The World’s 50 Best Bars, the annual ranking of the finest drinking establishments on the planet, has revealed its 2023 list on Oct. 17 in a glamorous ceremony in Singapore.
The city-state, which hosted the event for the first time, also celebrated the inclusion of three of its own bars in the prestigious list, showcasing its vibrant and diverse cocktail culture.
The highest-ranked Singaporean bar was Jigger & Pony, which climbed two spots from last year to land at number 14. A true OG of Singapore’s effervescent cocktail scene, Jigger & Pony may now be into its 11th year of existence, but it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Through years of tweaking and subtle evolutions, including its now-famed “menuzines”, it’s retained its status as one of the Lion City’s finest drinking dens.
Another Singaporean bar that made a big impression this year was Sago House, which debuted at number 32 as a new entry. Desiree Jane, Jay Gray and Abhishek C. George joined forces in 2020 to create this bar with their own bare hands, and that labor of love shines through. With a weekly rotating menu and superlative hospitality, it’s a fast-rising staple of Singapore’s superb bar scene. The bar’s ethos is to create drinks that are “simple, honest and delicious”, using fresh ingredients and local flavors.
The third Singaporean bar that made the cut was Atlas, which re-entered the list at number 48 after dropping out last year. Glitz, glamor and serious quantities of gin are the name of the game at Atlas. With a collection of bottles north of 1,300 brands, this Singaporean bar is destined to ascend its guests to a gin-based valhalla, with a little bit of Gatsby-era opulence thrown in for good measure. The bar’s stunning Art Deco interior, inspired by the grand European lobby bars of the 1920s, is a sight to behold, while the drinks menu is equally impressive.
Elsewhere from Southeast Asia, Bangkok’s BKK Social Club ranked the highest at 13th, while Mahaniyom Cocktail Bar was a new entry at 19th.
Barcelona’s Sips topped the list this year, just two years into its existence.
You can view the full list here.
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