The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024: A Night to Celebrate Mexico and Beyond
On October 22, 2024, Madrid turned into the ultimate fiesta for cocktail lovers, hosting the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. The night was electric, bringing together bartenders, mixologists, and bar enthusiasts from around the globe. This annual event is not just about awards; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the art of mixology, where tradition meets innovation, and every cocktail tells a story. For the eighth consecutive year, Altos was the tequila sponsor of this celebration, and to make the night even more special, an exclusive edition of Altos Reposado was introduced, crafted specifically for this ceremony.
Handshake Speakeasy, straight from the heart of Mexico City
For the first time, a bar from Mexico took the top spot, shining a well-deserved spotlight on the country’s booming cocktail scene. This win is a testament to Mexican conviviality, where craftsmanship and warmth blend seamlessly.
Handshake Speakeasy has become a go-to spot for those craving unique cocktails. The win not only elevates Handshake but highlights Mexico’s role as a global leader in cocktail culture.
Diversity on the Rocks
This year’s ceremony served a cocktail of 28 cities and 16 new entries—each bringing distinct flavors to the mix. New stars included Tlecān from Mexico City, debuting at No.20, and El Gallo Altanero from Guadalajara at No.48. It’s clear: Mexico’s cocktail scene is on fire. Other crowd favorites were Licorería Limantour, landing at No.32, and the buzz-worthy Bar Leone from Hong Kong, which entered at No.2 and snagged the Highest New Entry Award.
The Barman rises with design
The event honored bars that lead with creativity, design, and storytelling. Himkok in Oslo took home the Best Bar Design Award, applauded for its sustainable architecture that brings aesthetics and function together. Lyaness in London grabbed the Best Cocktail Menu Award for its playful approach to storytelling through cocktails.Meanwhile, the prestigious Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award went to Iain McPherson from Edinburgh, whose influence and leadership within the cocktail community continue to shape the future of the industry. #Salud to that!
Sustainability and Community at the Core
This year’s list also reflected how the industry is shifting towards responsibility and inclusion. Bars are not just about drinks anymore—they’re places where people gather to connect, where sustainability matters, and where collaboration takes center stage.
What’s Next?
As the cocktail revolution keeps evolving, there’s one thing for sure: Mexico is at the heart of it. With Handshake Speakeasy’s historic win, the spotlight is now on a country where innovation, tradition, and that unmistakable spirit of conviviality come together in every drink.