The most influential bar ranking is moving to Milan this autumn. The 18th edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars promises not only a major reveal, but also a celebration of the creativity shaping global cocktail culture today.
The global bar community will welcome a new destination this October. The World’s 50 Best Bars will head to Milan, Italy, for the first time, where the awards ceremony for the world’s best bars of 2026 will take place. The prestigious event, sponsored by Perrier, will once again confirm its role as the most important gathering of professionals setting the direction of modern mixology.
The gala evening will feature the traditional combination of a red carpet, a cocktail reception and, above all, the unveiling of the new holder of the title of The World’s Best Bar. Top bartenders, bar managers and journalists from around the world will gather in Milan to celebrate the establishments and personalities pushing the boundaries of the industry.
How the most influential bar ranking is created
The final ranking is decided by more than 800 experts from around the world—from bartenders and consultants to journalists. The academy, divided into 29 regions, is gender-balanced, and its members vote based on their own experiences over the past few months. Furthermore, the entire process is independently audited by Deloitte, ensuring the transparency and credibility of the results.
Even before the evening itself, the rankings from 51st to 100th will be published, and two significant individual awards will be presented. The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award will recognise the establishment with the best approach to guests, whilst the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award will pay tribute to the individual who has contributed most to the development of the bartending craft.
More than just a ranking
The World’s 50 Best Bars is no longer just about the rankings. The platform has long supported the development of the industry through special awards and educational initiatives. This year in Milan, for example, the winners of the awards for best cocktail menu and bar design will be announced.
The 50 Best Bars Scholarship also plays a key role—a grant that enables one talented bartender to undertake placements at leading establishments such as Line in Athens or Tres Monos in Buenos Aires. It is precisely these initiatives that confirm that the project does not merely follow the current elite, but actively shapes the future of the entire industry.
This year, Milan will therefore not merely be the backdrop for a gala evening, but a place where the future direction of bar culture is being redefined.
Source: The World’s 50 Best Bars
