The World’s 50 Best Bars’ list has long been dominated by cities like London and New York, particularly the #1 spot. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift.

In 2022 and 2023, Paradiso and Sips from Barcelona claimed the top ranking, and for 2024, Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City has taken the coveted #1 spot, with Bar Leone from Hong Kong securing #2, marking the highest-ever rank for a bar from Asia.

I caught up with Emma Sleight, Global Head of Content for World’s 50 Best Bars, at the closing party of the 2024 ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz in Madrid. Do this year’s results signal a shift in the epicentre of cocktail culture to newer cocktail capitals around the world?

Emma highlights the diversity of this year’s list, pointing out that the Top 50 includes 16 new entries from 26 cities, while the 51-100 list features 12 new entries from 35 cities. “I think the cocktail world keeps shifting,” she says. “It will continue to do so as people travel to new places and cultures and share their drink styles globally.”

Are we seeing a democratisation of the cocktail world? Emma emphasises that while London and Paris will always have a central role, new cocktail capitals are emerging in different parts of the world. “It’s about expanding what’s possible in the world of bars and cocktails,” she adds.

The conversation moves to a topic close to 50 Best’s mission: raising the profile of bartenders so they’re seen in the same light as chefs, with the same star appeal. “We’re definitely getting there,” Emma responds, “Now bartenders are seen as true innovators, building communities, creating spaces, and constantly pushing boundaries.”

I ask Emma how they’ve managed to build such broad consumer visibility for the Top 50 list. “It’s a way for people to discover new places and experiences. We met someone yesterday who had ticked off 63 of the top 100 bars from last year — that’s incredible!”

Finally, I raise a topic that’s been on many minds: India, which does not have a rank in the World’s 100 this year. “Recently, we published a feature on 10 bars that are shaking up the Indian scene, and the recognition of individuals like Apoorva Kohli, who won the Blend Scholarship in 2023, and Yangdup Lama, who won the Industry Icon award at Asia’s 50 Best Bars last year.”

Emma ends with a hopeful note for India’s future: “The journey is long, but the talent is there. All the best to India for 2025!”