Dive into this year's ranking of Asia's finest cocktail spots.
No.50 Tiao – NEW ENTRY
Beijing
This two-storey sanctuary pairs a moody dark bar downstairs for lingering, and an al fresco terrace upstairs fit for people-watching. Wherever you perch, get lost in the narrative-driven menu Worlds Apart, which interprets the 450-year legacy of the surrounding local area into cocktails.
No.49 Penicillin
Hong Kong
As the city's first closed-loop cocktail bar, Penicillin champions local and upcycled ingredients to create drinks that are as thoughtful as they are delicious. Organic ferments produced in the bar's climate-controlled fermentation chamber underpins an ever-evolving menu featuring creations such as Not The End Of – a cocktail combining black sesame gin, mung bean vermouth, lacto-fermented cucumber skin and banana cream soda.
No.48 Aqua Bar – NEW ENTRY
Bangkok
Seek respite and fun amid verdant canopies, trickling water features and the sounds of a resident DJ. Expect a drinks programme that leans confidently into heat, spice and umami, best experienced in drinks like the Quill's Midnight Spell – a potent mix of tequila and mezcal served alongside spiced, golden street corn elote.
No.47 Montana – NEW ENTRY
Hong Kong
Lorenzo Antinori of Bar Leone and Simone Caporale of Sips and Boadas fame opened Montana to create a retro cocktail party that never seems to end. Come for a line-up of reimagined '70s classics, served with plenty of playful flair – a punchy daiquiri, for example, arrives in a flower-shaped glass.
No.46 The Hudson Rooms – NEW ENTRY
Hanoi
Set within Capella Hanoi, this shape-shifting marvel channels the glamour of New York's Art Deco era, complete with bronze mirrors and marble-topped bars. By day, towers of shellfish and caviar evoke the spirit of Fulton Fish Market; by night, the room transforms into a lively cocktail destination with the red carpet rolled out.
No.45 The St. Regis Bar (Macau) – RE-ENTRY
Macau
Drinks at The St. Regis Bar hark back to the glamour of retro New York, nodding to the brand's origins in the city. Plush seating and turn-of-the-century opulence set the scene, while the cocktail menu incorporates Macanese flavours in drinks like its signature bloody Mary imbued with chorizo, pink peppercorn, piri-piri and black Chinese vinegar, all served alongside a miniature egg tart.
No.44 Problem Child – NEW ENTRY
Makati
Like any true problem child, this bar refuses to sit still. Every three months, the menu is reborn around a single colour theme, resulting in progressive drinks such as Green Sticks, a mix of rum with umami-packed wakame distillate and a punchy salsa verde. While the menu continually reinvents itself, the eye-catching setting of stainless steel, clean timber lines and clever lighting remains just as compelling.
No.43 Origin Bar – RE-ENTRY
Singapore
Housed in the flagship Shangri-La Singapore since 1971, Origin has earned its place as a landmark and shrine to the city's history. This year's X menu explores what happens when two cultures collide in a single glass in drinks like the sake-spiked Respect The Martini, which is served with a bow.
No.42 M+MS Bar – NEW ENTRY
Seoul
M+MS swaps chandeliers for concrete as the experimental sibling of Le Chamber. With stylish terracotta interiors and an in-house brewery, this venue opens as a café in the afternoon and transforms into a moody fermentation lab for the evening cocktail menu. Toast with the sour kimchi-and-tuna Yama cocktail.
No.41 The Han-Jia – NEW ENTRY
Tainan
Han-jia is a Hokkien phrase that refers both to a rare treat and to the joy of eating and drinking without restraint. The Han-Jia embodies that spirit with a whisky-led backbar and a playful sense of theatre in cocktails such as it's the Long Island iced tea riff, garnished with a cola gummy.
No.40 The Golden Tooth – NEW ENTRY
Jakarta
Among plush armchairs and the warmth of a mesmerizing skylight, dive into a menu built around flavour memory. There is an apple-pie martini called Snow White and a bacon-flavoured highball made without any bacon at all – flavours you might remember but in forms you'll never forget.
No.39 Bar Libre
Tokyo
Bar Libre has been a fixture of Tokyo's drinking scene for those in the know for more than 15 years. Regulars return for the understated jazz tracks and breadth of cocktails that cleverly fold Japanese ingredients like yuzu and shiso kombucha into classic concoctions.
No.38 Bar Trigona
Kuala Lumpur
Farm-to-bar drinking is the name of the game at this stunning high-rise location. With a programme built directly with Malaysian farmers, drinks showcase regional flavours and range from bright daytime-inspired sips to darker evening pours. Standouts include a wild-honey twist on the bee's knees and a cacao cocktail made with gin distilled from foraged Himalayan juniper.
No.37 Argo
Hong Kong
It's not every day you find yourself in a Gilded Age-style botanical conservatory overlooking one of the world's most iconic harbours. At Argo, the grandeur of the setting is matched by a cocktail programme that draws deeply on Hong Kong's rich culinary history, resulting in milk tea-and-egg tart punches and hotpot-spiced creations.
No.36 Mius – NEW ENTRY
Hong Kong
The solo debut from bartender Shelley Tai, winner of the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award, Mius takes restraint to the next level. This walk-in-only bar offers a tightly built 12-drink menu, with every cocktail containing six ingredients or fewer. The minimalist trend extends to the Mius's sleek, stainless-steel-and-walnut-clad space which earned the SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award 2026.
No.35 To Infinity & Beyond
Taipei
Cocktails are truly out of this world at this bar, whose sleek interiors are designed to resemble a spaceship. A science-focused team employs techniques such as distillation and centrifugation to create unique flavours and textures, resulting in drinks that are as imaginative as they are precise.
No.34 Workshop14 – NEW ENTRY
Hanoi
Skylights, a traditional wooden gate and soft paper lanterns create a contemplative backdrop for Workshop14's cocktails that apply modern techniques to Vietnamese ingredients. Highlights include the Pineapple Shampagne mocktail, which combines clarified juice from locally grown pineapples and dealcoholised blanc vermouth.
No.33 Bar Cham
Seoul
Dive into a modern drinks experience within a traditional hanok (house), complete with wooden beams and handcrafted furnishings. The friendly team is on hand to guide guests through the rich diversity of Korean spirits from across the country, with the national spirit soju taking centre stage.
No.32 Three X Co
Kuala Lumpur
Disguised as a barbershop, this charming speakeasy is a The Great Gatsby-worthy hideaway, complete with bottle-green walls, gold accents and vintage glassware. The atmosphere is intimate, with dark leather furnishings and warm, attentive hospitality setting the tone.
No.31 G.O.D
Bangkok
Eclectic aesthetics and elegant drinks coexist seamlessly at this cocktail den housed within a former cathedral. Graffiti-covered stone walls and live piano performances create a moody backdrop for some of Bangkok's most adventurous cocktails, such as the standout Uni Martini served ice-cold with Japanese sea urchin and a smoked olive.
No.30 Bar Spirit Forward
Bengaluru
Don't be fooled by the dark-academia aesthetic of dark wood and gilded shelves – this is an unapologetically fun bar. The menu focuses on craft and the classics executed flawlessly, best evidenced in The Old Cuban, combining rum, mint, citrus and prosecco – a deft marriage of a mojito and a French 75.
No.29 Smoke & Bitters
Hiriketiya
This shrine to the sunset pairs house-made bitters with unforgettable views across the Indian Ocean. Tucked away among coconut groves beside a popular surf break, the Michter's Art of Hospitality-winning bar celebrates Sri Lankan ingredients and hospitality through wood-fired cooking and inventive arrack-based cocktails.
No.28 Ralph's Bar – NEW ENTRY
Chengdu
Housed above the Ralph Lauren flagship in Chengdu, Ralph's Bar brings a clubby New York tavern spirit to Sichuan. With a menu developed in collaboration with Guangzhou's Hope & Sesame, the cocktail list draws on the American West, pairing cardamom-infused bourbon with tawny port and coffee liqueur, as well as rye with French and Italian bitters in a bittersweet riff on an Ol' Pal.
No.27 CMYK
Changsha
Named after the acronym for the four colours used in paper printing, CMYK is built on the idea that a handful of elements can combine to create limitless possibilities. The multi-room venue hums with energy, driven in part by an adventurous cocktail programme that's constantly evolving.
No.26 Virtù
Tokyo 
This dazzling 39th-floor destination inside Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi marries Parisian glamour with Japanese ingredients and craftsmanship. Art Deco flourishes, a dramatic 10-metre communal table and panoramic city views set the scene for a cocktail menu that bridges two great drinking capitals
No.25 Opium
Bangkok
Hidden above Asia's 50 Best Restaurants mainstay Potong, Opium draws inspiration from Bangkok Chinatown's colourful past and New York's cocktail culture. Plush interiors set the stage for a menu built around 'liquid surreality', spanning everything from aperitifs to spirit-forward creations.
No.24 Coa
Hong Kong
When Coa opened in 2017, it helped introduce a generation of Hong Kong drinkers to the wonders of agave spirits. Today, its encyclopaedic collection of mezcal and tequila remains the as influential as ever, with the bar recognised with the Rémy Martin Legend of the List Award 2026. No need to be intimidated: knowledgeable staff guide newcomers and aficionados alike.
No.23 Punch Room Tokyo
Tokyo
Inspired by London's 19th-century private clubs, Punch Room revives the historic art of punch with distinctly Japanese flair. Inside the sophisticated mezzanine hideaway, native ingredients bring an ethos of sustainability to beautifully crafted bowls and glasses alike, best sipped in the fruit-forward Davis & White or the tea and cider-based Clear Hanabi.
No.22 Gokan
Hong Kong
Set inside a former ice storage facility, Gokan explores the East Asian culinary lexicon through the lens of legendary bartender Shingo Gokan. The expansive menu spans five flavour profiles, from the fiery Mapo Mary to the delicate Watermelon Koffeezz, all served in a dramatically lit space adorned with carvings and intricate tilework.
No.21 Carrots Bar
Jakarta
Tucked beneath the streets of central Jakarta, this intimate 14-seat hideaway proves great bars don't need grand scale. Designed as a smoke-free sanctuary for conversation, Carrots serves culinary-minded cocktails arranged by strength. Try the Kretek, a negroni-inspired creation layered with chocolate and tobacco notes (without any trace of smoke).
No.20 BKK Social Club
Bangkok
Glamour comes naturally at this gilded Four Seasons hideaway, where Latin American flavours take centre stage. Agave spirits, spice and vibrant hospitality define a menu inspired by cultural icons, with the Frida Kahlo-inspired sour as a case in point. All the while, alcohol-free creations like fermented tepache and spicy horchata deserve just as much attention.
No.19 Pony Up – NEW ENTRY
Shanghai
Pony Up runs a compact, walnut-panelled room with a cartoon-map cocktail menu reinventing drinks as amusement park rides. Open day and night, try a Longjing tea-and-starfruit daiquiri for an afternoon buzz or close off the evening with a floral gin-and-camellia cocktail.
No.18 Soka
Bengaluru
Refined design meets infectious party energy at Soka, where a dramatic communal table and moody lighting set the scene for evenings that gather momentum. Cocktails are beautifully presented, with the Pi Pi Martini pairing Indian gin and jujube-pickled brine standing out alongside a tempting selection of inventive small plates.
No.17 Bar Sathorn
Bangkok
Step inside one of Bangkok's grandest heritage buildings and discover a cocktail lounge where history lingers in every detail. Dark wood, leather seating and elegant service create a timeless setting for drinks showcasing Thai ingredients. Opt for the fragrant L&L Martini that hums with lychee and longan.
No.16 Offtrack
Singapore
Music is never just background noise at Offtrack, where DJs, local artists and inventive cocktails come together beneath glowing retro interiors. Whether you're sipping a minty grasshopper solo or sharing a pitcher of beer with friends, expect an evening where the soundtrack is every bit as memorable as the sips and pan-Asian comfort bites.
No.15 Cosmo Pony
Jakarta
The first international outpost from Singapore's Jigger & Pony Group brings polished hospitality and playful cocktails to the Grand Hyatt Jakarta. Mid-century elegance meets vibrant hospitality, while a fruit-forward menu celebrates Jakarta's trading heritage in colourful drinks like the Ugly Bananas, a clever whisky sour that transforms overripe fruit into liquid gold.
No.14 Vender
Taichung
A night at Vender begins by inserting a coin into what appears to be an ordinary vending machine. Behind the secret entrance lies a playful speakeasy where Southeast Asian herbs and spices shape inventive cocktails. Try A Cigar Vending Machine, a smoky rum creation infused with Taiwanese cypress for a uniquely spicy finish.
No.13 Alice
Seoul
Follow the white rabbit through a flower shop and behind a hidden door to discover one of Seoul's most enchanting speakeasies. Playful nods to Alice in Wonderland set the stage for whimsy, while molecular techniques bring the theatrical cocktails to life.
No.12 Nutmeg & Clove
Singapore
Singapore's heritage takes the limelight at Nutmeg & Clove, where every cocktail celebrates the Lion City's people, neighbourhoods and crafts. Graphic posters and woven lamps create a playful backdrop for inventive drinks like the Shiok, which blends gin, sage, lemongrass, egg white and sandalwood into an unmistakably local sip.
No.11 Modernhaus
Jakarta
Designed more like a stylish living room than a cocktail bar, Modernhaus invites guests to settle in and join the conversation. A central communal table encourages interaction, while an informative menu helps navigate contemporary creations and hearty snacks alike. Pair the arrack-based Purple Yam cocktail with a simple bar bite of crispy cheese puffs or golden roast chicken for an effortlessly sociable evening.
No.10 Obsidian Bar – NEW ENTRY
Shenzhen
Choose your own adventure at this steampunk-inspired, two-storey bar. Downstairs, large tables beside the open kitchen set the scene for lively meals, while upstairs offers skyline views, plush seating and an impressive whisky collection.
No.9 Jigger & Pony
Singapore
Warm, welcoming and always buzzing, Jigger & Pony feels more like a beloved neighbourhood institution than a luxury hotel bar. Its playful menu-zines celebrate expertly executed classics, from an indulgent espresso martini to timeless favourites refreshed with modern precision. Behind the project is co-founder Indra Kantono – this year's recipient of the Roku Industry Icon Award.
No.8 Boilermaker
Goa
Equal parts beach shack, dive bar and craft beer destination, Boilermaker captures Goa's carefree spirit with infectious energy. Bartenders keep the conversation flowing while theatrically serving Indian IPAs, mini cocktails and an irresistible menu of comfort food.
No.7 Lennon's – NEW ENTRY
Bangkok
With stellar views from the top of the Rosewood Bangkok, Lennon's channels a mid-century recording studio aesthetic, complete with a 6,000-record vinyl shop entrance and a spiral staircase up to a cigar lounge. Bar director KT Lam's Bangkok Beats menu turns Thai dishes into cocktails, including a mango sticky rice martini and a pad Thai-inspired bourbon sour.
No.6 Bar Us
Bangkok
Every drink is treated like a course in this theatrical drinking room, where cocktails borrow the precision and creativity of fine dining. Against a dramatic backdrop of black walls and bartenders in crisp white lab coats, a menu of 'starters', 'mains' and 'afters' showcases local produce transformed through fermentation, distillation and carbonation into beautifully clear, flavour-packed creations.
No.5 MO Bar Shenzhen
Shenzhen
MO Bar pairs dazzling skyline views from the 79th floor with impeccable hospitality. Nab a window seat at golden hour or settle at the bar to watch the team's seamless choreography before sampling inventive creations such as the pu'er tea negroni.
No.4 Dry Wave Cocktail Studio
Bangkok
The ebb and flow of the ocean inform both the design and cocktail menu at this innovative Bangkok spot. Curvaceous wooden accents glow beneath halo-like lighting, creating a calm, immersive setting where familiar cocktails are reimagined with bold creativity, as proven by its take on the modern classic Ready! Aim! Fire!
No.3 Bar Leone
Hong Kong
A tribute to timeless Italian drinking culture in the heart of Hong Kong, designed around a philosophy of cocktail popolari (cocktails for the people). The bar's deceptively simple menu revives classic cocktails with a focus on Italian craftsmanship, best enjoyed in its Filthy Martini and Yuzu Negroni. Make sure to order the famous smoked olives and mortadella focaccia.
No.2 Zest
Seoul
Zest proves that environmentally conscious drinking can be every bit as exciting as it is delicious. This sleek cocktail destination embraces a zero-waste philosophy, producing everything from sodas to spirits in-house while finding inventive uses for leftover peels, pulp and produce. A case in point is the Jeju Garibaldi: freshly squeezed dekopon orange juice forms the body, while the peels are repurposed to infuse the house gin.
No.1 Hope & Sesame
Guangzhou
Hidden behind a traditional Cantonese café, Guangzhou's pioneering speakeasy pairs cutting-edge cocktail techniques with understated elegance. Clarification, sous-vide infusions and in-house distillations underpin the drinks programme, yet the atmosphere remains effortless.
Venture further inside to uncover its secondary bar, where live jazz keeps the energy flowing with drinks like the sparkling Wintermelon-High, which balances chrysanthemum, ginger and grapefruit with the sweet, nostalgic notes of winter melon tea. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2026, Hope & Sesame marks the occasion with a landmark achievement to be named The Best Bar in Asia 2026, sponsored by Perrier, the first bar in Mainland China to do so.
The list of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed at Wynn Palace, Macau, on 28 July 2026.
