Mixology, the skill of mixing cocktails and other drinks, has become a worldwide phenomenon with bars offering some of the most unique and delicious libations to date. With novel cocktails constantly being created, international contests and talented bartenders, cocktail bars have become the protagonists of nightlife in big cities when people want to go out and have a drink. Learn more about the top 8 cocktail bars in the world below and see what unique environments and drinks they have to offer.
The Nightjar (London)
The United Kingdom, one of the countries with the most roots in cocktail culture, is known for having many of the most traditional cocktail bars in the world. The Nightjar is no exception as it allows guests to return to the 1920s, thanks to its live jazz and blues concerts and drinks. The Nightjar’s extensive cocktail list is divided into several sections: Pre-prohibition (old recipes with an eclectic mix of fruity flavors, creamy textures and some stronger and drier beverages); Prohibition (strong cocktails, mainly short and aromatic); Post-War (from cocktails of the 30s and 40s to the rebirth of the cocktails of the new Millennium); and Author (original creations of The Nightjar team, which contain internally created infusions, liqueurs or bitters).
Blackwell Rum Bar (Jamaica)
Blackwell Rum Bar
Can you imagine discovering Jamaica from a beautiful environment like this? Blackwell Rum Bar, at The Caves Hotel, is within the volcanic rocks of the West End of Jamaica. It is an oceanic hideaway accessed by going down a coral staircase to the water’s edge where you enter the bar via a secret cave. Savoring a cocktail here while watching the moon is a sublime experience. It is recommended to order the Blackwell rum, combined with natural orange juice, pineapple juice and crushed ice.
Manhattan Bar (Singapore)
New world powers are making their way to the world of mixology. Asia is one of these powers, with Singapore at the head, due to the best bartenders going there to show off their latest creations. If you plan a trip to Singapore, you should definitely visit Manhattan Bar, inspired by the Golden Age of cocktails and the glamor of New York City bars. Here is where classic and forgotten cocktails stand out, along with other cocktails made with a collection of homemade ingredients. Manhattan is third on the list of the 50 best bars around the world (World’s 50 Best Bars) and is the best of this category in Asia.
Dandelyan (Londres)
In our list of the best cocktail bars, we would be remiss if we did not mention what is currently considered the best bar in the World. Dandelyan, a cocktail bar, located in the Mondrian Hotel in London, directed by Ryan Chetiyawardana, who is known as the king of cocktails, has received numerous awards. Its decor, very Mad Men style, showcases colored and velvet sofas, a dark green marble bar cut in one piece and crystals that offer views of the River Thames. Their cocktail menu: “Modern life of the plants,” is divided into three sections: mint, grape and hops; and encompasses Dandelyan’s original drinks, refined interpretations of the classics and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Gold on 27 (Dubai)
Gold on 27, in Dubai.
Wrapped in superior luxury, Gold on 27 is a cocktail bar located on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel. Its overall aesthetic? gold leaf, beautiful people and really amazing cocktails. To make the cocktails, bartenders use Arabic spices, foie gras, truffles and khalas from Saudi Arabia or dates, which are at the heart of many cocktails in Dubai thanks to their butter caramel flavor. They also have an extensive cocktail list without alcohol.
Canon (Seattle)
The United States is the birthplace of the cocktail, as a result some of the most historic bars reside here. Canon currently has the largest collection of spirits in America, with no less than 4,000 different brands. The best of the bar are their whiskeys and molecular cocktails, where they experiment with different flavors and textures. The goal: is to always surprise their loyal customers.
Dogma (Bélgica)
Dogma Bar, Amberes.
In the city of Antwerp, Dogma is run by Didier Van den Broeck, a bartender who has received numerous awards for his cocktails, and was selected to represent his country in the finals of the Havana Club World Grand Prix. In Dogma its young owners have a good time making cocktails, and also offer masterclasses, tastings, workshops and much more.
Dry Martini (Barcelona)
The legendary Dry Martini bar in Barcelona recently celebrated its 40th birthday. This in part is thanks to bartender Javier de las Muelas who has managed to reinvent cocktail culture, resulting in Dry Martini being located in various countries such as Europe, Mexico, China, Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. In Barcelona, the original Dry Martini bar, also houses a Speakeasy, a clandestine restaurant, imitating the cocktail bars that operated secretly during the ban. ■
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