The global bar community came together again for the annual reveal of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022, sponsored by Perrier, on 4th October in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Held for the first time outside of London, the celebration saw familiar faces and new entries unite from renowned cocktail destinations alongside up-and-coming locations. If you’re looking to plan the ultimate holiday with great drinks at its core, here are the key cities to check out and check in to
Barcelona
Host city for the ceremony and also home to The World’s Best Bar, sponsored by Perrier, is the Catalan capital, where Paradiso claimed the crown, taking the No.1 spot to a destination outside New York or London for the first time. The venue opened in 2016, picked up the One To Watch Award in 2017 and has continued its ascent up the list ever since. But the city is more than just a one-trick pony. Beyond the experimental and extravagant No.1 lie two other venues within the top 10: Sips (No.3) and Two Schmucks (No.7). Sips is also the recipient of the Nikka Highest Climber Award this year, as the bar which has improved by the greatest number of positions on the list since 2021.
Climbing two places from its previous ranking, owner of Paradiso, Giacomo Giannotti, celebrated with his team as his bar was named The World's Best Bar, sponsored by Perrier
With its identity as a cocktail lovers’ paradise now firmly established, it plays alongside the city’s long history of gastronomy – where it is also host to one of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Disfrutar (No.3) – you won’t be short of good food and drink in the city, especially if you follow the recommendations of some of its best chefs.
For somewhere to stay, Casa Bonay and The Hoxton Poblenou offer the luxury amenities with the charm of a botique hotel experience, just a stone's throw from the city centre. You won't struggle to find good food and drink and either hotel either, with Casa Bonay's Libertine Bar and Tope at The Hoxton utilising top shelf ingredients distributed across the city by Escolà. Between food, drink and accomodation, Barcelona's reputation as a hub for hospitality is well earned.
New York City
Defending its position as global cocktail leader is America’s most populous city, which has the greatest number of bars named in the ranking of anywhere in the world. It holds six establishments – two within the top 10 – making it clear that New York’s esteemed cocktail scene continues to inspire bars and bartenders from Manhattan to Mumbai.
Double Chicken Please was awarded the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award after debuting at No.6
Sitting at the top is Double Chicken Please (No.6), whose blend of gastronomy and mixology catapulted itself into the limelight, earning the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award. Other bars, such as Masa Urushido’s ever-lovable Katana Kitten (No.9) and the picture-perfect Overstory (No.34) each provide their own unique identity and experience to the Big Apple’s diverse cocktail scene. Whether you’re drinking the liquid interpretation of Cold Pizza at DCP or sipping the night away with a Toki Highball Machine at Katana Kitten, you’re guaranteed to be spoilt for choice.
London
With five bars in the 50 Best list within its metropolitan borders, London retains its title as Europe’s cocktail capital. Drinking institutions in the west of the city such as Connaught Bar (No.8) – where this year’s Roku Industry Icon Agostino Perrone plies his trade – and Swift (No.30) offer guests a taste of classic luxury, while east London has surged up the list with a batch of contemporary bars.
A Bar with Shapes for a Name, run by previous Roku Industry Icon Award winner Remy Savage, was one of the east London bars to break into the top 50
Tayēr + Elementary held its position at No.2, while other outstanding new entries such as Bauhaus-inspired A Bar with Shapes for a Name and Satan’s Whiskers broke into the list for the first time. With historic dependable bars serving in conjunction with fantastically trendy watering holes, there’s a drink to serve your every mood in London.
Mexico City
Having steadily earned itself a reputation for great cocktail creations, Mexico City has improved year on year. A visit to the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award winner Licorería Limantour (No.4) is a must for any trip to the city, having featured on every edition the 50 Best for the last nine years.
Winners of the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award, Licorería Limantour, have been staples of the World's 50 Best ranking since its creation
Other bars, such as Hanky Panky (No.13), winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, and Handshake Speakeasy (No.11) are bastions of hospitality, offering guests a taste of the finest cocktails with the comfort of feeling like they’re at home. With its four bars listed in the 50 Best list, it’s clear that the spirit and tradition of Mexican hospitality – where every guest is treated like a VIP – is not one to be missed.
Dubai
Dubai is honing an international identity for its provision of bespoke luxury, accessibility from across the globe and explosion of awesome hotels. This, too, applies to its bars. Get transported to a modern Japanese izakaya at Zuma (No.38), where playful takes on classics have made a name for themselves in The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa.
One of the many jewels in Dubai's crown, Zuma was named The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa 2022, sponsored by Paragon Cordials
At Galaxy Bar (No.45), the stars align into an otherworldly experience of theatre, with great cocktails to match. Within the sparkling Bulgari Bar (No.50), helmed by moustachioed maestro Dario Schiavoni, enjoy panoramic views over the Dubai skyline, sipping horticulturally inspired creations under its one-of-a-kind chandelier shaped to mirror the Bulgari logo. With an unwavering passion for hospitality and luxury, Dubai has become a hub of some of the world’s best mixologists and is not to be overlooked.
Catch up on The World's 50 Best Bars 2022 awards ceremony:
The list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022, sponsored by Perrier, was announced on Tuesday, 4th October at a live awards ceremony in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. To stay up to date with all news and announcements, browse the website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
