In 2009, the first ranking of the Oscars of mixology, The 50 Best Bars, was published. Since then, the best bar in the world has been in Barcelona, in Mexico City and, of course, in New York. Last year it was Hong Kong’s turn, with Bar Leone crowned as the absolute cocktail king.
It has been in Milan, this Wednesday, October 7, where the 2026 edition was held. And among the bars most coveted by those who know the most, once again the gold has gone to Asia. Again to Hong Kong and this spot located in the central district. Behind Bar Leone’s bar sits the bartender Lorenzo Antinori and his philosophy of ‘popolari cocktail’.
Although perhaps, more than the winner, what draws attention this year is how the list has been shaken. For example, last year’s The World’s 50 Best Bars runner-up, Handshake Speakeasy, in Mexico City (and winner in the 2024 edition), has dropped to sixth place, though it remains the best bar in North America. The Spanish venues Sips and Paradiso have also fallen, occupying third and fourth place last year.
Who has managed to crack the podium then?
It entered last year straight to stardom: Moebius Milano, in Milan, leaping 31 places to carve out a spot as the seventh-best bar in the world. A year later, it has claimed the second place, in addition to the award for Best Bar in Europe. Meanwhile, the bronze went to a Colombian classic: Alquímico, in Cartagena de Indias (also Best Bar in South America in 2026), rising eight places in a year. The fourth place goes to Bangkok thanks to Bar Us, which has also climbed strongly (number 15 last year).
The fifth-best bar in the world is called Line, in Athens, which is also the most sustainable. But the Greek capital has also starred in the ascent of the list, thanks to another name: The Bar in Front of the Bar (award Nikka Highest Climber), rising from 47th place in 2025 to 19th.
