The World’s Best Bar 2024: Handshake Speakeasy Leads

The World’s Best Bar 2024: Handshake Speakeasy Leads

The global bar industry was shaken up once again with the reveal of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, and for the first time in history, Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy has taken the No.1 spot, marking a milestone as the first Mexican bar to ever claim the top honor. Sponsored by Perrier, this prestigious event highlighted bars from 28 cities, including new entries from global hotspots such as Bangkok, Paris, and Tokyo.

A New Champion from Mexico City

Hidden in the Colonia Juárez neighborhood, Handshake Speakeasy is a homage to classic speakeasy bars with a modern twist. The bar’s iconic black marble interiors and rich brass details, paired with an innovative cocktail menu, offer a journey through the past with a vision for the future. Under the direction of Eric van Beek, the team has perfected traditional cocktails using cutting-edge techniques and homemade infusions that elevate the cocktail experience.

Monica Berg and Alex Kratena’s Influence in Tayēr + Elementary

London’s Tayēr + Elementary, ranked No.4, continues to make a significant impact in the cocktail world, co-founded by Monica Berg, who was awarded the prestigious Roku Industry Icon Award for her contributions. Alongside her co-founder Alex Kratena, Berg has also played a key role in developing an innovative modular bar system. This versatile design allows bartenders to customize their workstations to suit individual needs, pushing boundaries in both bar design and cocktail creation.

Asian Bars Making Their Mark

Singapore shines this year with Jigger & Pony taking the No.5 spot, followed by Nutmeg & Clove at No.28, alongside Atlas at No.43 and Analogue Initiative at No.47. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone makes an impressive debut at No.2, not only earning the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award but also securing the No.1 spot on the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. Meanwhile, Coa from Hong Kong continues its strong presence, ranking at No.18.

Bangkok celebrates two entries this year with BKK Social Club rising to No.12 and Bar Us entering the list at No.41. In Tokyo, Bar Benfiddich ranks at No.25, while newcomer Virtù makes its entry at No.42. Seoul’s Zest not only takes the No.9 position but also wins the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award for its innovative zero-waste philosophy.

Notable New Entries and Rising Stars

Beyond Asia, other significant entries include Paris' Cambridge Public House, which soared 19 places to secure the Nikka Highest Climber Award at No.19. In New York, Superbueno is named the London Essence Best New Opening at No.27, offering a vibrant mix of Mexican-American influences. Meanwhile, Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires retains its legendary status, earning the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award.

Looking Forward

As the cocktail industry continues to evolve, The World’s 50 Best Bars serves as a guide for cocktail enthusiasts seeking the most innovative and influential bars across the globe. Whether it's through sustainable practices, boundary-pushing designs, or next-level cocktails, these bars are setting the stage for the future of mixology.

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 – Full Award List

  1. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City – The World’s Best Bar & The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Perrier
  2. Bar Leone, Hong Kong – Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Tia Maria
  3. Sips, Barcelona – The Best Bar in Europe, sponsored by Torres Brandy
  4. Tayēr + Elementary, London
  5. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
  6. Line, Athens
  7. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires – The Best Bar in South America, sponsored by Scrappy’s Bitters
  8. Alquímico, Cartagena
  9. Zest, Seoul – Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
  10. Paradiso, Barcelona
  11. Himkok, Oslo – Bareksten Best Bar Design Award
  12. BKK Social Club, Bangkok
  13. Connaught Bar, London
  14. Double Chicken Please, New York
  15. Overstory, New York
  16. Lady Bee, Lima – New Entry
  17. Baba au Rum, Athens
  18. Coa, Hong Kong
  19. The Cambridge Public House, Paris – Nikka Highest Climber Award
  20. Tlecān, Mexico City – New Entry
  21. Caretaker's Cottage, Melbourne – Michter's Art of Hospitality Award, The Best Bar in Australasia, sponsored by Amaro Lucano
  22. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
  23. Salmon Guru, Madrid
  24. Martiny’s, New York – New Entry
  25. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
  26. Maybe Sammy, Sydney
  27. Superbueno, New York – London Essence Best New Opening Award
  28. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore – New Entry
  29. Satan's Whiskers, London
  30. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
  31. Tan Tan, São Paulo – New Entry
  32. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
  33. Drink Kong, Rome
  34. Jewel of the South, New Orleans
  35. Byrdi, Melbourne – New Entry
  36. Locale Firenze, Florence
  37. Scarfes Bar, London
  38. Moebius Milano, Milan – New Entry
  39. Bar Nouveau, Paris – New Entry
  40. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai – The Best Bar in the Middle East & Africa, sponsored by Naked Malt
  41. Bar Us, Bangkok – New Entry
  42. Virtù, Tokyo – New Entry
  43. Atlas, Singapore
  44. La Sala de Laura, Bogotá – New Entry
  45. Röda Huset, Stockholm
  46. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires – Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award
  47. Analogue Initiative, Singapore
  48. El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara – New Entry
  49. Danico, Paris – New Entry
  50. 1930, Milan

Credit: Press Releases - The World’s 50 Best Bars

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