcelona.
Best Bars in the World Conclusion
Navigating through the world’s best bars brings more than just exquisite drinks to our lips; it opens us up to varied cultures, innovations, and traditions. From London to Hong Kong, these establishments introduce us to unique, carefully crafted experiences, each telling its own story through flavor and setting.
These bars not only serve as icons of top-tier mixology but also as windows into their respective worlds, uniting us in a shared appreciation for quality and creativity. Here’s a toast to unforgettable memories, world-class concoctions, and the boundless adventures that await in each glass. Cheers to the next journey, wherever it may lead us!
