The wait for the 18th edition of The World's 50 Best Bars comes to life with the official publication of the ranking extended from No. 51 to No. 100. An important tenth anniversary for this expanded selection which precedes by two weeks the great awards ceremony of the October 7, 2026, this year hosted at Milan, the international capital of hospitality and mixed drinks.
Sponsored by Perrier, the expanded ranking offers a dynamic snapshot of the global beverage industry, shining a spotlight on 34 cities in the world and celebrating the entrance of 13 new entries absolute.
Italy confirms its place among the world's elite with four cocktail bars
Europe leads the geographical representation of the 51-100 ranking with 18 venues overall. In this context, the’Italy ranks among the leading countries on the continent thanks to four excellent addresses distributed between Rome, Florence and Milan:
- Brakes and Clutches (Rome) – No.62The famous street bar in the heart of Trastevere confirms its position on the international scene thanks to its accessible yet highly sophisticated mixology.
- Gucci Giardino (Florence) – No. 91: Florentine elegance and high-end blending signed by the Gucci group.
- Drink Kong (Rome) – No. 92Patrick Pistolesi's futuristic temple near Rione Monti has been a point of reference for lovers of international cocktail culture for years.
- 1930 (Milan) – No. 94: the exclusive and enigmatic Milanese speakeasy by Farmily Group, which will host the final ceremony in the city that will host it.
Historical Trends and Beginnings: From West Africa to Asia
The 51-100 ranking reflects the continuing geographical and stylistic evolution of modern mixology:
- North America at the top: The United States leads the national representation with 5 bars, with New York in the spotlight thanks to Double Chicken Please (No.53), Super good (No.61) and Employees Only (No.78). Mexico places three locals, led by the debutant Form + Matter (No. 59) in Mexico City. Historic debut for Costa Rica with the’Other Bar of San José (No.82).
- Evolution in Asia: with 16 cocktail bars on the list, Hong Kong confirms itself as the Asian capital of the sector by placing 4 venues, including Coa (No.54) and Penicillin (No.69). Historic debut for Shenzhen with the MO Bar (No.60) and for Goa with Boilermaker (No.57).
- Historic debutsWest Africa celebrates its first ranking in the guide's history thanks to locals Front/Back (No.80) and The Borracha (No.87) in Accra (Ghana). First appearances also for Dublin (Bar 1661, No.98) and Istanbul (Bar Gabriel, No.68).
- The great climbs: among the most significant returns and leaps, the historic one stands out Boadas from Barcelona, which climbs 33 positions to No. 52.
Towards the October 7th gala in Milan
Compiled through the preferences of over 800 experts from The 50 Best Bars Academy (among journalists, bartenders and industry consultants), the extended ranking lays the foundation for the top of the list.
The countdown to reveal the top 50 bars in the world will end on the evening of October 7, 2026 in Milan. The event will be streamed live worldwide starting at 8:00 PM ET on The 50 Best's official YouTube channel.
Photo credit: 50 Best Bars
Reproduction reserved
©COPYRIGHT Nicola Di Nunzio
The content is intended for an adult audience only.
Smoking is seriously harmful to your health
Drink responsibly