The New Icons: The Top Bars in the World (2025 Edition)
- The VIVANT Team
- Oct 9
- 2 min read
The 2025 edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars was unveiled in Hong Kong, spotlighting the most distinguished cocktail bars worldwide. Below is a curated overview of standout winners, emerging names, and the forces shaping bar culture today.
What Is “The World’s 50 Best Bars”?
The list is compiled by the 50 Best Bars Academy, a panel of over 800 industry experts including bartenders, drinks writers, and consultants. Voting is confidential and independently audited to ensure the integrity of the rankings. In addition to the main ranking (places 1 to 50), an extended 51-100 list is also released in advance.
Top Ranked Bars in 2025
1. Bar Leone (Hong Kong)In a dramatic shift, Bar Leone ascended to the No. 1 spot in 2025, overtaking the previous titleholder. Founded in 2023 by Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone evokes the ambiance of vintage neighborhood bars in Rome, blending contemporary cocktail creativity with a classic feel.
2. Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City)Previously ranked No. 1 in 2024, Handshake Speakeasy placed second in 2025. This 32-seat bar is intimate by design and renowned for pushing boundaries in flavor combinations through experiments in texture and aroma.
3. Sips (Barcelona)Sips, a long-standing name in global rankings, secured third place in 2025 and was named Best Bar in Europe for the third time. Barcelona is further represented by Paradiso, which ranked fourth, reinforcing the city’s position as a European cocktail capital.
4. Tayēr + Elementary (London)A perennial favorite, Tayēr + Elementary continues to earn acclaim for its structured, modular approach to cocktail making and consistent delivery.
5. Jigger & Pony (Singapore)Jigger & Pony remains one of Asia’s strongest representatives in the Top 5, holding its place through thoughtful reinterpretations of local flavors and classic techniques.
Highlights from the Extended 51-100 List
The 51–100 list includes 16 new entries across 34 cities worldwide. The United States is represented by eight bars spanning Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Miami. Notable new entries include Schmuck (New York, No. 59), True Laurel (San Francisco, No. 64), Vender (Taichung, No. 74), and Bar Carmen (Medellín, No. 100).
Trends Defining the 2025 Bar Scene
Local Identity & Ingredients: Top bars increasingly focus on terroir—using regional spirits, botanicals, and herbs to reflect their origins.Intimate Formats: Smaller, reservation-based venues create immersive guest experiences and tighter consistency.Narrative & Storytelling: The best bars weave a sense of story into every drink, blending design, service, and concept.Sustainability & Ethics: Waste reduction, local sourcing, and energy efficiency have become essential measures of quality. Innovation & Variation: From aroma layering to low-ABV and alcohol-free cocktails, creativity and inclusivity define the new era.
The 2025 list ultimately captures a global movement toward smaller, story-driven, and sustainable hospitality. Whether it’s a candle-lit speakeasy in Mexico City or a glamorous hideaway in Hong Kong, this year’s winners remind us that the world’s best bars are not just places to drink—they’re places to experience, connect, and be inspired.