Hong Kong’s Bar Leone Claims the Top Spot
For the first time in history, an Asian bar has taken the top position on The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2025. Bar Leone, located in Hong Kong’s Central district, was crowned The World’s Best Bar and The Best Bar in Asia. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Asian mixology, led by renowned bartender Lorenzo Antinori.
Bar Leone opened in 2023 and made a strong debut, ranking first in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and second in the global ranking of the same year. In this 2025 edition, its rise to the top spot solidifies the international scene’s expansion beyond traditional capital cities like London, Mexico City, or New York.
Mexico Maintains Its Presence Among the Elite
Although Mexico did not repeat its third consecutive year at the top, it maintains a strong presence. Handshake Speakeasy was recognized as the second-best bar globally and retained its title as The Best Bar in North America.
Located in the Juarez neighborhood, Mexico City, Handshake Speakeasy remains a global reference for its conceptual cocktail proposal, technical precision, and aesthetics inspired by the speakeasies of the 1920s. The award was received by co-founders Eric Van Beek and Rodrigo Urraca, who unfurled a blanket on stage featuring all bar members.
Tlecān Reinforces Mexico’s Diversity and Maturity
At position 23, Tlecān reaffirms Mexico’s diversity and maturity with its agave essence celebration. Situated in Roma Norte, this intimate and discreet space stands out for its aesthetics. Its name, derived from Nahuatl meaning “place of fire,” reflects the homage to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic roots, evident from its entrance featuring a large carved stone with the Day of the Dead disk.
At the bar, Eli Martínez Bello, head bartender and co-owner—recognized as North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025 Altos Bartenders’ Bartender—is one of the leading agave ambassadors in the country. Her relentless search for artisanal distillates leads her to collaborate directly with producers from various regions, offering bacanora, sotol, pox, or raicilla in shots or reinterpreted in signature cocktails that always provide an unexpected twist.
Europe and Latin America on the Map
Third place went to Sips, Barcelona, recognized as The Best Bar in Europe, followed by Paradiso (also in Barcelona) and Tayēr + Elementary from London.
In Latin America, Buenos Aires shone with Tres Monos at position 10—reaffirming its title as The Best Bar in South America—and CoChinChina at 26.
Latin American representation also includes Alquímico (Cartagena, 11) and Lady Bee (Lima, 13), which won the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.
Mexico City: Blending Mystique and Technique
With Handshake Speakeasy and Tlecān in the global top 25, and Bar Mauro (54) as an emerging promise after winning the Campari One To Watch Award, Mexico City reaffirms its place among the world’s great mixologists with two distinct visions in the top 50. While Handshake perfects technical elegance and austere aesthetics, Tlecān embraces the fire of its origins, agave distillates, and cultural narrative.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who won The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025? Bar Leone in Hong Kong was named The World’s Best Bar.
- Which Mexican bar ranked second globally? Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City.
- What is the significance of Tlecān’s position? Tlecān’s 23rd place highlights Mexico’s diverse and mature cocktail scene, celebrating the essence of agave.
- What awards did Lady Bee win? Lady Bee in Lima won the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award.
- What distinguishes Mexico City’s mixology scene? It showcases a blend of mystique and technique, with Handshake Speakeasy focusing on technical elegance and Tlecān embracing cultural narratives and agave distillates.
