Barcelona's Sips and Paradiso among best five bars worldwide

Barcelona's Sips and Paradiso cocktail bars have ranked among the best five bars worldwide in the latest edition of the 50 World's Best Bar list, released on Wednesday night.

The two establishments previously topped the rank, Paradiso in 2022 and Sips in 2023, and they continue near the top of the list.

Sips, in the Eixample neighborhood, ranked 3, followed by Paradiso, in the Born district, which ranked 4. In first position, there is Hong Kong's Bar Leone, the first ever Asian bar to reach the top spot, followed by Mexico City's Handshake Speakeasy.

Sips is the first cocktail bar in Europe, followed by Paradiso. Back in 2024, Sips was listed as the Best in Europe and the third in the world.

The event organizers highlighted that Sips, which opened in 2021 and won in 2023, continues to "reign as a top destination for cocktail innovation."

The site is mainly centered on a bar's island design, which "deliberately eschews expectations for what a bar should look like, remains as eye-catching as ever, and drinks are a spectacle in themselves, showcasing intricate presentation and bold flavors."

Paradiso, which was named Best Bar in 2022, has been recognized for its "multi-sensory experiences, with each cocktail exploring a scientific or cosmic mystery."

List organizers said that "the ingredients and concepts, often conceived in the dedicated Paradiso Lab with a focus on sustainability, are presented in elaborate vessels that are as much a part of the show as the libations themselves."

Despite not ranking first and dropping to fourth place, Paradiso continues to be a "pilgrimage site for cocktail enthusiasts worldwide."

Sips crew thanked everyone "who has been part of this journey," as the recognition means a "world to us."

Paradiso wrote on social media that they are "truly honored to be among the top 5, something that wouldn't be possible without the constant dedication and passion of our entire team."

The only other Spain-based bar listed is Madrid's Salmon Guru, ranking 37.

Bottoms up!

Flamboyant drinks and clandestine bars, Barcelona’s cocktail scene has stepped up its game, overthrowing London and New York at the World's 50 Best Bars ranking. 

Press play below to listen to a Filling the Sink podcast released in October 2022 or subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

In the 2022 edition, three Barcelona cocktail bars ranked in the Top 10.