Discover the world's most exceptional cocktail bars that set the standard for mixology excellence, innovative drinks, and unforgettable experiences. From award-winning establishments to hidden gems, explore what makes these bars truly extraordinary and how their techniques inspire our London bar service.
The prestigious World's 50 Best Bars awards represent the pinnacle of global bar excellence, recognising establishments that combine exceptional cocktails with outstanding service, innovative concepts, and memorable experiences. These awards, decided by over 700 independent drinks experts, bartenders, and industry professionals, provide the definitive guide to the world's finest drinking destinations.
Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City claimed the coveted number one position, representing the first time a Mexican bar has topped the global list. Hidden behind a secret door in Colonia Juárez, this speakeasy combines old-school Hollywood glamour with cutting-edge cocktail innovation under bar director Eric van Beek's leadership.
Bar Leone, Hong Kong secured second place as a remarkable new entry, showcasing Italian-style elegance with Asian sophistication and earning recognition as the Best Bar in Asia.
Sips, Barcelona rounded out the top three, the previous year's champion known for imaginative drinks served in chic pastel pink and green interiors.
London maintained its position as a global cocktail capital with four bars making the prestigious list:
Tayēr + Elementary (4th place) continues to push creative boundaries in East London under Monica Berg and Alex Kratena's innovative leadership.
Connaught Bar (13th place) represents timeless elegance and classic cocktail mastery in Mayfair's luxury hotel scene.
Satan's Whiskers (29th place) brings neighbourhood authenticity to Bethnal Green with exceptional drinks in a relaxed setting.
Scarfes Bar (37th place) at Rosewood London combines luxury hotel service with creative cocktail excellence.
London's cocktail scene excels through:
Experimental Techniques The world's best bars pioneer new methods including molecular mixology, fermentation, distillation, and flavour extraction techniques that redefine cocktail possibilities.
Menu Concepts Leading establishments create cohesive menu narratives that tell stories, explore themes, or take guests on sensory journeys beyond simple drink service.
Ingredient Innovation Top bars source unique ingredients, create house-made spirits, develop proprietary syrups, and collaborate with local producers for exclusive flavour profiles.
Professional Standards The finest bars maintain impeccable service standards including timing, presentation, knowledge, and attention to detail that creates seamless guest experiences.
Personalisation Exceptional establishments remember guest preferences, adapt recommendations to individual tastes, and create personalised experiences that build lasting relationships.
Cultural Integration World-class bars reflect their local culture while welcoming international guests, creating authentic experiences that feel both familiar and exotic.
United States Leadership American bars continue dominating global lists with establishments in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco leading innovation in craft cocktails, with seven venues making the extended top 100 list.
Mexican Renaissance Mexico's cocktail scene has exploded internationally, with Mexico City bars like Handshake Speakeasy and Licorería Limantour showcasing agave spirits and indigenous ingredients.
Canadian Sophistication Toronto's Bar Pompette and other Canadian establishments demonstrate refined cocktail culture with emphasis on hospitality and technical excellence.
Singapore's Cocktail Hub Singapore maintains its position as Asia's cocktail capital with three bars in the global top rankings, combining international techniques with local flavour profiles.
Hong Kong's Elevation Hong Kong bars like Bar Leone demonstrate how Asian cities are creating world-class cocktail destinations that rival traditional Western centres.
Japanese Precision Japanese bars continue setting standards for technical precision, ingredient quality, and service excellence that inspire global cocktail culture.
London's Continued Dominance Despite Brexit challenges, London maintains its position as Europe's leading cocktail city with four bars in the global top 50.
Barcelona's Creative Scene Spanish bars like Sips showcase Mediterranean creativity and design excellence that creates Instagram-worthy experiences.
Nordic Innovation Scandinavian bars pioneer sustainability practices and local ingredient usage that influence global environmental consciousness.
Mixing Precision The world's finest bars achieve perfect balance through precise measurement, proper dilution, optimal temperature control, and consistent execution across all drinks.
Ingredient Quality Top establishments source premium spirits, fresh ingredients, house-made elements, and unique components that distinguish their cocktails from standard offerings.
Equipment Mastery Professional bars invest in quality equipment and maintain tools properly, ensuring consistent results and demonstrating commitment to craft excellence.
Atmosphere Creation Exceptional bars design complete experiences through lighting, music, décor, glassware, and service style that transports guests to different worlds.
Storytelling Through Drinks The finest establishments create narratives around their cocktails, connecting ingredients to places, histories, or emotions that make drinking memorable.
Interactive Elements Leading bars incorporate guest participation through table-side preparation, ingredient explanation, customisation options, or educational components.
Our mobile bar hire London service applies world-class standards to private events, bringing elements of global excellence to your celebration:
Technical Precision: Professional equipment and precise techniques ensuring consistent, high-quality results Premium Ingredients: Sourcing quality spirits and fresh components that match international standards Service Excellence: Training that reflects global hospitality best practices adapted for London events
Wedding bar hire London incorporates global excellence elements:
Corporate bar hire London applies business hospitality lessons from global winners:
Continuous Education World-class bars invest in ongoing staff training including spirit knowledge, technique development, service standards, and cultural awareness.
Career Progression The finest establishments create career paths that retain talent, develop expertise, and maintain service consistency that guests experience.
International Exchange Leading bars participate in global programs, staff exchanges, and collaborative projects that spread techniques and maintain innovation.
Environmental Consciousness Award-winning bars increasingly focus on sustainability through waste reduction, local sourcing, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Community Integration The best bars contribute to their local communities through employment, supplier relationships, cultural activities, and neighbourhood improvement.
Technology Integration Modern bars thoughtfully integrate technology for improved service, inventory management, and guest experience without compromising human connection.
Low-ABV Cocktails International bars increasingly offer sophisticated low-alcohol options that maintain flavour complexity while reducing alcohol content.
Local Ingredient Focus Global winners emphasise local sourcing, regional flavours, and community supplier relationships that create authentic, place-specific experiences.
Sustainability Practices Environmental consciousness drives innovation in waste reduction, energy usage, sustainable sourcing, and responsible business practices.
Personalisation Technology Advanced bars experiment with data collection and analysis to create increasingly personalised guest experiences and drink recommendations.
Health-Conscious Options Premium establishments develop sophisticated non-alcoholic programs and health-focused ingredients without compromising flavour or presentation.
Cultural Fusion International technique sharing creates innovative combinations that respect traditions while creating new flavour and experience possibilities.
The principles that make bars globally recognised translate directly to exceptional event service:
Attention to Detail: Every element, from ice quality to garnish placement, reflects professional standards Guest-Centric Service: Prioritising guest experience over operational convenience Continuous Innovation: Staying current with global trends while maintaining service reliability
Our professional bartender hire London team studies global techniques and standards, ensuring your event benefits from international excellence applied to local celebrations.
Training Standards: Regular updates on global techniques and service innovations Quality Benchmarks: Consistent execution that reflects international professional standards Cultural Awareness: Understanding diverse guest expectations and preferences
Private event bar hire London brings global inspiration to personal celebrations:
Transform any London location into a world-class cocktail destination:
New Global Centres Cities in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia increasingly contribute to global cocktail innovation, bringing unique perspectives and ingredients.
Technology Integration Artificial intelligence, sustainable practices, and advanced techniques continue reshaping how exceptional bars operate and serve guests.
Cultural Exchange Increased global collaboration spreads techniques, ingredients, and service philosophies that elevate standards worldwide.
Quality Consistency The challenge for global excellence lies in maintaining high standards across different markets, cultures, and operational conditions.
Innovation Balance Successful bars balance creative innovation with reliable execution, ensuring guests receive both excitement and satisfaction.
Accessibility Future excellence includes making high-quality cocktail experiences available to broader audiences without compromising standards.
The world's best cocktail bars set standards that inspire excellence across the industry. Whether you're planning intimate celebrations or large events, bringing these global standards to your London gathering ensures guests experience the same attention to detail, technical precision, and service excellence that defines international recognition.
Contact The Sesh Bars to discuss bringing world-class cocktail service to your London event. Our team combines global technique knowledge with local expertise, ensuring your celebration reflects the same standards that make bars internationally acclaimed.
Discover our complete event bar packages inspired by global excellence, or explore our comprehensive mobile bar hire London services that bring international standards to every celebration.
