The results are in, and Asia’s cocktail scene has a new winner. At a glittering ceremony held at Wynn Palace, Macau, the 2026 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars was unveiled — signalling a vibrant shift in the continent’s drinking culture.
For the first time, Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame has risen from No. 29 from the 2025 list to taking the No.1 spot, dethroning the previous two-time champion, Bar Leone of Hong Kong. Hope & Sesame has been recognised for their “progressive approach to Chinese cocktail culture,” blending Cantonese influences with contemporary techniques.
Relive the highlights from Asia’s 50 Best Bars ceremony here:
It’s not just about Guangzhou, though. The list, spanning 22 cities with a remarkable 14 new entries, is a snapshot of a rapidly expanding cocktail map.
Bangkok leads the charge with the most entries (eight), while Hong Kong follows with seven. The competition is fierce, and the quality is spreading beyond traditional capitals to cities like Tainan and Makati.
Here is the shortlist of the top 20 bars in Asia right now, a curated selection of the continent’s finest drinking dens as determined by over 300 industry experts:
- Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou (China) – The new benchmark for Asian cocktails.
- Zest, Seoul (South Korea) – Holding strong at No.2, a testament to Korean craftsmanship.
- Bar Leone, Hong Kong – A former champion that remains a titan of the scene.
- Dry Wave Cocktail Studio, Bangkok (Thailand) – Crowned the Best Bar in Thailand.
- MO Bar, Shenzhen (China) – An astonishing 16-place jump to enter the top five.
- Bar Us, Bangkok (Thailand) – Winner of the Sustainable Bar Award for its seasonal ethos.
- Lennon’s, Bangkok (Thailand) – A sensational debut from within the Rosewood Bangkok, winning the Highest New Entry award.
- Boilermaker, Goa (India) – The best in India, and a soulful neighbourhood favourite.
- Jigger & Pony, Singapore – A perennial icon and the Best Bar in Singapore.
- Obsidian Bar, Shenzhen (China) – A steampunk-styled rising star in the top ten.
- Modernhaus, Jakarta (Indonesia) – The Best Bar in Indonesia.
- Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore – Climbing the ranks to No.12.
- Alice, Seoul (South Korea) – A key player in Seoul’s strong showing.
- Vender, Taichung (Taiwan) – Retaining its title as the Best Bar in Taiwan.
- Cosmo Pony, Jakarta (Indonesia) – One of four Jakarta bars on the list.
- Offtrack, Singapore – Rising seven spots to No.16.
- Bar Sathorn, Bangkok (Thailand) – This year’s Highest Climber, soaring 31 places.
- Soka, Bengaluru (India) – Cementing Bengaluru’s reputation as a cocktail hub.
- Pony Up, Shanghai (China) – An impressive debut at No.19.
- BKK Social Club, Bangkok (Thailand) – A staple of Latin American glamour in the Thai capital.
For the full, definitive list of all Asia’s 50 Bars of 2026 and to start planning your next great cocktail pilgrimage, visit the official Asia’s 50 Best Bars website.
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