New York Rules the World (Again): Four Bars in the Global Top 50
By Dany Q (IG @danielquintero)
It’s past midnight in Hong Kong, and we can’t stop celebrating the fine cocktail scene. On its 17th edition, the World’s 50 Best Bars ceremony just finished at the other end of the planet, and while New York wakes up to a rainy day, the bar community cheers to Bar Leone, the newly crowned Best Bar in the World.
The top bars of the world together in Hong Kong | Photo 50 Best
The ceremony was held at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, a striking venue overlooking Victoria Harbour that perfectly captured Hong Kong’s style.
New York City reaffirms its status as North America’s cocktail powerhouse, with four bars making this year’s list: Superbueno (rising 15 places to No. 12) is joined by newcomer Sip & Guzzle (No. 39), named this year’s Three Cents Best New Opening, alongside Double Chicken Please (No. 41) and Overstory (No. 46). Down south, Jewel of the South in New Orleans holds its ground at No. 44.
Superbueno: vodka, guava, paisilla and soda
South America continues to make noise, led by Buenos Aires’ Tres Monos (No. 10) once again crowned The Best Bar in South America, followed by CoChinChina (No. 26). In Lima, Lady Bee rises to No. 13, winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award for redefining service with a bold, feminine energy—while newcomer Sastrería Martínez debuts at No. 33, bringing a Peruvian touch to the global cocktail conversation.
Among the special recognitions, Simone Caporale, co-founder of Sips in Barcelona, received the Roku Industry Icon Award, celebrating his influence on modern hospitality and his commitment to creativity across continents.
Across the Atlantic, London remains an unshakable pillar of cocktail excellence, matching New York with four entries in the ranking. Tayēr + Elementary leads the charge at No. 5, followed by Connaught Bar (No. 9), A Bar with Shapes for a Name (No. 16), and Soma (No. 47). Together, they embody the city’s unmatched creativity and technical precision — a blend of tradition and daring that keeps London at the heart of modern mixology.
In Europe, the most significant leap came from Moebius Milano, which climbed an impressive 31 places to No. 7, earning the Nikka Highest Climber Award. The continent continues to push boundaries, from Sips and Paradiso in Barcelona to the Nordic scene, where Himkok in Oslo (No. 14), Svanen (No. 32), and Stockholm’s Röda Huset (No. 35) continue to define Scandinavian precision and artistry in every pour.
Yet, one noticeable shift this year was the absence of Germany. This country in past editions consistently placed among Europe’s top contenders but failed to make the list in 2025, a quiet reminder of how dynamic and competitive the global bar landscape has become.
As the bar world continues to expand and evolve, perhaps it’s time —just like in the restaurant ranking— for a “Best of the Best” hall of fame. It would open room for new voices and fresh concepts, while giving long-celebrated institutions their well-earned place in history. After all, even in a scene built on reinvention, no one likes to see the same glass refilled too many times.
After all, the city that never sleeps keeps mixing it up, and as we pass midnight, we keep raising glasses, expectations, and the global standard for what a great cocktail should be.
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