Australia secured two spots in the 2025 World’s 50 Best Bars list, with Melbourne’s Caretaker Cottage ranking 19th and Sydney’s Maybe Sammy at 42nd.
The prestigious annual ranking, curated by the UK-based World’s 50 Best organization, highlights bars worldwide that offer exceptional cocktails, innovative concepts, and unique experiences.
This year, Hong Kong’s Bar Leone claimed the No. 1 spot, becoming the first bar in Asia to achieve the top ranking. The Italian-style bar in Sheung Wan, led by Rome native Lorenzo Antinori, is designed to feel “like my grandmother’s living room,” focusing on comfort and authenticity rather than theatrics.
Second place went to Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, a Prohibition-inspired cocktail bar that held the top position last year, while Barcelona’s Sips earned third place.
Other notable entries include Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Milan, reflecting the global diversity of the world’s best bars. The ranking also recognizes sustainable practices and standout bartenders.
New entrants to the extended 51st-100th list feature New York City’s Schmuck, São Paulo’s Exímia, and Taichung’s Vender, showcasing fresh and creative concepts in the international bar scene.
Overall, the 2025 list celebrates bars that combine innovation, quality, and memorable experiences, encouraging cocktail enthusiasts to explore the globe’s most exceptional drinking destinations.
