This Is the World’s Finest Bar for 2024

Spirits had been excessive, and historical past was made, in Madrid at present. 1000’s of the world’s most illustrious mixologists and cocktail fanatics descended upon Spain’s capital as The World’s 50 Finest Bars checklist for 2024 was revealed throughout a riveting stay ceremony.

Now in its sixteenth yr, the celebrated annual rating honors excellence throughout the worldwide beverage business, with an Academy of 700 consultants — together with esteemed mixologists, bar house owners, and drinks writers — casting their nameless votes primarily based on the very best, and most constant, total experiences from the previous 18 months.

After going down in Singapore final yr, the extremely anticipated awards returned to Europe, the place that they had beforehand been held yearly. With Barcelona claiming the highest spot for the previous two years and the 2022 version hosted within the Catalan capital, Spain continues its reign as one of the crucial vital and influential nations within the world cocktail group, making Madrid a becoming selection for the awards.

“Madrid is iconic. Each bar right here tells a narrative, and gives a singular chapter within the metropolis’s narrative,” stated Tim Brooke-Webb, managing director at The World’s 50 Finest. “From the traditional tapas bars to the temples of mixology, Madrid actually is an ideal mix of custom and modernity.”

He added, “50 Finest Bars creates a implausible alternative to convey an unimaginable group of bar house owners, bartenders, the media, and drinks lovers collectively from world wide. This occasion additionally serves to showcase what an distinctive metropolis Madrid is — a fantastic place to eat, drink, and, after all, have a good time.” 4 days of cocktail-fueled festivities and collaborative bar takeovers culminated within the spectacular stay awards ceremony at Madrid Enviornment, hosted by Perrier.

So, which nice institution took high honors this yr? Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico Metropolis earned the coveted title of World’s Finest Bar, making historical past as the primary watering gap outdoors of New York Metropolis or Europe to be awarded the No. 1 spot. And just some months prior, the hip venue in Colonia Juárez additionally topped the checklist of North America’s finest bars.

“Successful is a dream come true. Nothing is inconceivable, should you focus and actually work at it,” stated co-founder Rodrigo Urraca in an interview with Journey + Leisure. “I’m tremendous completely satisfied and happy with your complete group. We actually are like a household, and we’re past thrilled to symbolize Mexico.” 

Although the dimly lit, two-story area might channel the Prohibition period in its decor, the cocktails are nothing however superior. Bar director Eric Van Beek and group use molecular mixology to craft excellent libations which can be way more complicated than meet the attention, with sudden layers of taste and a give attention to regional components.

For these visiting the Mexican speakeasy for the primary time, van Beek enthusiastically instructed “ordering the piña colada or fig martini.” Each crushable drinks ship splashes of sudden aromas and flavors, giving a contemporary twist to the traditional cocktails.

So, what’s subsequent for the Handshake crew? The group continues to innovate, setting their sights on opening a 3rd area at Handshake — adjoining to their ground-level flooring — later within the yr. Moreover, plans to develop outdoors of Mexico are on the horizon. “We’re excited to open a spot known as Shakerato (named after the favored iced Italian espresso drink) in Amsterdam someday round subsequent March,” shared van Beek.

One other outstanding achievement went to Hong Kong’s Bar Leone. The Italian-style newcomer that champions “cocktail popolari” (that means “cocktails for the folks”) clinched second place after being topped the very best bar in Asia for 2024 solely a yr after opening, a historic accomplishment because the first-ever venue to debut on the checklist as No.1.

As in recent times, New York Metropolis is well-represented on the checklist with the Decrease East Aspect’s Double Hen Please at No. 14, the Monetary District’s Overstory coming in at No. 15, Martiny’s in Gramercy taking twenty fourth place, and Superbueno touchdown at twenty seventh.

Each London and Singapore tied New York with a formidable 4 bars every on the checklist: Tayēr + Elementary (No. 4), Connaught Bar (No. 13), Devil’s Whiskers (No. 29), and Scarfes Bar (No. 37) for London; Jigger & Pony (No. 5), Nutmeg & Clove (No. 28), Atlas (No. 43), and Analogue Initiative (No. 47) for Singapore.

Within the host metropolis, funky native favourite Salmon Guru scored the twenty third spot, whereas Spain continued to symbolize with two bars within the high 10: Sips (No. 3), final yr’s winner, and Paradiso (No. 10), topped the highest bar in 2022. 

Extra accolades had been offered to a number of standout people and institutions for elevating the bar (pun meant) inside the worldwide cocktail scene.

Iain McPherson of Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons (No. 30) received Altos Bartenders’ Bartender — the one peer-voted award within the 50 Finest program — for being a “prolific Scottish cocktail innovator,” “a champion of hospitality,” and a “vastly revered determine within the bar universe.” And Melbourne’s cozy neighborhood bar, Caretaker’s Cottage (No. 21), earned the Michter’s Artwork of Hospitality Award for efficiently mixing the conviviality of your favourite pub with excellent drinks.

Cheers to all of the 2024 winners. See the total checklist right here.