The cocktail world turned its attention to Macau on July 28, when the highly anticipated Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list was unveiled, honoring the region’s top drinking destinations. Singapore emerged as a standout, with four bars earning coveted spots and one industry legend taking home a career-defining award.
Compiled from the votes of more than 300 bartenders, bar owners, drinks writers, and cocktail experts across Asia, this year’s rankings recognized 50 bars spanning 22 cities. The list featured 14 new entries and two returning favorites, reflecting the dynamic evolution of the region’s cocktail scene.
Jigger & Pony leads Singapore’s charge at No. 9, once again claiming the title of Singapore’s Best Bar. The polished cocktail lounge, known for its meticulous service and inventive menu, has become a perennial powerhouse on the regional stage.
Joining it is Nutmeg & Clove at No. 12, a bar whose drink program draws creative inspiration from Singapore’s history, landmarks, and hawker culture. Nearby, the music-focused listening bar Offtrack secured No. 16, proving that sound and spirits make a compelling pairing. Making a welcome return after dropping off last year’s list is Origin Bar at No. 44, reclaiming its place among Asia’s elite.
Singapore also walked away with one of the night’s top individual honors. Indra Kantono, co-founder of Jigger & Pony, received the Roku Industry Icon Award 2026, which recognizes individuals who have made a lasting and significant contribution to Asia’s bar industry.
The top prize of the evening went to Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame, crowned The Best Bar in Asia 2026 after seven consecutive years on the rankings. Hidden behind a traditional Cantonese shop in the city’s Dongshankou district, this speakeasy is celebrated for cocktails inspired by Cantonese cuisine and the culinary traditions of Chinese communities worldwide.
Zooming out, China delivered its strongest performance yet with seven bars in the top 50, including two Shenzhen venues breaking into the top 10. Bangkok remained the region’s most represented city with eight entries, while Hong Kong followed closely with seven. Seoul, Jakarta, and Singapore each secured four spots.
Here are the top 10 bars on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026:
- Hope & Sesame (Guangzhou)
- Zest (Seoul)
- Bar Leone (Hong Kong)
- Dry Wave Cocktail Studio (Bangkok)
- MO Bar Shenzhen (Shenzhen)
- Bar Us (Bangkok)
- Lennon’s (Bangkok)
- Boilermaker (Goa)
- Jigger & Pony (Singapore)
- Obsidian Bar (Shenzhen)
For cocktail enthusiasts planning their next bar crawl, the list offers a roadmap to the continent’s most innovative drinking experiences. Singapore’s strong showing—bolstered by Kantono’s industry icon win—cements the city-state’s reputation as a global cocktail capital, while the rise of Chinese and Thai bars signals a shifting landscape where local flavors and storytelling take center stage. Whether you’re a seasoned spirits aficionado or a curious traveler, these rankings provide a compelling starting point for exploring Asia’s vibrant bar culture.