The World’s Best Bar goes to Hollywood
Hollywood’s biggest night is about to get a taste of Hong Kong. Bar Leone, recently crowned World’s Best Bar 2025, has been selected to craft cocktails for the 98th Oscars Governors Ball, the official after-party following the Academy Awards on March 15.
Founder and bartender Lorenzo Antinori will take the spotlight behind the bar, creating two signature cocktails for the star-studded celebration in partnership with Tequila Don Julio. The announcement marks a major moment not just for the acclaimed Central bar, but for Hong Kong’s fast-rising global cocktail scene.
Since opening in Hong Kong’s Central district, Bar Leone has quickly become one of the world’s most talked-about bars. Known for its confident take on classic cocktail culture and relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere, the venue blends Roman bar traditions with Hong Kong’s vibrant hospitality energy.
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Now that reputation is travelling to Hollywood. At the Governors Ball — where Oscar winners and nominees gather after the ceremony for dinner and drinks — Antinori will join forces with renowned American mixologist Charles Joly to curate the evening’s cocktail programme.
For the occasion, Antinori has created two celebratory drinks designed to keep the party flowing long after the final award is handed out.
The first, Best in Show, is a bright highball made with Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Italian aperitif and cucumber. The result is crisp, aromatic and refreshingly light — perfect for an evening of toasts.
The second, Golden Cut Margarita, offers a more layered take on the classic cocktail. Tequila Don Julio Reposado is combined with masa-infused gin, adding a savoury, toasted depth that balances citrus with the warm character of agave.
Joly will present two cocktails of his own: the Maestro Martini, made with Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino, and The Sequel, a rich coffee-inspired serve built around Tequila Don Julio 1942.
While the Governors Ball might look effortless on screen, the preparation behind the scenes is anything but simple. In the days leading up to the Oscars, Antinori, Joly and their teams will prepare thousands of ingredients to ensure every cocktail is served perfectly to Hollywood’s elite.
For Antinori, the invitation represents more than a prestigious guest shift. It’s also a milestone for Hong Kong’s bar community, showcasing the city’s influence on the global cocktail stage.
From a buzzing neighbourhood bar in Central to the most glamorous after-party in Hollywood, Bar Leone’s journey proves that great drinks — much like great films — travel well.
Image credit: Supplied
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.
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