Behind an unmarked black door in Mexico City lies Handshake Speakeasy, now officially named the world’s best bar, according to the 2024 World’s 50 Best Bars list. This art deco-inspired speakeasy, run by Marcos Di Battista, Rodrigo Urraca, and renowned bartender Eric van Beek, blends classic cocktails with molecular gastronomy. Signature drinks include the Mexi-Thai, a mix of tequila, makrut lime, coconut, basil, and tomato, as well as the creamy Carino, made with aged rum, yellow Chartreuse, and Greek yogurt.
Ranked second on the list is Bar Leone, located in Hong Kong’s Central district and helmed by cocktail legend Lorenzo Antinori. Known for its deceptively simple drinks like Olive Oil Sour and various Negronis, Bar Leone is also the top-ranked bar in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, marking the first time a new entry has claimed that title. While Hong Kong also secured a spot with Coa at No. 18, its regional rival, Singapore, landed four places on the global list, reflecting the city’s strong showing.
Barcelona, which dominated the rankings in recent years, saw a slight decline this year. The modernist bar Sips, last year’s winner, is now ranked third, while the whimsical Paradiso, famous for its secret entrance behind a refrigerator door, slipped to No. 10. Barcelona’s reign may have ended, but its influence remains strong with these iconic bars still ranking highly.
New York’s vibrant bar scene secured four spots in the top 50. Double Chicken Please, known for its culinary-inspired cocktails, dropped to No. 14 after ranking second in 2023. Meanwhile, Superbueno in the East Village made a splash as the best new opening, placing No. 27.
The 2024 list also introduced several new entries from around the world. Lady Bee in Lima debuted at No. 16, while Paris gained two new spots with The Cambridge Public House at No. 19 and Bar Nouveau at No. 39. Tokyo, Milan, and Buenos Aires also saw new entries that reflect the growing global influence of innovative cocktail culture.
The World’s 50 Best Bars list, produced by the UK-based William Reed group, is a prestigious ranking compiled by over 700 drinks experts, including bartenders, writers, and consultants. This year’s awards ceremony took place in Madrid, with over 1,300 attendees celebrating the world’s best in cocktail excellence.
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