There is a certain thrill that ripples through the cocktail community when The 50 Best Bars releases its extended ranking, and the newly unveiled 51–100 list for 2026 has once again given drinkers around the world an abundance of reasons to plan their next great bar crawl. Announced on 25 September 2026, the extended list is a prelude to the much-awaited full ranking, which will be revealed in Milan, Italy, on 7 October. This year, Europe emerges as the most represented region on the extended list, with an impressive 18 venues making the cut. Among these, Italy stands out with four bars, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom with three each, while Sweden and Greece each contribute two. Norway, Türkiye, France, and Ireland each have one spot. It is a testament to the continent’s enduring influence on global cocktail culture, from centuries-old café-bars to sleek, experimental newcomers. But perhaps more importantly, the list is not just a ranking; it is a curated map of discovery, encouraging both seasoned connoisseurs and curious travellers to look beyond the obvious cocktail capitals and explore the hidden gems, the neighbourhood favourites, and the boundary-pushing venues that define the modern bar scene.
The credibility of this list rests on a rigorous and deeply democratic voting process, which is worth understanding before raising a glass to any of the honorees. The 50 Best Bars academy is made up of roughly 800 voters, carefully chosen to represent a broad spectrum of expertise and perspective. One third of the academy consists of bartenders and bar owners, the people who live and breathe the craft every single day. Another third is made up of drinks writers, who observe the industry with a critical and analytical eye. The final third comprises global cocktail experts, whose palates have been shaped by years of tasting, travel, and trend-spotting. Each voter nominates eight bars: five from their own region and three from the international stage. Crucially, they must have visited each bar within the previous 18 months, ensuring that the opinions are not based on hearsay or faded memories but on real, recent, and tangible experiences. As Faye Huggett, director of community for The 50 Best Bars, put it, the extended list has become “a vital part of the programme,” allowing the organisation to recognise a wider range of exceptional venues while encouraging cocktail lovers to discover new destinations. It is, she explained, a celebration of “the diversity, innovation and energy that define today’s global bar scene,” shining a light on establishments that consistently deliver outstanding drinks and world-class hospitality. That sense of dedication and authenticity permeates every name on the list.
Among the most exciting stories this year are three entirely new entries making their debut on the extended list, each representing a country’s first appearance and each bringing a distinct personality to the global stage. Bar Gabriel, at number 68, marks Türkiye’s debut, and it has done so in spectacular fashion despite opening only a year ago. Situated in Istanbul, a city already renowned for its rich culinary traditions, Bar Gabriel draws on those flavours with an inventive and deeply evocative menu. The kunefe, for example, is a cocktail inspired by the beloved Turkish dessert, made with kunefe sherbet and pistachio vodka. There is also the oud, a smoky, aromatic concoction featuring angostura bitters and rye whisky, and the nazar, which incorporates oregano, fennel, and absinthe, a nod to the protective blue eye charm found throughout the region. Not to be outdone, Bar 1661 in Dublin at number 98 marks Ireland’s first appearance on the list. Already named Ireland’s bar of the year, it offers tasting experiences built around mini serves that guide guests through a thoroughly considered menu. While the menu changes periodically, it consistently places Irish whiskey at the heart of the experience, offering a modern interpretation of Ireland’s greatest liquid export. Then there is Naked in Athens, at number 76, whose entire concept revolves around raw, naked ingredients. The menu is a love letter to simplicity and purity, with standout drinks including the spicy mango paloma, the Nkd-aiquiri with banana, and the carob old fashioned, each one a reminder that sometimes the most honest ingredients create the most memorable cocktails.
The European bars on the extended list are a wonderfully eclectic mix of longstanding institutions, cult favourites, and bold new voices. At number 51, Tjoget in Stockholm leads the European charge, a bar known for its effortlessly cool atmosphere and deeply thoughtful approach to drinks. Just one spot behind, Barcelona’s Boadas at number 52 has been pouring classics since 1933, making it one of the oldest cocktail bars in the world and a true living piece of history. Further down the list, Baba au Rum in Athens at number 55 represents Greece’s ongoing love affair with rum-based cocktails and Caribbean-inspired hospitality, while Freni e Frizioni in Rome, at number 62, is a former garage and body shop transformed into one of the Eternal City’s most beloved aperitivo destinations. Oslo’s Svanen at number 65 brings a touch of Scandinavian elegance and subtlety, while Madrid’s Salmon Guru at number 66 is a riot of colour and creativity, where the decor is as adventurous as the cocktail menu. Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons at number 72 is a truly hidden gem, disguised as a barber’s shop on the outside but revealing a whimsical, speakeasy-style interior once you find the way in. London makes its presence felt with Three Sheets in Soho at number 73, a compact and minimalist bar that has earned a devoted following for its no-fuss, brilliantly executed drinks, and Scarfes Bar at number 77, tucked inside the elegant Rosewood Hotel, where the atmosphere is reminiscent of a grand old library, complete with a fireplace, velvet armchairs, and a menu that celebrates classicism with a playful twist.
The second half of the European list continues to showcase the depth and variety of the continent’s bar scene. Röda Huset in Stockholm at number 83, whose name translates to “The Red House,” offers a cosy and unpretentious setting that has made it a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Barcelona reappears with Foco at number 90, a venue that brings a Latin American energy to Spain’s vibrant cocktail landscape, while Florence’s Gucci Giardino at number 91 blends high fashion with high-quality mixology, located within the lush confines of the Gucci Garden complex. Rome’s Drink Kong at number 92 is a masterclass in immersive design, where the interiors are as layered and complex as the drinks themselves, each cocktail telling a story through its flavours, textures, and presentation. Paris, a city that needs no introduction when it comes to drinking culture, is represented by Little Red Door at number 93, a venue that has long been a favourite among cocktail purists for its understated exterior and its constantly evolving, theme-driven menus. Milan, which will soon host the grand reveal of the full 50 Best Bars ranking, features its own 1930 at number 94, a name that evokes the golden era of Italian bar culture while grounding itself firmly in contemporary techniques and tastes. Finally, Bar 1661 in Dublin at number 98 closes out the Irish debut, and as the list draws to a close, it becomes clear that these 18 European bars are not simply a collection of places to drink; they are cultural ambassadors, each one representing a unique local identity, a particular set of ingredients, and a passionate team of people behind the bar.
As the extended list settles in and cocktail enthusiasts around the world begin to map out their next trips, it is worth reflecting on the deeper significance of this annual ritual. The 51–100 list is far more than an appendix to the main ranking; it is a celebration of the entire ecosystem of drinking, from the internationally renowned institutions to the rising stars that are just beginning to push the boundaries of cocktail culture. It recognises the talent, passion, and dedication of the people who work behind the counter, the ones who transform simple spirits and fresh ingredients into moments of joy, surprise, and connection. For travellers, this list is an invitation to step off the beaten path and seek out the local bars where the bartender remembers your name, where the menu is written in the language of the city, and where every drink tells a story. For industry professionals, it is a source of inspiration and a reminder that excellence can be found in every corner of the globe. And for everyone else, it is simply a beautifully curated guide to some of the best places on earth to sit down, raise a glass, and enjoy the craftsmanship and hospitality that make the modern bar such a beloved institution. With the full ranking set to be unveiled in Milan on 7 October, the countdown has officially begun, and if the extended list is any indication, the top 50 will be nothing short of extraordinary. So whether you are a fan of a perfectly shaken martini, a smoky mezcal old fashioned, or a tenderly made non-alcoholic creation, there has never been a better time to explore the world of bars. Cheers to the bars on this list, to the ones that will soon join them, and to all the wonderful, patient, and creative people who make the world’s bar culture so endlessly fascinating.
