Last month the World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024 was revealed, showcasing a global selection of bars and cocktail lounges that exemplify creativity, craftsmanship and innovation in spirits. This year Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City takes the No. 1 spot, the first time a Mexican bar has topped the ranking.
Tayēr + Elementary © 50 Best
Hidden behind a secret door and inspired by 1920s Hollywood, Handshake Speakeasy offers a dim, intimate setting stocked with rare and vintage spirits. Its menu blends timeless classics and inventive twists, from a Hanky Panky made with century-old amaro to an umami-rich Old-Fashioned finished with brown-butter mushrooms.
The 2024 list spans 28 cities and introduces 16 new entries from destinations such as Tokyo, Bangkok, Melbourne, Milan, Paris and New York City. New York leads the Americas with four bars in the top 50: Double Chicken Please and Overstory returned, while Martiny’s and Superbueno are fresh additions. Double Chicken Please, ranked No. 14, operates as two complementary venues — The Coop and Free Range — each offering distinct atmospheres and drinks.
Sips © 50 Best
London remains Europe’s cocktail capital, placing four bars among the top 20. Tayēr + Elementary earned No. 4 for its boutique approach to cocktails, where inventive recipes and modern techniques are balanced with traditional practices. Other highly ranked London establishments include the Connaught Bar, Satan’s Whiskers and Scarfes Bar.
Still, the highest-ranked bar in Europe is in Barcelona. Sips is notable for its island-style bar layout and theatrically presented drinks, such as the Primordial — whisky, port and pear served in two metal hands designed to be cradled while sipping — and the Krypta, a brandy, gin, kiwi and lime cocktail delivered inside an “olfactive chamber.”
Bar Leone © 50 Best
In Asia, Singapore’s Jigger & Pony ranks No. 5, recognized for expertly prepared classics and house specialties. Its espresso martini uses the bar’s own coffee blend with coffee flower honey and a cacao tuile garnish. Signature pours like the Singapore Sling and Singa Sling remain popular choices.
Highlights from the top 10 in 2024:
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City, Mexico
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong
- Sips, Barcelona, Spain
- Tayēr + Elementary, London, England
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- Line, Athens, Greece
- Tres Monos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Alquímico, Cartagena, Colombia
- Zest, Seoul, South Korea
- Paradiso, Barcelona, Spain
The full World’s 50 Best Bars list presents a diverse map of modern cocktail culture, celebrating inventive bartending, memorable experiences and the unique personalities of venues across the globe.