Spirits were high, and history was made, in Madrid today. Thousands of the world’s most illustrious mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts descended upon Spain’s capital as The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024 was revealed during a riveting live ceremony.
Now in its 16th year, the prestigious annual ranking honors excellence across the international beverage industry, with an Academy of 700 experts — including esteemed mixologists, bar owners, and drinks writers — casting their anonymous votes based on the best, and most consistent, overall experiences from the past 18 months.
After taking place in Singapore last year, the highly anticipated awards returned to Europe, where they had previously been held annually. With Barcelona claiming the top spot for the past two years and the 2022 edition hosted in the Catalan capital, Spain continues its reign as one of the most significant and influential nations in the global cocktail community, making Madrid a fitting choice for the awards.
“Madrid is iconic. Every bar here tells a story, and offers a unique chapter in the city’s narrative,” said Tim Brooke-Webb, managing director at The World’s 50 Best. “From the classic tapas bars to the temples of mixology, Madrid really is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.”
He added, “50 Best Bars creates a fantastic opportunity to bring an incredible community of bar owners, bartenders, the media, and drinks lovers together from around the world. This event also serves to showcase what an exceptional city Madrid is — a great place to eat, drink, and, of course, celebrate.” Four days of cocktail-fueled festivities and collaborative bar takeovers culminated in the spectacular live awards ceremony at Madrid Arena, hosted by Perrier.
Courtesy of 50 Best
So, which fine establishment took top honors this year? Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City earned the coveted title of World’s Best Bar, making history as the first watering hole outside of New York City or Europe to be awarded the No. 1 spot. And just a few months prior, the hip venue in Colonia Juárez also topped the list of North America’s best bars.
“Winning is a dream come true. Nothing is impossible, if you focus and really work at it,” said co-founder Rodrigo Urraca in an interview with Travel + Leisure. “I’m super happy and proud of the entire team. We really are like a family, and we are beyond thrilled to represent Mexico.”
Though the dimly lit, two-story space may channel the Prohibition era in its decor, the cocktails are nothing but advanced. Bar director Eric Van Beek and team use molecular mixology to craft outstanding libations that are far more complex than meet the eye, with unexpected layers of flavor and a focus on regional ingredients.
For those visiting the Mexican speakeasy for the first time, van Beek enthusiastically suggested “ordering the piña colada or fig martini.” Both crushable drinks deliver splashes of unexpected aromas and flavors, giving a fresh twist to the classic cocktails.
So, what’s next for the Handshake crew? The team continues to innovate, setting their sights on opening a third space at Handshake — adjacent to their ground-level floor — later in the year. Additionally, plans to expand outside of Mexico are on the horizon. “We are excited to open a spot called Shakerato (named after the popular iced Italian espresso drink) in Amsterdam sometime around next March,” shared van Beek.
Courtesy of Handshake Speakeasy
Another remarkable achievement went to Hong Kong’s Bar Leone. The Italian-style newcomer that champions “cocktail popolari” (meaning “cocktails for the people”) clinched second place after being crowned the best bar in Asia for 2024 only a year after opening, a historic accomplishment as the first-ever venue to debut on the list as No.1.
As in recent years, New York City is well-represented on the list with the Lower East Side’s Double Chicken Please at No. 14, the Financial District’s Overstory coming in at No. 15, Martiny’s in Gramercy taking 24th place, and Superbueno landing at 27th.
Both London and Singapore tied New York with an impressive four bars each on the list: Tayēr + Elementary (No. 4), Connaught Bar (No. 13), Satan’s Whiskers (No. 29), and Scarfes Bar (No. 37) for London; Jigger & Pony (No. 5), Nutmeg & Clove (No. 28), Atlas (No. 43), and Analogue Initiative (No. 47) for Singapore.
In the host city, funky local favorite Salmon Guru scored the 23rd spot, while Spain continued to represent with two bars in the top 10: Sips (No. 3), last year’s winner, and Paradiso (No. 10), crowned the top bar in 2022.
Additional accolades were presented to several standout individuals and establishments for raising the bar (pun intended) within the international cocktail scene.
Iain McPherson of Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons (No. 30) won Altos Bartenders’ Bartender — the only peer-voted award in the 50 Best program — for being a “prolific Scottish cocktail innovator,” “a champion of hospitality,” and a “hugely respected figure in the bar universe.” And Melbourne’s cozy neighborhood bar, Caretaker’s Cottage (No. 21), earned the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award for successfully blending the conviviality of your favorite pub with outstanding drinks.
Cheers to all the 2024 winners. See the full list here.
