In a dazzling event held at a decommissioned 1950s power plant in Singapore, Barcelona’s vibrant cocktail scene took the spotlight as the intimate Sips bar claimed the coveted title of the world’s best in the 2023 World’s 50 Best Bars awards. This marks Barcelona’s second consecutive win, a feat that has historically been dominated by establishments in London and New York. The previous year’s winner, Paradiso, slipped to the fourth position, making way for fresh contenders on the global stage.

In a surprising turn, the runner-up spot was secured by Double Chicken Please, an establishment located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, showcasing the dynamic and ever-evolving New York bar scene. The global landscape of top-tier bars saw a significant shift, with Asian cities making a remarkable entrance. Seoul’s sustainability-focused Zest made a grand debut at the 18th position, while Bangkok’s Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar claimed the 19th spot, and the retro-styled BKK Social Club was crowned Asia’s top bar, securing the 13th position.

This year’s winners were selected anonymously by the World’s 50 Best Bar Academy, a panel of 680 industry insiders, including bar owners, bartenders, and critics. The judging criteria focused on the experience, allowing members to vote for the bars where they enjoyed the best overall experience.

Sips, with its mere 33 seats, stood out with its locally sourced ingredients and innovative cocktails, an establishment that managed to shine even in the midst of a pandemic. Co-founders Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez expressed their elation, acknowledging the transformative potential of this recognition for their bar. “Let’s call it a dream,” said Caporale in an interview with CNN, reflecting the sentiments of many in the industry.

While London still boasts more top-50 bars than any other city, this year marked a historic moment: for the first time since the awards’ inception in 2009, no bars in the UK capital made it to the top three. Connaught Bar, a two-time winner, secured the fifth position, a testament to its enduring excellence in London’s Mayfair district.

This annual celebration of the world’s best bars has become a global showcase of innovation, creativity, and the artistry of mixology. As cities like Barcelona and New York continue to redefine the bar scene, the 2023 World’s 50 Best Bars list stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the industry, where each sip tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and the pursuit of perfection.