Celebrating sips across Asia
From hidden speakeasies in Guangzhou to rooftop cocktail dens in Bangkok, Asia’s drinking scene has never been more exciting. The Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 awards, held at Wynn Palace Macau, celebrated the continent’s most exceptional bars, honouring venues that are redefining cocktails through creativity, hospitality, and a strong sense of place.
This year’s list spans 22 cities, introducing 14 new entries and welcoming two returning bars, highlighting the rapid evolution of cocktail culture across Asia. While familiar powerhouses continue to dominate, the rankings also shine a spotlight on emerging destinations that are quickly becoming must-visit stops for cocktail lovers.
Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame Takes the Crown
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After steadily climbing the rankings over the past seven years, Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame has finally secured the coveted No.1 spot, earning the title of The Best Bar in Asia 2026.
Hidden behind the façade of a traditional Cantonese storefront in the city’s historic Dongshankou district, the acclaimed speakeasy has become one of China’s defining cocktail destinations. Founded by Bastien Ciocca and Andrew Ho, Hope & Sesame is celebrated for reimagining Cantonese flavours through modern mixology, blending local ingredients, culinary storytelling and technical precision into every drink.
The victory also marks Mainland China’s strongest performance to date, with seven bars making this year’s Top 50 ranking. Alongside Hope & Sesame, Shenzhen’s MO Bar placed No.5 while newcomer Obsidian Bar debuted at No.10, with Shanghai, Chengdu, Changsha and Beijing also represented.
The Bangkok Story
Although China claimed the top honour, Bangkok once again demonstrated its dominance by securing eight places in the Top 50—more than any other city.
Dry Wave Cocktail Studio climbed to No.4 and was named The Best Bar in Thailand, while Bar Us remained firmly in the top 10 at No.6 and received the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award.
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One of the night’s biggest success stories was Lennon’s, which made an impressive debut at No.7 to win the Highest New Entry Award. Elsewhere, Bar Sathorn recorded the largest jump of the year, climbing 31 places to No.17 and taking home the Highest Climber Award.
Bangkok’s remarkable depth continues to set the benchmark for Asia’s cocktail scene, with BKK Social Club, Opium, G.O.D and newcomer Aqua Bar also earning places in this year’s ranking.
Hong Kong’s Winning Streak
Hong Kong once again delivered a strong showing with seven bars featured in the Top 50.
Last year’s overall winner, Bar Leone, slipped to No.3 but retained its title as The Best Bar in Hong Kong. It was joined by long-time favourites including Gokan, Coa, Argo and Penicillin, while newcomer Mius debuted on the list and also received the Best Bar Design Award.
The city’s consistent presence reflects its reputation as one of Asia’s most influential cocktail destinations.
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Sips in Singapore and Jakarta
Singapore, once considered the region’s dominant cocktail hub, secured four spots in this year’s ranking.
Jigger & Pony remained the city’s highest-ranked bar at No.9, followed by Nutmeg & Clove at No.12 and Offtrack at No.16, while Origin Bar returned to the list at No.43.
There was still reason to celebrate, with Jigger & Pony co-founder Indra Kantono receiving the Industry Icon Award for his significant contribution to Asia’s bar industry.
While four entries remain an impressive achievement, the results reflect the increasingly competitive nature of Asia’s cocktail landscape as more cities continue to raise the bar.
Indonesia enjoyed another standout year, cementing Jakarta’s position as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cocktail destinations.
Modernhaus climbed to No.11 and was named The Best Bar in Indonesia thanks to its ingredient-led approach that champions the country’s remarkable biodiversity.
Cosmo Pony followed at No.15, with Carrots Bar reaching No.21 and newcomer The Golden Tooth making its debut at No.40. Meanwhile, Hats Bar received the Campari One To Watch Award, recognising its growing influence within the regional drinks scene.
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The New Destinations Reshaping Asia’s Cocktail Map
Perhaps the biggest story of this year’s rankings is the continued emergence of exciting new destinations beyond Asia’s traditional cocktail capitals.
Hanoi’s Workshop14 was named The Best Bar in Vietnam while also taking home the Best New Opening Award. Makati entered the rankings through Problem Child, while Sri Lanka celebrated a milestone moment as Smoke & Bitters in Hiriketiya earned both a Top 50 position and the Art of Hospitality Award.
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Together, they demonstrate that world-class cocktail experiences are increasingly being built around local ingredients, regional stories and thoughtful hospitality rather than established reputations alone.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
