VisitChef.com

For seventeen years, the Brands Report has been one of the most respected barometers of the global bar scene. It is not a marketing survey but a combination of hard sales data and the opinions of those who stand behind the bar every day in the world's best establishments. The 2026 edition also brings a moment that has never happened before in the history of the ranking—the absolute winner of Bartenders' Choice is a brand that has entered it for the first time.

The Brands Report, published by Drinks International magazine, is highly respected among professionals in the beverage segment and eagerly awaited every year. The 2026 edition brought one particularly powerful moment: for the first time in history, Bartenders' Choice was dominated by a brand that entered the category straight into first place—Fords Gin. In the industry, this is known as the "players' player award": an award from those who stand behind the bar every night.

And it's no coincidence. Gin and agave continue to dominate, while some previously strong categories—rum in particular—are once again missing from Bartenders' Choice. But what is really being drunk? What is selling? And what is "in" right now, even if it's not yet selling in large volumes? Let's go category by category.

BARTENDERS' CHOICE

1. Fords Gin

2. Tanqueray No. 10

3. Hendrick’s Gin

Yes, all gins. But above all, one big story. Fords Gin became the first debutant ever to immediately climb to the absolute top in Bartenders’ Choice. Produced in South London, the brand is now thriving, particularly in the US under the wing of Brown-Forman, but its recent European relaunch—including the opening of a martini bar at the Thames Distillery—was decisive. If you're lucky, Simon Ford himself might mix you a drink during the tour.

But to be clear, Bartenders' Choice is purely an opinion-based discipline. Bars simply answer the question: "Which three brands have you enjoyed working with the most in the last 12 months?" Fords appeared in the top three at 16% of bars, just ahead of the traditional leader Tanqueray. Tanqueray has dominated this ranking in exactly half of all previous years.

Compared to 2024 and 2025, when gin and agave brands regularly mixed in Bartenders' Choice, this year's purely gin-based top three is a clear signal: classic, legibility, and bar work are back on top.

BRANDS IN COCKTAILS

Or rather, which bottles bartenders reach for most often. Knowing the best-selling brands is one thing; knowing how they are actually drunk is another. Today, cocktails determine not only volumes but also the relationship between the brand and the guest. For 2026, Drinks International focused on specific iconic drinks, and we have selected the following:
Dry Martini cocktail

1. Tanqueray

2. Fords

3. Beefeater

The Dry Martini is the ultimate test of gin, and we love Dry Martinis! With minimal vermouth, there's nowhere to hide. Tanqueray remains the long-term leader—it is used by every third bar surveyed. Fords immediately joined the elite with 20%, while Beefeater rounds off the purely traditional podium. As in 2024 and 2025, experimental botanicals have no place here yet.

Old Fashioned cocktail

1. Bulleit

2. Michter's

3. Maker’s Mark

The second most ordered cocktail in the world. Compared to 2025, the order has changed, but not the names. Bulleit narrowly beat Michter’s this year—it is reported that the difference was literally in the units of bars surveyed.

Margarita Cocktail

1. Olmeca Altos

2. Don Julio

3. Patrón

For the third year in a row, Olmeca Altos remains the most widely used tequila in the popular Margarita, confirming its position as a reliable standard in the world's best bars. The big players with global availability, strong distribution, and 100% agave clearly dominate here—Don Julio and Patrón complete the podium and together account for almost half of all Margaritas prepared in the elite on-trade.

Espresso Martini cocktail

1. Ketel One

2. Grey Goose

3. Stoli

Ketel One vodka maintains its dominant position in Espresso Martinis according to the prestigious ranking, even compared to previous years—it is used by a quarter of the world's bars surveyed. Grey Goose and Stoli remain strong and stable choices, confirming that pure style, consistency, and brand trust are the winning factors in this now fully-fledged classic cocktail.

Penicillin cocktail

1. Johnnie Walker

2. Monkey Shoulder

3. Dewar’s

Blended Scotch is a clear winner when it comes to Penicillin. Johnnie Walker confirms its long-term dominance and remains the first choice of bartenders, while Monkey Shoulder continues to maintain its reputation as the benchmark for bar quality. Dewar’s in third place shows that traditional blends still have a firm place in modern bars.

Irish Coffee cocktail

1. Jameson

2. Tullamore Dew

3. Bushmills

According to the current results, it seems that Jameson is virtually unshakeable in the Irish Coffee category—just as it was in 2024 and 2025. Tullamore Dew and Bushmills remain well behind the leader, but as established million-case brands, they maintain a stable presence in bars where this classic hot cocktail continues to enjoy popularity.

WORLD BARS REVEAL THEIR FAVORITES—AND WHAT DO OUR EXPERTS THINK?

The following overview is key because it divides the Brands Report 2026 into individual categories and offers a dual perspective: the best-selling brands in the world's best bars and those that bartenders currently consider the most "trending." While the bestseller section is based on actual sales data, the second, trend section often indicates who may become the star of the coming years.

Gin

Bestselling brands: 1. Tanqueray / 2. Beefeater / 3. Bombay Sapphire

Top trending brands: 1. Hendrick's / 2. Fords / 3. Tanqueray

Compared to 2025, the composition of the bestsellers remains unchanged, but the trends clearly show a shift: Fords Gin has gone from being an outsider to one of the fastest-growing brands.

Ambassador's comment:

What must a global gin offer today to compete with traditional and new brands?

"Today's global gin must offer exceptional quality and consistency of flavor, an authentic brand story, a balance between tradition and innovation, strong mixological versatility, an unmistakable visual identity, and a responsible approach to sustainability. Bombay Sapphire combines these attributes—thanks to carefully selected botanicals, a unique distillation process, and a strong brand story that resonates with today's consumers."

Tomáš Kučera, Coca-Cola HBC, Bombay Sapphire

Rum

Bestselling brands: 1. Bacardi / 2. Havana Club / 3. Planteray

Top trending brands: 1. Clairin / 2. Planteray / 3. Bacardi

The composition of bestsellers remains the same as in 2025, confirming the stability of classic rum brands. However, Clairin rum appears to have a stronger position in the trend section, which could indicate bartenders' curiosity and appetite for original profiles. Planteray and Bacardi complete the top three in both respects, showing that while traditional brands dominate sales, smaller and craft rums can quickly gain the attention of experts. However, rum did not make it into the initial Bartenders' Choice again, suggesting that other categories still predominate among top professionals.

Scotch Whisky

Bestselling brands: 1. Johnnie Walker / 2. The Macallan / 3. Monkey Shoulder

Top trending brands: 1. The Macallan / 2. Johnnie Walker / 3. Dewar’s

Stability in this category has continued for the third year, confirming that traditional blends and premium single malts have a firm place in the world's best bars. Johnnie Walker remains the dominant choice for blended Scotch, while The Macallan, although second in sales, shows the strength of its premium profile in the trend section. Monkey Shoulder complements the sales results and serves as the benchmark for blended malts among experts. Dewar’s in third place in the trend section indicates that bartenders’ interest in classic and versatile brands continues to grow.

Ambassador's comment:

How do you think the role of blended whisky is changing in premium bars?

"From our overall perspective, the trend shows that Blended Scotch Whisky is confirming its stability as the main alcohol base for Scotch whisky cocktails. However, the difference arises when the customer requests whisky neat, in which case they are usually willing to pay extra for a more expensive Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The role of the Johnnie Walker brand and the Blended Scotch Whisky category will continue to be justified in premium bars for several reasons: brand stability, product stability, availability, and continuous work with the bar community."

Michal Marešovský, Stock, Johnnie Walker

American Whisky

Bestselling brands: 1. Michter’s / 2. Bulleit / 3. Woodford Reserve

Top trending brands: 1. Michter’s / 2. Woodford Reserve / 3. Bulleit

Michter’s confirms its long-term strength and stability among top bars, while Bulleit and Woodford Reserve complete the bestseller podium and show that traditional Kentucky straight bourbons remain the cornerstones of American whisky. The trend section, in turn, suggests that bartenders' interest is focused on brands that combine quality, availability, and recognizable character, which Michter’s and Woodford Reserve perfectly fulfill. The ranking of trends is also interesting—Bulleit appears here too, showing that some brands that can be considered stalwarts still maintain a strong position among bartenders' new favorites.

Ambassador's comment:

In your opinion, how did Michter's gain such strong support from top bartenders?

"From my point of view, Michter's has gained the support of the world's top bartenders, mainly thanks to its consistent emphasis on quality and detail in every bottle, from the first to the last steps of production. At the same time, bartenders certainly appreciate the taste, which is great both neat and in cocktails, and last but not least, it is because the brand is authentic and does not follow trends, but goes its own way, and it is this honesty that I believe is highly valued in the bar community."

Jaroslav Modlík, UPB, Michter's

Irish Whiskey

Bestselling brands: 1. Jameson / 2. Redbreast / 3. Bushmills

Top trending brands: 1. Jameson / 2. Tullamore Dew / 3. Teeling

Jameson continues to hold an unshakeable position this year in both sales and trends, confirming its status as the undisputed leader in the Irish whiskey category. Redbreast and Bushmills remain stable players on the sales podium, while Tullamore Dew and Teeling show that bartenders are still keeping an eye on new products and brands that offer interesting profiles and innovations. The trend section thus signals that even among established million-case brands, smaller and progressive brands can quickly gain attention—and this could be especially true for Irish whiskey.

Ambassador's comment:

How does Irish whiskey compare to Scotch and American whiskey today?

"Irish whiskey today occupies a very strong position between Scottish tradition and American expressiveness. It offers a combination of smoothness, technical precision, and high drinkability, making it a natural choice for both solo drinking and the cocktail scene.

This is well illustrated by this year's Drinks International results—Bushmills maintained the same position in both categories as last year, confirming the brand's long-term consistency. Those who know me know that I love Irish Coffee. And I'm clear on that: according to the rankings, Bushmills is the third most used base for this iconic drink, but for me personally, it has been in first place for years. Consistency is simply important—for brands and bartenders alike."

Kryštof Hordina, UPB, Bushmills

Ambassador's comment:

What do you think determines whether a brand becomes a top trend?

"Authenticity, long-term consistent quality, and dialogue with the bar scene are decisive factors. A brand becomes trendy when it repeatedly inspires bartenders, works naturally in everyday bar practice, and, at the same time, responds sensitively to market developments and new consumer preferences. Thanks to its quality at a reasonable price, Teeling is becoming a lovebrand—mainly thanks to its courage to create unusual whiskies with a clear, specific character."

Tomáš Bielčík, Coca-Cola HBC, Teeling

World Whiskies

Bestselling brands: 1. Nikka / 2. Yamazaki / 3. Suntory Toki

Top trending brands: 1. Nikka / 2. Suntory Toki / 3. Ichiro’s

Japanese whiskies are confirming their strong position in global bars again this year—Nikka remains the clear leader in both sales and trends. Yamazaki and Suntory Toki complete the sales podium, while Ichiro’s appears among the trending brands, indicating that bartenders are still looking for exclusive whiskies with a distinctive character. This category shows that global whiskies are not just exotic—they are becoming an integral part of the portfolios of top bars and have the potential to quickly influence trends, mainly thanks to their quality and recognizable flavor profile.

Ambassador's comment:

Is Japanese whisky now a fully-fledged category or still an exotic product?

"Japanese whisky is now among the best in the world. Although its history is significantly younger than that of Scotland or Ireland, the Japanese have reached the same level of significance in a relatively short period of time. Today, Japan is the third largest whisky producer in the world, and Japanese whisky is a fully-fledged and respected category with a clearly defined style based on attention to detail, balance of flavors, and top quality.

The Nikka brand plays a significant role in this, dominating both Drinks International rankings for the fourth year in a row. If someone is really interested in the world of whisky—and likewise, if a bar or restaurant takes its offering seriously—experience with Japanese whisky should not be missed. An iconic example is Nikka From The Barrel, a symbol of the Japanese whisky industry, which celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and confirms why Japanese whisky is no longer an exotic product but a natural part of the world's elite.

Kryštof Hordina, UPB, Nikka

Vodka

Bestselling brands: 1. Grey Goose / 2. Ketel One / 3. Belvedere

Top trending brands: 1. Grey Goose / 2. Ketel One / 3. Tito’s

Vodka remains a staple of bar repertoires around the world. Grey Goose confirms its position as leader, while Ketel One holds a commanding place among the most sought-after brands for trendy cocktails, and Tito’s shows that small, craft vodkas can still build a strong presence in premium bars. Belvedere completes the bestseller podium and illustrates that a combination of quality, consistency, and strong branding is key to success in the vodka category.

Tequila

Bestselling brands: 1. Don Julio / 2. Patrón / 3. Olmeca Altos

Top trending brands: 1. Fortaleza / 2. Ocho / 3. Don Julio

Don Julio and Patrón confirm their strength among the best-selling brands, while Olmeca Altos has held the position of the most used tequila in Margaritas for the third year in a row (see the Brands in Cocktails section), demonstrating that 100% agave quality and global availability are key. Fortaleza and Ocho dominate the trends section, reflecting bartenders' growing interest in premium and authentic Mexican products. Tequila remains a category where tradition and innovation go hand in hand, with bartenders increasingly focusing on brands with a distinctive terroir and story.

Ambassador's comment:

What characteristics make tequila the premium choice for the best bars today?

"Today, the premium choice for the best bars is tequila that is based on craftsmanship, consistency, and a clear brand identity. For me, Don Julio is clear proof that it's not just about sales, but about the ability to build an entire category over the long term and set its direction. It is the combination of quality, clear origin, and bartenders' trust that makes Don Julio the benchmark for premium tequila."

Pavel Mandrla, Diageo Reserve, Stock

Mezcal

Bestselling brands: 1. Siete Misterios / 2. Del Maguey / 3. The Lost Explorer

Top trending brands: 1. Siete Misterios / 2. Del Maguey / 3. The Lost Explorer

A rare balanced category! Siete Misterios and Del Maguey confirm their long-term popularity among bars around the world, while The Lost Explorer, which appears among the trending brands, shows that bartenders are still looking for authentic and distinctive products with a unique character. Mezcal as a category confirms that interest in traditional agave spirits is growing and that smaller, artisanal brands can quickly gain the attention of experts without losing their premium status.

Liqueurs

Bestselling brands: 1. Campari / 2. St‑Germain / 3. Cointreau

Top trending brands: 1. Campari / 2. Chartreuse / 3. Cointreau

Campari once again confirms its dominance across the world's best bars—it is the clear choice for both classic and modern cocktails. St. Germain and Cointreau complete the podium in terms of sales, while the trend section shows that bartenders are still on the lookout for interesting and distinctive liqueurs that can give cocktails a distinctive character. Chartreuse appears among the trendy brands as a symbol of innovation and experimentation, proving that even with liqueurs, classics sell, but original products attract attention and define trends.

Ambassador's comment:

How does Campari maintain its relevance across generations of bartenders?

"Campari's relevance has long been strengthened by a combination of strong iconic drinks—on the one hand, the global symbol of mixology—Negroni—a cocktail that would not exist without Campari, has a unique character, can be described as the most popular in the world* and continues to develop thanks to a number of classic and modern variations; on the other hand, Campari Spritz as a key pillar of aperitif drinking. Negroni culminates during Negroni Week, whose popularity is growing worldwide and in which 114 establishments participated last year in Czechia alone; we have been building Spritz not only in gastronomy, but also through cultural and film collaborations.

The result is a brand that stands firmly on its Italian character, tradition, unique taste, and color, but at the same time naturally resonates with new generations of guests and bartenders."

*Source: Drinks International Brand Report 2025

Milan Zaleš, UPB, Campari

Beer

Bestselling brands: 1. Corona / 2. Asahi Super Dry / 3. Heineken

Top trending brands: 1. Guinness / 2. Asahi Super Dry / 3. Corona

Corona and Asahi Super Dry confirm their strong position among the best-selling beers in prestigious bars, while Heineken completes the trio of bestsellers and illustrates that globally known brands maintain a stable position. The trend section offers an interesting insight—Guinness appears in first place, suggesting that bartenders are looking for products with a distinctive character and story that can appeal to customers even at a time when traditional lager dominates sales. Overall, beer shows that classic brands are maintaining sales, but specialties and iconic products are defining trends.

Champagne

Bestselling brands: 1. Moët & Chandon / 2. Billecart-Salmon / 3. Ruinart

Top trending brands: 1. Billecart-Salmon / 2. Krug / 3. Ruinart

Premium cuvées are gaining strength again. Moët & Chandon confirms its position as the leader among the best-selling brands in prestigious bars again this year, while Billecart Salmon and Ruinart complete the podium, showing that traditional prestigious brands remain firmly in vogue. The trend section reveals a growing interest in Krug and Billecart Salmon, suggesting that bartenders are not only watching sales but also exclusive champagnes with a distinctive character that can add prestige and originality to any bar. Champagne thus confirms that the brand story continues to set trends.

Expert commentary:

How do you think the role of Champagne is changing in cocktail and fine-drinking bars?

"I wouldn't say that well-known cuvées are gaining ground. Rather, they are maintaining their existing position in cocktail bars. Most bars don't experience Champagne the way we do at L'Fleur ;) And in the vast majority of cocktail bars, you won't find a sommelier who would significantly address the offering and use of Champagne and, in fact, wines in general for cocktail creation... So it's similar in bars to beer and basic 'house spirits'—the item on the menu that 'wins' is not necessarily the best product. It's the one that is generally known to guests and also offers the best conditions (sponsorship, sales bonuses, money for visibility, etc.).

As for the role of Champagne in bars, I don't think it has changed significantly in recent years or decades... In most bars, it still plays the same role, in my opinion. That is, an aperitif or a light (low abv) refreshing companion for evenings spent at the bar. In bars primarily focused on entertainment, high-volume bars and clubs, it is definitely not primarily used to satisfy the taste buds, but rather to satisfy the egos of the guests present. We all saw where this sad 'show-off' style of sales can lead in the recent tragedy in Switzerland... Personally, I sincerely regret this... A noble, refined drink is being turned into a clown show for egomaniacs... But it obviously works for those companies... That's just the way the world is today..."

Miloš Danihelka, Terroir champagne

Non-alcoholic spirits

Bestselling brands: 1. Seedlip / 2. Lyre’s / 3. Martini Vibrante

Top trending brands: 1. Seedlip / 2. Lyre’s / 3. Everleaf

Seedlip and Lyre’s confirm their position as leaders among non-alcoholic spirits, with Martini Vibrante completing the sales podium and showing that both classics and innovations have their place at the bar. The trend section suggests that bartenders are increasingly looking for products that can offer a complex flavor and authentic experience without containing alcohol, and Everleaf emerges here as an interesting player that is gaining the attention of professionals. The non-alcoholic spirits category thus confirms that even without alcohol, it is possible to create sophisticated and highly sought-after cocktails.

Mixers

Bestselling brands: 1. Fever‑Tree / 2. Three Cents / 3. Schweppes

Top trending brands: 1. Three Cents / 2. Fever‑Tree / 3. The London Essence

Fever-Tree and Three Cents confirm their dominance among the non-alcoholic ingredients used by bartenders in cocktails in prestigious bars, while Schweppes completes the top three and shows that traditional brands still have their place. The trend section also reveals growing interest in The London Essence, proving that bartenders are looking for products with complex flavors and sophisticated profiles. The mixers category thus confirms that even a simple cocktail addition can determine its success and define bar trends.

Expert commentary:

What determines which mixer has a chance of succeeding in top bars today?

"I am convinced that taste and overall quality remain the top priorities for bartenders. Without these, no brand can succeed in the long term. However, product design and the way the brand is presented—i.e., how it communicates its story and values—also play a very important role.

This is closely followed by the brand's sales and marketing policy. Some mixers bring added value to bars in the form of participation in prestigious events or activities that can raise the profile of the business in global bar rankings. Benefit programs also play an important role, whether financial or in the form of bar hosting, guest shifts, and long-term support for the bar team.

Viktor Šolc, mixer expert, Vikeza Gastro

Expert commentary:

Why are bartenders increasingly viewing tonic and soda with the same seriousness as the spirit itself?

"The way bartenders think about the final taste of a drink has changed fundamentally. They realize that, especially in two-ingredient cocktails, the mixer makes up the majority of the drink, not the spirit. So if they take the utmost care in selecting gin, rum, or whisky, it makes no sense to 'ruin' the whole drink with average tonic or soda. That's why mixers are starting to be viewed with the same seriousness as the alcohol itself.

This shift has been helped by the philosophy of the Fever-Tree brand, which is based on a simple idea: if the majority of a drink is made up of a non-alcoholic ingredient, it must be the best. Today, mixers are not just a filler for the glass, but a key part of the recipe that determines the balance, texture, and overall experience—which is why three-quarters of the drink deserves the same attention as the rest.

Miroslav Ledinský and Klára Hospodárová, UPB, Fever-Tree

The biggest trends and surprises of 2026

The 2026 edition of the Brands Report clearly confirms the long-term stability of some iconic brands while also revealing new stars and shifts in the bartending sphere. Fords Gin as the overall winner of Bartenders' Choice is a historic moment—it is the first time a brand has reached the top on its debut. The trend lists show that bartenders are increasingly looking for authentic, original, and premium products that can give cocktails a distinctive character and attract customers.

At the same time, it confirms that classics still sell: from Jameson in Irish Coffee, to Moët & Chandon in Champagne, to Bacardi in rums. But new trends, craft brands, and lesser-known specialties such as Clairin, Ichiro's, and The Lost Explorer show that the world of bars is alive and dynamic—and that new stories and iconic products are constantly emerging that are worth the attention of not only bartenders but also lovers of quality drinks.

You can find the complete, easy-to-read ranking HERE.

1 / 10