World’s 50 Best Bars 2021: A Global Party for Pints and Spirits
On a chilly December night, the 13th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars lit up the streets of London with a buzz that was almost audible. For the first time since 2019, bartenders, mixologists, and happy‑hour enthusiasts from every corner of the globe gathered in one place, ready to sip, laugh, and toast to a world of exquisite cocktails.
Top 5 Spots
- Connaught Bar, London – The reigning British champ. A crown jewel of European bars, it still knows how to keep a British script dry while rolling the perfect ruby.
- Tayēr + Elementary, London – The bucket‑down trend‑setter that shows London’s bartending scene remains sharp and full of surprises.
- Paradiso, Barcelona – Rising from the 19th place in 2020 to the podium, this Spanish spark continues to pour pure hipster happiness.
- The Clumsies, Athens – One of those bars that still manages to up‑clock Greece’s cocktail culture while keeping it loose enough for Greeks to laugh at the mugging.
- Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires – Wrapping up the top five. The Argentine charm keeps its drinks utterly seductive, like a tango with a tequila twist.
Asia’s Come‑Atht with Drip
Asia hot‑wired the lineup with a record 16 slots. Singapore tops the list with six contemplative establishments—more than London or New York—shipping the city straight to the world’s cocktail capital clow. Hong Kong’s agave temple Coa secures the Asia #7 spot, sniffing out a meaningful way to call Hong Kong the “capital of the world’s cocktail culture.”
New Blood & Re‑entries
Forty‑eight new faces—yes, 18 fresh contenders—matriculated this year, proving the industry is still forcing ahead.”
- Hanky Panky in Mexico City (Spanish: #12) – a speakeasy that won “Highest New Entry.”
- Camparino in Galleria – The 106‑year‑old Milan venue that proved it’s never too late to win again.
- Sidecar in New Delhi – The first Indian bar on this unprecedented list since 2010, lifting the “tiger spirit” redefined from timid partial to Promis. Oh yes strong bar!
- Darkside (Rosewood Hong Kong) – A hotel bar with a sleek design and drinks that dance in bold, dark, delicious pang! The three in that is “Jane.”
- The Tippling Club – Comfort switch to re‑entry #43
- No Sleep Club, MO Bar, among others – A new current, universal muscular & top line.
Full 50‑Bar List
- Connaught Bar, London – Best Bar in Europe
- Tayēr + Elementary, London
- Paradiso, Barcelona
- The Clumsies, Athens
- Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires – Best Bar in South America
- Licorería Limantour, Mexico City – Best Bar in North America
- Coa, Hong Kong – Best Bar in Asia
- El Copitas, St. Petersburg
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore
- Katana Kitten, New York
- Two Schmucks, Barcelona
- Hanky Panky, Mexico City – New, Highest New Entry
- Insider Bar, Moscow – New, Best New Opening
- Baba Au Rhum, Athens
- Manhattan, Singapore
- Atlas, Singapore
- Zuma, Dubai – Best Bar in Middle East & Africa
- SG Club, Tokyo
- Drink Kong, Rome
- 1930, Milan
- Presidente, Buenos Aires – Highest Climber
- Maybe Sammy, Sydney – Best Bar in Australasia
- Cantina OK!, Sydney
- Salmon Guru, Madrid – Art of Hospitality Award
- Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
- No Sleep Club, Singapore – New
- Camparino in Galleria, Milan – New
- Café La Trova, Miami – New
- Little Red Door, Paris
- Dante, New York
- Kwānt, London
- Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
- Tres Monos, Buenos Aires – New
- Attaboy, New York – Legend of the List
- Lucy’s Flower Shop, Stockholm – New
- MO Bar, Singapore – New
- SIPS, Barcelona – New
- Baltra Bar, Mexico City – New
- Sober Company, Shanghai
- Tjoget, Stockholm
- EPIC, Shanghai – New</
- Charles H, Seoul
- Tippling Club, Singapore – Re-entry
- Above Board, Melbourne – New
- Galaxy Bar, Dubai – New
- RE, Sydney – New, Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
- Sidecar, New Delhi – New
- Union Trading Company, Shanghai – New
- Darkside, Hong Kong – New
- Quinary, Hong Kong – Re-entry
Grab your favorite cocktail spotlight, lean under a neon glow, and celebrate the unforgettable world of craft mixology. Cheers!
