From a Roman-inspired neighbourhood bar in Hong Kong to sleek mixology lounges in Singapore, Bangkok, and Tokyo, Asia dominates this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars ranking, proving the region has truly arrived on the global cocktail stage.

Alas, none of Kuala Lumpur’s top bars have yet managed to crack the code to appearing on the global list of the best, but one bar in Hong Kong is about to get a lot more crowded.

When it comes to the art of the cocktail, Asia has officially taken centre stage. The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, revealed at a glittering ceremony in Hong Kong, crowned the city’s Bar Leone as the No. 1 bar in the world – the first time ever that an Asian venue has clinched the top spot.

Helmed by Rome-born bartender Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone channels Italian warmth through polished simplicity: polished wooden counters, vintage charm, and an unpretentious menu of classic cocktails with a twist. “We wanted to feel like your neighbourhood bar,” Antinori said. “No smoke and mirrors – just comfort, hospitality, and soul.”

The win was cheered loudly by the hometown crowd, a fitting moment for Hong Kong’s thriving bar scene, which continues to evolve beyond glitzy rooftop spots to places that feel more personal and expressive. Bar Leone’s win is also a victory for the region, with Asia claiming nine of the top 50 positions this year – more than ever before.

Not far behind, Singapore’s Jigger & Pony (No. 9) maintained its long-standing reputation as one of Asia’s most consistent cocktail powerhouses, known for its refined classics and warm, understated hospitality. The Lion City’s Nutmeg & Clove also earned a place at No. 50, while Coa, another Hong Kong favourite and former two-time global champion, landed at No. 38, proving its enduring appeal among both locals and visiting cocktail lovers.

Elsewhere in the region, Bar Us in Bangkok (No. 15) stood out for its inventive approach to tropical flavours, while Seoul’s Zest (No. 16) continued to draw attention for its sustainability-driven cocktails and sleek design. Tokyo remains a perennial favourite on the list, represented this year by Bar Benfiddich (No. 18), Virtu (No. 43), and The Bellwood (No. 48), each combining Japanese precision with inventive flair. Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame also made the cut at No. 29, rounding out a strong Asian showing across the board.

Outside of Asia, the rest of the top three went to Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City (No. 2) and Sips in Barcelona (No. 3), both renowned for their theatrical presentation and boundary-pushing techniques. London, long a stalwart of the bar scene, still dominated Europe’s entries with Connaught Bar (No. 6) and Tayēr & Elementary (No. 5), while New York City’s cocktail culture continued to impress with three entries, including Superbueno and Double Chicken Please.

But it was Asia that drew the spotlight this year. Experts attribute the region’s surge to a blend of innovation, accessibility, and storytelling – bartenders creating drinks rooted in local culture while delivering them with world-class finesse. Whether it’s a yuzu-infused Negroni in Tokyo, a pandan martini in Singapore, or a tequila twist in Hong Kong, the best bars here are serving experiences that feel authentically Asian yet globally relevant.

Asia’s growing dominance in mixology reflects how far the region’s bar culture has come – from hidden speakeasies and hotel lounges to internationally acclaimed hotspots that blend local identity with global sophistication. We’ll be looking forward to seeing some Kuala Lumpur entries on this list in the coming years, but for now, with Bar Leone leading the charge, it’s clear the world is ready to raise its glass eastward.

Unless otherwise noted, photos are courtesy of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

For the extended list, covering spots 51-100, CLICK HERE.