Every year we wait in anticipation for the arrival of The World’s 50 Best Bars list. This annual guide can make or break any haute bar, and gives world travelers a go-to list for good times. While they feature an impressive 50 locations, we decided to show you a little more of the five best bars in the world.
1. Artesian, London
Drinks International Magazine has titled this London haute spot ‘The World’s Best Bar’ for four consecutive years. Located in the luxurious Langham Hotel just off of Regent Street, Artesian could’ve easily turned into a stuffy hangout for pricey drinks and judging eyes. What makes this spot so special is their ability to capture the interest of people from all walks of life. Perhaps it’s because they truly create some of the most interesting libations in the world. Their newest cocktail menu called ‘Surrealism’ features Dali-inspired drinks that like Dali’s paintings; are out of this world. You must try their Suspended In Time cocktail with Star of Bombay, lime, Niaouli, Yarrow, and Palmarosa.
1C Portland Place, Regent Street, London, UK
2. The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog, New York
Despite it’s name, The Dead Rabbit is very much alive. This New York treasure is a tipsy tearoom for true cocktail aficionados to enjoy. The Dead Rabbit is a two-floor venue. Upstairs you will find ‘The Parlor,’ which boasts an incredible 72 historically influenced cocktails created by some of the world’s most notable bartenders and mixologists. Here you might also enjoy some delectable light bites. Downstairs you will find ‘The Taproom,’ a traditional working person’s pub with craft beer, bottled punch and whiskeys from around the world. It’s the perfect venue for any and every cocktail occurrence.
30 Water Street, New York, US
3. Nightjar, London
Taking you back to the 20’s in all its glitz and glamour is the undercover bar Nightjar. This Shoreditch haven is one of The World’s 50 Best Bars all-time achievers. Having opened only five years ago, Nightjar’s success was immediate. In it’s first year it already made the list at number 18 and has yet to fall lower than third place since. Perhaps it’s their prohibition-era style, or the classy crowd they attracts, but really it’s for the love of a fine cocktail. Don’t miss out on their Greenwich Sour with Johnnie Walker Gold, barley popcorn, honey rusk syrup, fresh lemon, raspberry ginger wine and egg white. We bet you’ve never heard of a combination like that before!
129 City Road, London, UK
4. Employees Only, New York
Employees Only is so many things. It’s a perfect spot for a first-date, it’s a great night out with friends, it’s a cool place to meet open-minded people, and most importantly it’s got one amazing cocktail menu. This New York libation station has cemented itself as a top spot in the bustling city’s nightlife. As if that wasn’t proof enough of it’s success and caliber, they had to go and create an unparalleled cocktail list to match. Get their Ginger Smash with muddled ginger root, fresh cranberries, Fords Gin, Schonauer apple liquer, and fresh lemon juice. You won’t regret it.
510 Hudson Street, New York, US
5. American Bar, London
They say practice makes perfect; which is why American Bar’s 126-year history has lead to incredibly perfect cocktails. That means this bar has lasted since 1889, a truly remarkable feat. Every major mixologist has passed through American Bar’s walls and has left their mark through innovative and creative cocktails. Their drinks menu is even done by time period, allowing you to choose from categories such as 1889-1913: bittersweet cocktails utilizing forgotten flavors or 1965-1988: a selection of fruity and refreshing cocktails. We recommend their Scotchlaw with 12-year-old Dewars, dry vermouth, fresh lemon juice, grenadine, Angostura Bitters and egg white.
The Savoy, The Strand, London, UK
