2025’s Top 5 Bars: Barcelona Shines in Global Cocktail Scene
The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2025 highlights the global cocktail scene's creativity and innovation, with Barcelona securing two spots in the top five. Bar Leone in Hong Kong claimed the top position, blending Italian neighborhood charm with expertly crafted "cocktails of the people." Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City impressed with its 1920s-inspired atmosphere and inventive drinks. Barcelona’s Sips, ranked the Best Bar in Europe, stands out for its storytelling through bold flavors and intricate presentations, while Paradiso captivates with its hidden entrance and multi-sensory, cosmic-themed cocktails. London’s Tayēr + Elementary offers a dual-concept experience, balancing simplicity and bespoke creations. These bars not only set a global standard but also inspire Malta’s vibrant dining scene to explore innovative cocktails using local, seasonal ingredients, reflecting the Mediterranean lifestyle's focus on quality and wellbeing.
The Five Best Bars in the World in 2025: A Celebration of Global Cocktail Culture
In the world of food, drink, and hospitality, few accolades carry as much prestige as being named among The World’s 50 Best Bars. This year’s highly anticipated list was unveiled at a glamorous red-carpet ceremony in Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the artistry and innovation of the global cocktail scene. For 2025, Barcelona has once again proven its prowess, securing two spots in the coveted top five. From Asia to Europe and beyond, these exceptional bars are redefining the art of mixology while catering to those who value quality, creativity, and experience in equal measure.
For our readers in Malta, where the Mediterranean lifestyle champions balance, health, and the pleasures of good food and drink, this list offers not just inspiration for future travels but also ideas for elevating your own dining and drinking experiences. Let’s raise a glass to the top five bars of 2025 and explore what makes them stand out.
1. Bar Leone, Hong Kong
Topping the list for the first time, Bar Leone in Hong Kong is more than just a bar—it’s a cultural homage. Italian co-founder Lorenzo Antinori has masterfully crafted a space that celebrates the charm of neighborhood bars in Rome, where locals gather for coffee, aperitivi, and lively conversation. The concept of "cocktail popolari," or "cocktails of the people," is at the heart of Bar Leone’s ethos.
This unpretentious approach, paired with warm hospitality and expertly crafted drinks, makes Bar Leone a must-visit. Guests can even access rotating recipes to try their hand at recreating the magic at home. For Maltese cocktail enthusiasts, this emphasis on simplicity and connection mirrors the communal dining culture we cherish here. Why not take inspiration from Bar Leone’s ethos and explore healthy, Mediterranean-inspired cocktails in your own gatherings?
2. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
In the heart of Mexico City, Handshake Speakeasy transports guests to the glamour of the 1920s with its moody décor, wood paneling, and black-and-gold interiors. Ranked as the Best Bar in North America, this venue is a feast for the senses. Offering two distinct experiences, it caters to both those seeking a laid-back atmosphere and those ready for a livelier vibe in its basement, complete with a hip-hop soundtrack.
Signature creations like the Fig Martini or Three Sips Martini are crafted with precision and flair. For those in Malta who prioritize health-conscious drinking, Handshake’s innovative cocktails demonstrate that indulgence and mindful choices can go hand in hand. Why not experiment with incorporating local ingredients like figs or carob syrup into your own cocktail creations?
3. Sips, Barcelona
Barcelona’s Sips Bar continues its reign as a top-tier destination for cocktail lovers, maintaining its number three position from last year. Voted the Best Bar in Europe for 2025, Sips combines the city’s rich cultural backdrop—think Gothic cathedrals and Gaudi’s architectural masterpieces—with cutting-edge mixology.
Described as a haven for innovation, Sips captivates guests with intricate presentations and bold flavors. Take, for instance, The Nixtamil, a drink that begins with a red fruit reduction served on a small mirror to prepare the palate, followed by a unique blend of bourbon, corn, and miso distillate. For those of us in Malta, this approach to storytelling through flavor resonates with our own culinary traditions. Whether it’s a glass of local wine or a cocktail inspired by Maltese citrus, drinks can—and should—be an experience.
4. Paradiso, Barcelona
Barcelona’s Paradiso lives up to its name—Italian for "paradise"—and offers an experience as extraordinary as its moniker suggests. To enter, you must first pass through a fridge door in a pastrami shop, a quirky gateway to a world of theatrical mixology. Inside, the bar’s curved wooden ceiling and tropical décor create a setting as imaginative as its drinks.
Paradiso is all about multi-sensory experiences, with each cocktail exploring cosmic or scientific themes. The emphasis on creativity and presentation aligns with a growing trend in the food and drink world: the idea that what we consume should delight not just the palate but the mind. For Maltese diners, who already value the connection between food, culture, and wellbeing, Paradiso’s approach is a reminder to savor the unexpected and embrace creativity in our culinary adventures.
5. Tayēr + Elementary, London
Rounding out the top five is Tayēr + Elementary in London, a dual-concept bar that offers something for everyone. Elementary, the lighter and more relaxed front bar, serves up classic cocktails on tap alongside highballs and house-made wines and beers. Behind a concrete partition lies Tayēr, a more intimate space where bespoke cocktails are crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
This duality reflects a growing appreciation for versatility in food and drink spaces. For health-conscious diners in Malta, Tayēr + Elementary serves as a reminder that indulgence doesn’t have to mean overindulgence. A simple, well-balanced cocktail made with fresh, seasonal ingredients can be just as satisfying as an elaborate creation.
Raising the Bar in Malta
While these five bars set the global standard for excellence, they also offer inspiration for those of us living in Malta. Our island’s vibrant dining scene, with its focus on fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, is perfectly positioned to embrace the trends shaping the global cocktail culture. From experimenting with local herbs and fruits to creating alcohol-free options that don’t compromise on flavor, there’s endless potential to innovate while staying true to the Mediterranean lifestyle.
As you explore these world-class bars—or draw inspiration for your own culinary and mixology adventures—remember that the best experiences are those that nourish both body and soul. Cheers to a healthier, tastier future!