The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025: Hong Kong Tops the List
The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 ceremony took place in Hong Kong and delivered a major surprise: for the first time, a bar from this city topped the list. Altos Tequila served as the official tequila sponsor, underscoring its commitment to cocktail excellence worldwide.
Furthermore, Julio Bermejo, tequila’ global ambassador, and Dre Masso, Altos Tequila co-creator delighted attendees by serving the iconic Tommy’s Margarita with Altos Plata. This not only marks a milestone for the Asian region but also cements Hong Kong’s status as a global mixology epicenter.
Hong Kong Leads the Global Cocktail Scene
The rise of Asian mixology has reshaped the global bar rankings. Far from being a trend, it reflects the talent, innovation, and warm hospitality found in cities like Singapore, Tokyo, and especially Hong Kong. What makes Hong Kong a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers? Its cultural diversity, cosmopolitan mindset, and dedication to quality have fueled a new generation of bars that blend classic techniques with local ingredients. The influence of international bartenders has also helped create multicultural teams that continuously push the boundaries of flavor and creativity — redefining what the nightlife in Hong Kong has to offer.
Bar Leone — The World’s Best Bar in 2025
Bar Leone Hong Kong, led by renowned bartender Lorenzo Antinori, took home the No. 1 spot — marking the first time an Asian bar has reached this honor. Inspired by 1980s and 90s Italian taverns, the bar follows a “cocktail popolari” philosophy: cocktails for everyone, without sacrificing quality or technique.
Its dynamic menu is shared via Google Docs, offering full transparency and accessibility — a modern touch that reflects both inclusivity and originality. With this achievement, Bar Leone now tops not only the list of best bars in Hong Kong, but also the world.
Other Outstanding Bars in Asia
Alongside Bar Leone, other Asian bars earned top positions:
- Coa (No. 38, Hong Kong): Founded by Jay Khan, Coa has championed the culture of tequila and artisanal mezcal in Asia. Winner of Asia’s Best Bar in 2021, 2022, and 2023, it educates guests on the heritage behind agave spirits.
- Jigger & Pony (No. 9, Singapore): Co-owned by Uno Jang, winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025, this bar is famous for its “menu-zine” — a blend of editorial storytelling and mixology that merges Asian elegance with global technique.
- Hope & Sesame (No. 29, Guangzhou): The first bar from southern mainland China to enter the top 50. It combines modern methods like clarification and rotary distillation with traditional Chinese flavors, creating a truly original identity.
The Ranking’s Impact on the Bar Industry
The presence of 10 Asian bars in the top 50 drives specialized tourism, investment, and new opportunities for emerging bartenders. Mexico also shone at the ceremony: Bar Mauro from Mexico City received a recognition for promising concepts that radiate innovation and freshness. These accolades reinforce regional hospitality and position Asia as a powerhouse of global cocktail innovation.
Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025: Peer Recognition
The Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2025 was awarded to Uno Jang, creative director and partner at Jigger & Pony in Singapore, as voted by his fellow peers from the Top 50 list.
Originally from South Korea, Jang moved to Singapore in 2015 and joined Jigger & Pony in 2017. He pioneered the “menu-zine” concept and is celebrated for his guest-first hospitality and team mentorship. The bar has been on the list since 2019, peaked at No. 5 in 2024, and was named Asia’s Best Bar in 2020.
Established in 2017, the award honors bartenders who redefine excellence. Previous winners include Iain Griffiths, Monica Berg, Jean Trinh, GN Chan, and Iain McPherson.
What to Expect for the 2026 Edition
Looking ahead, the cocktail world is set to keep evolving through more sustainable practices, deeper storytelling, and immersive experiences. Asia will continue to lead this transformation, with new voices and concepts reshaping the global bar scene.
Share this article with your community of mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts to celebrate Hong Kong’s rise and the global innovation showcased in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025.