The annual list of the World’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was unveiled at a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain. In its 16th edition, the awards once again unite the global bar community by recognizing the bartenders, bar owners, and brands at the forefront of the international cocktail scene.

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 features venues from an astonishing 28 cities, with Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy crowned The Best Bar in North America and The World’s Best Bar sponsored by Perrier. This is the first time a bar from Mexico has claimed the No.1 spot in the list.

Tucked away in the Colonia Juárezneighbourhood of Mexico City, Handshake Speakeasy is one of the capital’s best-kept open secrets. Hidden behind a secret door in a dimly lit room stocked with an impressive array of vintage spirits, the bar’s interiors masterfully evoke the bygone age of the Hollywood speakeasy.

While the atmospheric black marble, rich brass detailing, and moody lighting of the interior are akin to stepping back a century, the innovative cocktail menu is rooted firmly in the future. Bar Director Eric van Beek effortlessly melds tradition and innovation, elevating the classics through cutting-edge techniques developed in the on-site lab, revolutionizing familiar recipes with unexpected flavors and a complex palate. Homemade tinctures and infusions add signature Art Deco flare alongside the use of considered rare and aged spirits.

“It is with immense pride that we announce Handshake Speakeasy as The World’s Best Bar 2024, sponsored by Perrier. To be the first-ever No.1 from Mexico is an outstanding achievement, of which Eric van Beek and his team are hugely deserving. The bar’s impressive rise through the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars over the years is a testament to its unique combination of flawless hospitality, innovative technique, and truly excellent cocktails. We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to each and every bar on this year’s list, which once again highlights the incredible diversity of the global bar sector. We hope that this year’s list continues to operate as a beacon for cocktail lovers the World over,” said Emma Sleight, Head of Content for The World’s 50 Best Bars.

The Region of Madrid and Madrid City Council also remarks, “Huge congratulations to the teams whose bars have been named on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list. It has been a great honour to host so many talented bar owners and bartenders from all around the World, here in Madrid. Madrid has established itself as a key gastronomic and drinks destination worldwide, thanks to the diverse talent of internationally renowned chefs and bartenders who have chosen the city as the location for their restaurants and bars. The recognition of hosting The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 reinforces Madrid’sappeal for those looking for high quality cocktail experiences.”

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

London retains its crown as the cocktail capital of Europe with four bars out of 19 for the continent, including No.4 Tayēr + Elementary with co-founder Monica Berg also being named the Roku Industry Icon. At No.13 is Connaught Bar joined by Satan’s Whiskers at No.29 and Scarfes Bar at No.37. Elsewhere in the UK, Panda & Sons in Edinburgh rises nine places to No.30 as founder Iain McPherson is awarded the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

The Best Bar in Europe title once again goes to Barcelona’s Sips at No.3, with Paradiso (Barcelona) at No.10 and host city Madrid’sSalmonGuru at No.23.In Italy, Rome’sDrink Kong (No.33) and Florence’s Locale Firenze (No.36) are joined by new entry Moebius Milano (No.38) and 1930 (No.50), both in Milan.

Rising an astonishing 19 places and winner of this year’s Nikka Highest Climber Award is Paris’ The Cambridge Public House at No.19, joined by two new entries for the city: Bar Nouveau at No.39 and Danicoat No.49. Line and Baba au Rum in Athens have both improved on their positions in 2023, at No.6 and No.17, respectively, while Oslo’s Himkok is at No.11 and wins this year’s Bareksten Best Bar Design Award. In Stockholm, Röda Huset is No.45.

New York leads the Americas with four bars, but Mexico City takes the top spot.

With four bars, New York City continues its dominance in North America, with Double Chicken Please (No.14) and Overstory (No.15) joined by new entries Martiny’s (No.24) and Superbueno(No.27), this year’s recipient of the London Essence Best New Opening Award. New Orleans’ Jewel of the South is No.34. 

Rising two places to take the title of The World’s Best Bar and The Best Bar in North America is Handshake Speakeasy at No.1, cementing Mexico City’s place as one of the World’s greatest cocktail capitals. It is joined by new entry Tlecān at No.20 and Licorería Limantour at No.32, as well as Guadalajara’s El Gallo Altanero, a new entry at No.48.

Tres Monos in Buenos Aires becomes the new The Best Bar in South America at No.7, joined by fellow Porteños CoChinChina(No.22) and Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award winner Florería Atlántico (No.46). Colombia’s Alquímico in Cartagena continues its rise to the top at No.8, with new entry for Bogotá, La Sala de Laura joining at No.44. Last year’s Campari One To Watch Award winner, Lima’s Lady Bee, joins the list at an impressive No.16 while Sao Paolo’s Tan Tan is another new entry at No.31.

Singapore’s bars take the lead in Asia

With four bars on the list, Singapore leads in Asia, with stalwart bars Jigger & Pony at No.5 and Atlas at No.43 joined by new entries Nutmeg & Clove (No.28) and Analogue Initiative (No.47). In Hong Kong, new entry Bar Leone has stormed into the list at No.2, taking the title of The Best Bar in Asia as well as Disaronno Highest New Entry with neighbor Coa at No.18.

Bangkok and Tokyo also claim two bars a piece, with Bangkok’s BKK Social Club rising to No.12 alongside new entry Bar Us at No.41 while Tokyo’s Bar Benfiddich (No.25) is joined by newcomerVirtú (No.42). In Seoul, Zest is at No.9 and wins this year’s Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award.

Bars in Melbourne take the crown in Australia, while the UAE remainsconsistent

For the first time in five years, there is a new The Best Barin Australasia, with Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage rising two places to No.21 and taking home the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award. It is joined by Sydney’s Maybe Sammy at No.26 and new entry Byrdi, also in Melbourne, at No.35. Dubai’s Mimi Kakushi holds its position at No.40 and is named The Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa.