What’ll it be?
The World’s 50 Best Bars has unveiled their annual list of, well, the 50 best bars around the world, and we’ve rounded up some of the more interesting libations from the drink menus of the top nine. Enjoy!
Cannaught Bar, London
Stylish and elegant this London establishment launched its own gin which, since it debuted last year, has since become the most requested libation in the form of personalized martinis served to guests on a “showpiece trolley.” The most notable part of the drink menu, titled “Masterpieces”—“legendary cocktails for which this bar is renowned”—features 10 beverages, including the “Good Fellas” (Cardamom leaf-infused Woodford Reserve whiskey, Martini rubino, Abbott’s bitters, black cardamom syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Elicrisio aroma”) and the Fleurissimo, a drink inspired by Princess Grace of Monaco that contains violet liquer, homemade bitters, and champagne.
Floreria Atlantico, Buenos Aires
Found via a nondescript door in a florist’s shop, this historically-rich speakeasy aspires to celebrate “to good and the great of Argentina” in its décor and in its cocktail menu which also features house-made gin and this delightful-looking creation.
Recommended Fodor’s Video
The Nomad, New York
One of the most delightful things about this bar’s cocktail menu is the names of the cocktails themselves; just to name a few: the “Banana Dance”—Irish whiskey, Oloroso sherry, banana, and brown butter—and the “Detox Retox,” which has whiskey, rum, and coconut water (for the dehydrated crowd). It’s also worth noting that the menu has a “Cocktails for Two” section, featuring their take on the rum-heavy Tiki classic “Zombie,” and a “Cocktail Explosions” section (which serves 4-8, depending on your tolerance), featuring a drink called “Paint It Black,” which is described as “I look inside myself and see my heart is black.” It’s a tequila drink.
American Bar, London
Established in 1893, American Bar (located in London’s The Savoy) is the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain. What’s interesting about this menu is its theme, which is inspired by a Spotify playlist that’s centered on artists who have entertained guests at the bar over the years. For example, the “Sun Sun Sun” is based on George Harrison’s “Here Comes the Sun” and contains Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lime, and egg white. Another drink, “Don’t Panic,” was inspired by that time Elon Musk sent a car into space with “Space Oddity” playing on loop and the words “Don’t Panic” on the navigational screen; the beverage contains such ingredients as rum, sherry, and hibiscus water.
The Clumsies, Athens
Complete with a fireplace, bookcase, and vinyl LPs, a welcoming atmosphere permeates this downtown Athens bar, which is actually set in a townhouse. Indulgences include the sweet and sour “Metamorphosis” with smoky whiskey, corn, peach brandy, and bergamot, and the interesting “Eureka” which is concocted with apricot vermouth, mescal, and mesovone cheese. Yes, cheese. Additionally, how enticing is this blue Negroni?!
INSIDER TIPThe menu even includes a recipe guide—thoughtful!
Attaboy, New York
There’s no menu here per se, but rest assured, you’ll still get a unique cocktail experience. At Attaboy, a bartender appears as soon as you’re seated and assesses your mood to determine your drink order (so, perhaps keep that in mind before entering). This bar is known for making a good Penicillin (a scotch-based drink), which makes sense because the bar’s co-owner, Sam Ross, literally invented it.
Atlas, Singapore
This place offers—are you ready for it—1,300 different labels of gin. However, there is quite an array of non-gin-centric beverages on the menu, which is organized and inspired by different decades, including “The Age of Airships” section which is home to “The Transatlantic” (rye whiskey, toasted fennel, wasabi oil, lemon, fresh apple, and bitters) and “The Discovery of King Tutankhamun” where “Curse of the Pharaohs” (tequila, Italian bittersweet liquer, lemongrass, citrus, and spice) lies.
The Old Man, Hong Kong
Dedicated to Ernest Hemingway, each of the drinks at this joint is named after one of the author’s famous texts, including “The Torrents of Spring,” which is prepared with mezcal, pear, pom-beet shrub, and charcoal and the “A Moveable Feast,” a mix of rotovap sea, clear spice cherry tomato, coconut, and oyster leaf-infused in cheese wax.
