A Toast to the World’s Best Bars: A Journey Through Design, Culture, and Cocktails

London is the cocktail capital of Europe, but Barcelona leads the top 10

In the ever-evolving world of cocktails, where innovation dances with tradition, the 50 Best Bars list offers a tantalizing glimpse into the finest watering holes around the globe. This year’s awards highlight not only cutting-edge mixology but also the creative fusion of design, sustainability, and community involvement. However, as we raise our glasses to these exceptional establishments, it’s worth casting a critical eye on the ever-growing spectacle surrounding “best of” lists—are we celebrating the art of hospitality or commercializing it beyond recognition?

Handshake Speakeasy: Mexico’s First Bar to Claim the Top Spot

Tucked away in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez, Handshake Speakeasy has achieved what no Mexican bar has before—it has been crowned the World’s Best Bar 2024, marking a historic moment for the country’s cocktail scene. From the outside, you’d never guess what’s hidden behind its unassuming facade. Inside, however, you are met with an intimate, vintage atmosphere that transports you straight into the golden age of Hollywood speakeasies. But it’s not all nostalgia here—Handshake Speakeasy’s Bar Director, Eric van Beek, has transformed the cocktail experience through cutting-edge techniques and rare, aged spirits, crafting drinks that are rooted in classic cocktail traditions but elevated for the future. The use of homemade tinctures and surprising flavor combinations results in a cocktail menu that is both innovative and timeless, earning them the No.1 spot and recognition as North America’s best bar.

The World’s 50 Best Bars Awards: Celebrating More than Cocktails

The World’s 50 Best Bars awards go beyond just ranking places to get a good drink—they honor innovation, sustainability, and community impact. With bars from 28 cities on the 2024 list and 16 new entries, these awards highlight not just the artistry of mixology but the evolving role of bars as cultural and social hubs.

Special awards like Roku Industry Icon, which went to Monica Berg, celebrate the individuals pushing boundaries in the industry. Himkok in Oslo won the Bareksten Best Bar Design Award for its focus on functionality, sustainability, and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Zest in Seoul took home the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award for its zero-waste approach and innovative use of local ingredients. Newcomers like Bar Leone in Hong Kong, awarded the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, and Superbueno in New York, recognized as Best New Opening, reflect the dynamism and constant evolution of the global bar scene.

However, while the awards undeniably drive innovation and elevate the cocktail world to new heights, they also highlight the growing tension between authenticity and commercialization. Some bars risk becoming more about securing a spot on the prestigious list than about providing genuine, hospitable experiences. As the industry grows more competitive, the question remains: Are we creating bars for people, or are we designing experiences solely for Instagram and award ceremonies? While the awards continue to be a beacon for cocktail lovers worldwide, they also serve as a reminder to preserve the essence of hospitality amidst the glitter and spectacle.

Himkok: A Design Masterpiece, but What About the Drinks?
Taking home the Bareksten Best Bar Design Award, Himkok in Oslo is a marvel of Scandinavian minimalism. Opened in 2015, it embraces functionality and cultural heritage, turning each visit into a pilgrimage for cocktail lovers. The building itself is an architectural gem, and the multi-storey layout feels more like a curated museum than a bar.

But amid all the talk of design, one might wonder: how much does aesthetics really matter when your goal is to enjoy a cocktail? True, the immersive experience is unforgettable, but some patrons whisper that the atmosphere occasionally overshadows the drinks themselves. Still, their house-distilled aquavit and foraged Norwegian ingredients are a strong draw, making Himkok a cocktail mecca for those who appreciate both craftsmanship and ambiance.

Lyaness: A Stripped-Back Approach to Excellence
London’s Lyaness, which snagged the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award, embraces a unique philosophy with its 3.0 Cookbook menu. This bar turns the typical cocktail experience on its head, offering 18 bespoke ingredients that challenge even the most adventurous palate. Each drink tells a story, reflecting global flavors and philosophies.

However, while the concept is undeniably creative, the complexity of some concoctions may leave traditionalists yearning for a straightforward martini. Lyaness is a place where flavor experimentation reigns supreme, but sometimes, the ‘multi-layered’ experience can feel more like a puzzle than a pleasure.

The Rise of Bar Leone: Simplicity with a Dash of Revolution
Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, awarded the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, made waves for its “cocktail popolari” philosophy—cocktails for the people. Founder Lorenzo Antinori has taken the humble highball and elevated it to cult status, delivering speed, consistency, and simplicity in a city known for its opulence.

Bar Leone’s refreshing approach is a lesson in how stripped-back doesn’t mean boring. However, its meteoric rise invites the question: in a world obsessed with pushing boundaries, can a focus on the basics keep it on top? The challenge for Bar Leone will be maintaining its philosophy while adapting to a market that often craves novelty.

Superbueno: Mexican-American Vibes with New York Grit
Superbueno, the London Essence Best New Opening in New York, is a love letter to Mexican-American culture. With bold, spicy flavors and vibrant decor, it’s a late-night haven for those seeking a bit of fiesta in the city that never sleeps.

While its tequila-forward cocktails are unapologetically fun, there’s a risk that Superbueno might fall into the trap of style over substance. The fusion of cultural elements is certainly on-trend, but when the lines between bar and Instagram backdrop blur, one wonders if the experience is as authentic as it claims to be.

The Cambridge Public House: A Pub for the Planet
Paris’ The Cambridge Public House shot up 19 places to No. 19, winning the Nikka Highest Climber Award. This bar brings the comforting warmth of a British pub to the stylish streets of Paris, blending sustainability with a community-focused ethos. Their B-Corp certification isn’t just for show; it’s a statement of intent.

It’s admirable to see a bar that doesn’t just talk about sustainability but lives it. However, one has to question whether such efforts can remain profitable in an industry that often prioritizes aesthetics and novelty over ethics. The Cambridge Public House stands as a beacon of change, but in a world where “greenwashing” is a real threat, they must continue to balance idealism with commercial reality.

Florería Atlántico: A Legend, but Does It Risk Becoming a Museum?
Named the Rémy Martin Legend of the List, Buenos Aires’ Florería Atlántico has consistently topped the charts, a proud ambassador of Argentinian culture and produce. Its drinks tell stories of the country’s history, using native ingredients in bold and imaginative ways.

Yet, with such consistent success, there’s always the risk that Florería Atlántico could become a victim of its own prestige. Will it continue to innovate, or will it rest on its laurels, content to be an icon of the past? This is a challenge all legendary bars must face—how to keep the magic alive when you’ve already become a legend.

As we celebrate these exceptional bars, it’s important to acknowledge the shifting dynamics of the industry.

While these awards shine a spotlight on creativity, there’s a growing tension between artistry and commerce. Bars are no longer just places to drink—they are curated experiences, design marvels, and Instagram cathedrals. This heightened focus on aesthetics and innovation can sometimes detract from what makes a bar truly great: its ability to make people feel welcome, comforted, and at ease.

The world’s best bars may be pushing the boundaries of flavor and design, but let’s not forget the core of what makes a bar special: the connection between the bartender and the guest, the story behind the drink, and the community that flourishes within those walls. As we sip on avant-garde cocktails in cutting-edge spaces, we must remember that the heart of hospitality should never be overshadowed by the spectacle surrounding it.

So, here’s to the best bars in the world—may they continue to innovate, but never lose sight of the soul that makes them truly exceptional.

• Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City, ranks No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, the first bar
from Mexico to take the top spot
• The 2024 list features bars from 28 cities with 16 new entries spread across Bangkok,
Bogotá, Guadalajara, Hong Kong, Lima, Melbourne, Mexico City, Milan, New York, Paris, São
Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo
• Monica Berg of London’s Tayēr + Elementary has been awarded the Roku Industry Icon
Award
• Singapore’s Cat Bite Club receives the Campari One To Watch Award
• The Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award is bestowed upon Zest, Seoul
• Hong Kong’s Bar Leone takes the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, entering the list for
the first time at No.2
• The Cambridge Public House in Paris secures the Nikka Highest Climber Award, having
moved up 19 places to No.19
• Buenos Aires’ Florería Atlántico claims the title of Rémy Martin Legend of the List
• Superbueno, in New York, is named London Essence Best New Opening
• Calliope Draper of Partake, Edmonton is the recipient of the 50 Best Bars Roku Scholarship
• Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award is awarded to Lyaness in London
• The winner of the Bareksten Best Bar Design Award is Himkok in Oslo.