The art of mixology is flourishing globally, and truth to be told, those who barely have the urge to cross the seven seas are missing out! Some of these places are turned out as proper clubs with fancy cocktails, while others are unconventional affairs dreamed up by enterprising locals with a cooler of beer and some business savvy. Then, of course, there’s the opposite extreme—the ice bar—where drinkers bundle up before tying one on.
From New York to Bali, this list compiled by Drinks International hits up four continents and 14 cities. Here are 25 of the best bars in the world! Knock yourselves out!
25. The Everleigh Melbourne
Indeed if you’ve ever been to hidden Fitzroy cocktail bar The Everleigh, you’ll know that they combine the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles with some fine hard liquor. You’ll be drinking all the classics, including Old Fashioneds, Negronis and dirty Martinis and of course the pre-mixed bottle-aged renditions of your favourite drinks.
24. Elephant Bar, New York
The much-renowned bar occupies a prime spot at the Nomad Hotel in New York. Devour your cocktail while mixologist Leo Robitschek, also of Eleven Madison Park, expertly crafts drinks behind a grand 24-foot mahogany bar.
23. Maison Premiere, New York
When it opened in Brooklyn, two and a half years ago, Maison Premiere was primarily a bar, but it served little more than absinthe and oysters, and that is enough to bag the #23 title on the best bar’s list.
22. The Clumsies, Athens
In 2014 when atmosphere met mystery and class, the result was “The Clumsies” located in central Athens. Here you will meet two Greek World Class Bartender winners ready to charm you with their delicious tailor made cocktails as well as with their service.
21. The Jerry Thomas Project, Rome
This blink-and-you-missed-it speakeasy-style cocktail bar just steps from Corso Vittorio is dedicated to Jerry Thomas, the author of the first American bar tending guide. The space is pretty tight and reservations are highly recommended. Apparently you need a password to get in, though I’ve never been asked one.
20. Licoreria Limantour, Mexico City
Limantour’s concept is simple: designer cocktails that use all kinds of dynamic ingredients, including fresh herbs, flowers, fruits, syrups, shrubs, spices, and rare foreign spirits. My go-to favourite is a cocktail called Mr. Pinkmade with grapefruit juice, gin, rosemary syrup, basil, and grapefruit bitters.
19. Le Lion Bar de Paris, Hamburg
Hamburg’s Le Lion Bar has already established itself for excellent-hand crafted drinks and elegant decor. Owned by top bartender Jörg Meyey, fans say the team’s attention to detail is unrivalled in the city.
18. Lobster Bar, Hong Kong
Truth to be told, the Lobster Bar is a wonderful little time capsule. The interiors draw from various art and design periods, while art nouveau pendant lights hang from the ceiling. The well-edited wine menu offers a concise, but decent range in type, region (especially partial to French) and size.
17. Imperial Craft, Tel Aviv
Cocktails at the Imperial Craft are no match to the conventional list of martinis. Spicy India, a drink inspired by chai masala whose ingredients include grated bittersweet chocolate, green cardamom, orange liqueur and an egg yolk, are one amongst many others; although our personal favourite would be the Flip of a Coin, made from French Cognac and sherry, spices and a Guinness reduction.
