The 2024 edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars once again highlights the excellence of Latin American bars, with 11 establishments receiving awards. Bars in Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Brazil and Peru stand out for their creativity and commitment to sustainable practices. Dominated by bold concepts and innovative use of local ingredients, this region confirms its place as a leader in the world of mixology.
Mexico’s Triumph: Handshake Speakeasy at the Summit
Mexico, with four establishments in the ranking, shone particularly brightly this year. At the top, Handshake (1st place) in Mexico City, stands out as the best bar in the world in 2024. With its speakeasy atmosphere and exceptional service, this establishment embodies the elegance and innovation of the Mexican cocktail scene.
Tlecān (20th) and Licorería Limantour (32nd), also based in Mexico City, continue to impress with their quality. El Gallo Altanero (48th) in Guadalajara completes the list with its creations inspired by Mexican traditions, particularly around tequila and mezcal.
Argentina in force: three of the best bars
Argentina also confirms its important place in world mixology with three bars in the ranking, all located in Buenos Aires.
Tres Monos (7th), known for its inventive cocktails and use of local ingredients – including a house whisky – is a must for mixology fans. CoChinChina (22nd) stands out for its fusion of Asian, French and South American flavours, while Florería Atlántico (46th), a bar hidden behind a flower shop, remains a pioneer in avant-garde cocktails.
Colombia: Alquímico and La Sala de Laura in the ranking
Colombia stands out with two exceptional bars. Alquímico (8th), in Cartagena de Indias, has made it into the world’s top bars thanks to its commitment to sustainability and the use of local ingredients from its own farm. Each floor of this establishment, located in a colonial building in the historic centre, offers a different experience, creating a unique sensory journey.
La Sala de Laura (44th), in Bogotá, also makes its debut in the rankings. This bar is renowned for its warm atmosphere and sophisticated cocktails, which combine tradition and modernity.
View this post on Instagram
Peru: Lima on the rise
Peru is represented by Lady Bee (16th) in Lima. This innovative bar, which draws on the country’s natural riches, offers avant-garde cocktails using local ingredients, such as those from the Amazon rainforest. This blend of tradition and modernity makes it one of the most creative establishments in the country.
Brazil: A Constantly Developing Scene
Brazil, with Tan Tan (31st) in São Paulo, continues to develop on the international cocktail scene. This bar fuses Japanese elegance with Brazilian boldness to create a unique mixology experience. Its rise up the rankings underlines Brazil’s emergence as a major player in the world of bars.
Why does Latin America excel in the world of bars?
The rise of Latin America in the 50 Best Bars ranking can be explained by a number of factors:
- An exceptional wealth of local ingredients: The region’s biodiversity allows mixologists to create unique cocktails with tropical fruits, rare herbs and exotic spices, offering unrivalled flavours.
- Creativity and innovation: Inspired by local traditions, Latin American establishments are reinventing the art of the cocktail by adding modern touches. This creativity is nurtured by indigenous cultures and ancestral culinary techniques, giving the region’s bars a strong identity.
- A commitment to sustainability: Many bars, such as Alquímico, adopt environmentally-friendly practices, growing their own ingredients and working with local producers to minimise their ecological footprint, reflecting a global trend towards more ethical experiences.
- Hospitality and friendliness: Latin American bars also stand out for their warm welcome, creating a unique atmosphere where customers feel right at home.
With 11 bars in the ranking, Latin America is proving that its mixology scene is booming and is now a world reference. Establishments such as Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico, Tres Monos in Argentina and Alquímico in Colombia show that this region is a model of excellence in mixology.
