The 50 Best Bars has released its extended 51-100 ranking for 2026, and Europe emerges as the most represented region with 18 venues. Italy leads the continental contingent with four entries, followed by three each in Spain and the UK, two in both Sweden and Greece, and single appearances for Norway, Türkiye, France, and Ireland.
The list is compiled from votes cast by an 800-member academy, split evenly among bartenders and bar owners, drinks writers, and global cocktail experts. Each voter selects eight bars—five from their own region and three from elsewhere—and must have visited every nominated establishment within the past 18 months.
Faye Huggett, director of community for The 50 Best Bars, emphasised the importance of the extended list: “The 51-100 list has become a vital part of The 50 Best Bars programme, allowing us to recognise an even broader range of exceptional venues from around the world while encouraging cocktail lovers to discover new destinations and experiences.”
She added: “It celebrates the diversity, innovation and energy that define today’s global bar scene, shining a spotlight on establishments that consistently deliver outstanding drinks and world-class hospitality. From renowned industry favourites to rising stars pushing the boundaries of cocktail culture, the bars featured in this year’s ranking reflect the talent, passion and dedication that continue to elevate our industry.”
New entries and notable debuts
Three European venues are entirely new to the list. Bar Gabriel in Istanbul (No. 68) marks Türkiye’s first appearance, having opened just a year ago. Its signature cocktails include the kunefe, made with kunefe sherbet and pistachio vodka; the oud, featuring angostura bitters and rye whisky; and the nazar, which blends oregano, fennel, and absinthe.
Bar 1661 in Dublin (No. 98) gives Ireland its debut on the ranking. Named Ireland’s bar of the year, it offers tasting experiences with mini serves that guide guests through a menu that changes regularly but consistently highlights Irish whiskey.
Naked in Athens (No. 76) focuses on raw, unadulterated ingredients. Standout drinks include the spicy mango paloma, the Nkd-aiquiri banana, and a carob old fashioned.
Full European representation on the 51-100 list
- Tjoget, Stockholm (No. 51)
- Boadas, Barcelona (No. 52)
- Baba au Rum, Athens (No. 55)
- Freni e Frizioni, Rome (No. 62)
- Svanen, Oslo (No. 65)
- Salmon Guru, Madrid (No. 66)
- Bar Gabriel, Istanbul (No. 68)
- Panda & Sons, Edinburgh (No. 72)
- Three Sheets (Soho), London (No. 73)
- Naked, Athens (No. 76)
- Scarfes Bar, London (No. 77)
- Röda Huset, Stockholm (No. 83)
- Foco, Barcelona (No. 90)
- Gucci Giardino, Florence (No. 91)
- Drink Kong, Rome (No. 92)
- Little Red Door, Paris (No. 93)
- 1930, Milan (No. 94)
- Bar 1661, Dublin (No. 98)
Several venues are re-entries, including Paris’s Little Red Door, which returns after a year away. The full 50 Best Bars ranking for 2026 will be revealed in Milan on 7 October, a city that also hosts 1930 on this extended list.
For those planning a bar-hopping itinerary, the list offers a broad sweep of European cocktail culture—from Stockholm’s Tjoget to Rome’s Drink Kong. As Italy continues to shine in hospitality awards, its four entries here reinforce the country’s standing as a drinks destination.
The extended list also highlights the growing diversity of Europe’s bar scene, with newcomers in Istanbul and Dublin signalling fresh momentum beyond the traditional Western European hubs. Whether you are drawn to Spain’s evolving energy landscape or its cocktail bars, the country’s three entries—Boadas, Salmon Guru, and Foco—offer distinct experiences from Barcelona to Madrid.
