For cocktail connoisseurs, Drinks International’s annual World’s 50 Best Bars Awards runs like a dream itinerary, with last year’s winners spanning across 27 cities in 19 countries. The chosen few are voted in by 412 industry insiders, through a worldwide survey run by Drinks International magazine. Get out your pen and paper, below are top 10 venues pioneering cocktail culture!
10. Black Pearl, Melbourne
The Black Pearl is known for its epic cocktails, attentive staff, smooth ambiance and prime location on Melbourne’s Fitzroy Street. In short, this venue is doing Melbourne proud.
9. Connaught Bar, London
The Connaught Bar in London is ‘inspired by English Cubist and 1920s Irish art’ translation: glitzy, throwback style that is ultra-chic (think James Bond cool). With impressive cocktails incorporating hints of lavender, coriander, cardamom and other exotic spices this bar is what you’d expect to find on the streets of Mayfair.
8. Happiness Forgets, London
You can’t get lost on your way to Happiness; seriously, it’s written on the stairs. Just follow the flight of unassuming stairs to the dark broody basement bar below where you’ll be sure to find a great cocktail with the benefit of no wallies.
7. 28 Hongkong Street, Singapore
28 Hongkong Street baits your curiosity from the start, with its blank website deceptively hidden entrance and padlocked unmarked door. This dimly lit bar screams speakeasy and offers 100 years of cocktails choices.
6. The Baxter Inn, Sydney
Australia’s highest ranking bar on the list The Baxter Inn can be located on a nonchalant alleyway and down a dodgy flight of stairs. Here you’ll usually be greeted by a queue to get in but once in you’ll have access to one of the best whiskey bars in Sydney in a space reminiscent of an old American saloon.
5. American Bar, London
The American Bar is located in the Stafford Hotel, and is one of the most iconic cocktail bars in the world. Feel sophisticated as you pick a cocktail based off of a story steeped in London culture and tradition.
4. Employees Only, New York City
The atmosphere and drinks at this speakeasy waterhole brings locals and tourists alike to its West Village location. Known for incorporating fresh ingredients to make ordinary drinks mind-blowing, Employees Only offers an opportunity to throw general conceit out the window and chance a tarot card reading.
3. Nightjar, London
Nightjar‘s menu offers a mixture of pre-prohibition drinks to modern cocktails. The bar also follows a strict no-standing policy, turning what would usually be a packed night out into the perfect spot for catching up with friends over some delicious cocktails.
2. The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog, New York City
The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog captures the essence of Old New York and the Irish-American tradition The Taproom on the ground floor offers an informal setting for the enjoyment of craft beer, bottled punch, and whiskeys. Whilst upstairs offers 72 historically accurate cocktails designed by the nineteenth century’s most celebrated bartenders.
1. Artesian, London
The Artesian has made a name for its self and has topped the list again for the fourth year! Located in the Langham Hotel, the drinks are presented beautifully and with sophistication. The cocktails aren’t cheap, but what else would you expect for the best in the world.
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