Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - The Best of the Best: London's Connaught Bar

The Connaught Bar in London’s posh Mayfair neighborhood has earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest cocktail destinations. Over the past decade, mixology maestro Ago Perrone has elevated the bar to new heights, combining technical precision with creativity and storytelling. The result is an experience that delights all the senses.

Stepping into the Connaught Bar feels like entering a sophisticated gentleman’s club from decades past. Dark wood paneling, plush leather seats, and low lighting set the mood. This is a place to relax over conversation and carefully crafted cocktails. The bar takes service just as seriously as the drinks. White-gloved bartenders and attentive waitstaff cater to every need without being overbearing.

Of course, most patrons come for the cocktails. Perrone approaches each drink like edible art. Vibrant ingredients and garnishes add intrigue while flavors strike perfect balance. Signatures like the Mulata Daisy mix aged rum with licorice root, chocolate, and citrus. The Sakura mixes Japanese whiskey with cherry blossom and jasmine for an alluring floral aroma. Such creativity lands the Connaught Bar on “World’s Best Bar” lists year after year.

Beyond the drinks, the experience immerses you in what Perrone calls “martini culture.” Subtle details like chilled martini glasses, tableside cocktails preparations, and roaming martini trolleys transport you to another era. An extensive martini list presents both classics and contemporary riffs. You may even catch one of the bar’s cocktail classes or events.

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - Go Back in Time at New York's Attaboy

Tucked away on a quiet block of New York’s Lower East Side, Attaboy feels like stepping into a speakeasy from the Roaring Twenties. But this intimate cocktail den offers far more than nostalgia and kitsch. For devoted drinkers, Attaboy stands out as one of America’s premier destinations for finely crafted classics alongside cutting-edge creations.

The brainchild of legendary bartender Sasha Petraske, Attaboy first opened in 2013 as a continuation of the renowned Milk & Honey. Sadly, Petraske passed shortly after, leaving the bar in trusted hands to carry on his legacy. While the exterior remains discreet, the interior revels in vintage aesthetics. Subdued lighting and dark woods exude cozy warmth. A long wooden bar centering the room offers prime vistas and banter with the sharp bartenders.

So what exactly makes Attaboy a pilgrimage for in-the-know imbibers? Start with the staff, widely considered among the industry’s best. Their exhaustive knowledge spans cocktail history, obscure liqueurs, and proper preparation techniques. Such expertise translates to unparalleled service marked by patience and precision. Each drink is crafted individually with care.

The menu epitomizes “less is more.” A dozen or so classic cocktails anchor the offerings. Think perfect renditions of the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Negroni prepared how they first graced the scene. Beyond these, bartenders engage patrons on flavors and make personalized recommendations from a vast mental catalog. This opens the door to bespoke tipples you won’t taste anywhere else.

While lacking showy gimmicks, Attaboy delights through subtle touches. Cocktails arrive unadorned in elegant glassware so flavors take the spotlight. Ice comes carved in a single perfect cube. The team forages local greenmarkets for garnishes and homemade ingredients like tinctures, bitters, and syrups. Taken together, it’s a transportive experience belying Attaboy’s modest exterior and décor.

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - Immerse Yourself in History at Madrid's 1862 Dry Bar

Steeped in over 150 years of history, 1862 Dry Bar transports you back to 19th century Madrid through impeccable service, vintage decor, and lovingly prepared cocktails. Tucked away on the second floor of the NH Collection Palacio de Tepa hotel, a stay at this former palace is like traveling through time.

Climbing the grand staircase, you feel whisked away to 1862, the year emblazoned throughout the bar. Gilded mirrors, dramatic drapes, and ornate chandeliers set the stage. Leather chairs and wood paneled walls exude old world charm. Through floor-to-ceiling arched windows, views of the city evoke Madrid's bygone grandeur.

Yet the real magic happens behind the bar's original 19th century counter. Here, vest-clad bartenders channel history through precise mixology using ingredients like botanicals, bitters, vermouth and sherry. Many recipes date back 150 years or more. Some even originated right within the palace walls, created for Spanish nobility and bourgeoisie of past centuries.

Signatures like the Duque Sour and Marquesa's Bitter balance orgeat, orange liqueur and bitters for flavors as complex as their backstories. The El Viejo Fashioned riffs on the classic Old Fashioned with barrel-aged rum and aromatic bitters. For beginners, the 1862 Dry Martini provides an approachable intro to their house style.

But 1862 Dry Bar's crown jewel is their namesake 1862 Dry Gin. Distilled just for the bar in small batches, the gin achieves a one-of-a-kind flavor profile through a 12 botanical recipe. Sip it straight, on the rocks or in cocktails for the full 1862 experience. You can even join a guided gin tasting for an in-depth journey.

Beyond the drinks, impeccable service completes the immersion into historic high society. Black-tie clad waiters glide about silently anticipating guests' needs. Meanwhile, the veteran bartenders engage patrons as if old friends, sharing stories behind each libation.

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - Drink in the Views at The Rocks in Sydney

Perched on the edge of Sydney Harbour, The Rocks presents jaw-dropping views of the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge that'll leave you shaken and stirred. This historic neighborhood serves as home to some of the city's trendiest bars where innovative mixologists craft cocktails as stunning as the panoramas.

The Grace Hotel's h.o.m.e. rooftop bar captures the quintessential Sydney experience. As one of the only rooftop venues directly on the harbour, vistas sweep from Circular Quay to the distant heads with unobstructed views of the bridge and opera house. Arrive in time for sunset when the golden light bathes the water and cityscape. Signatures like the lychee martini and espresso martini complement the scenery. Or try their 'Spiced Rock' with Aussie rum, orange and aromatic bitters.

Over at The Glenmore Hotel, their rooftop The Glenmore Rooftop offers front-row views of the harbour bridge from atop historic Cumberland Street. Vintage neon signs, exposed brick and distressed leather couches channel a hip, laidback vibe. Their menu spans Aussie craft beers, wines and share plates alongside inventive cocktails like the 'Harbour Hugger' with vodka, Aperol and grapefruit.

For a ritzy experience, Blu Bar on 36 is a glamorous lounge and terrace perched 36 floors above The Shangri-La Hotel. Situated beside the iconic Sydney Tower, it floats amongst the city's tallest skyscrapers. From plush sofas, floor-to-ceiling windows frame unbeatable vistas of the harbour bridge and opera house with a bird's eye view of the buzzing streets below. Their menu matches the sleek ambiance with luxe ingredients and presentation.

If seeking ultimate exclusivity, Pony Restaurant's invite-only Backroom cocktail lounge sits secreted away with direct views of the Harbour Bridge pylons. Accessible only to diners or those 'in the know', the intimate space mixes craft cocktails with a high-end, speakeasy atmosphere. For the full experience, book the Chef's Table tucked discretely behind a two-way mirror overlooking the main dining room.

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - Get Shaken AND Stirred at Singapore's Native

Amongst the futuristic skyscrapers and bustling streets of Singapore, Native stands out as an oasis celebrating the island city-state's indigenous ingredients through boundary-pushing cocktails. Since opening in 2009, Native has earned acclaim as one of Asia's trailblazing bars at the forefront of the region's craft cocktail movement.

Stepping inside Native feels more like entering a rainforest greenhouse than a bar. Lush greenery climbs the walls and hangs from overhead planters while rattan furnishings add to the tropical vibe. Touches like woven food baskets as lampshades reinforce the locale. Yet the real magic happens behind the bar, where head bartender and owner Vijay Mudaliar continues to innovate.

Mudaliar views cocktails as an extension of Singapore's rich culinary heritage. His hyper-local approach spotlights native flavors through unusual ingredients like buah keluak, a nut with meaty, bitter notes. Signatures like the Kaya Toast make use of pandan, a grass whose fragrant leaves flavor Southeast Asian desserts. The bar's celebrated ice kachang sees shaved ice doused in evaporated milk then drizzled with vibrant cordials evoking the classic Singaporean treat.

Yet Mudaliar's vision extends beyond novelty into craftsmanship. Spirits like jasmine-infused gins and tangy calamansi lime liquors are distilled in-house allowing unparalleled control. Pineapple leaves, wild figs, turmeric root, coriander seeds, and berries harvested nearby add complexity through tinctures, shrubs, and syrups. Nuanced flavors sing in balanced creations like the Singapura Sling revamping the iconic Singapore Sling.

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - Experience Japanese Craftsmanship at High Five in Tokyo

Tucked away on the fourth floor of a Ginza office building, High Five makes accessing Tokyo’s exclusive cocktail scene an egalitarian experience marked by Japanese hospitality. There are no hidden entrances, dress codes or pretentious airs. Instead, owner Hidetsugu Ueno warmly welcomes guests into his refined vodka bar like old friends visiting his living room.

Despite the laid-back vibe, High Five represents the pinnacle of Japanese cocktail culture through its obsessive attention to detail. Ueno sources only premium vodka and ingrediants to concoct creations balancing sophistication with simplicity. His custom hexagonal ice cubes and hand-carved spheres transform basic cocktails into artisanal masterpieces. Beyond the technical prowess, Ueno elevates the experience through quintessentially Japanese hospitality known as omotenashi. His team caters to patrons with the care of an honored guest at a ryokan, anticipating needs and tailoring recommendations.

Yet High Five’s crown jewel is its namesake original vodka, virtually unheard of for a bar to distill its own base spirit in-house. Over years, Ueno painstakingly developed his quintuple-distilled, rice-based Ultra High vodka to achieve a neutral yet lush mouthfeel. Sip it chilled as shots of shochu, the traditional Japanese spirit. Or sample it simply on the rocks to appreciate the ultra-smoothness.

Naturally, Ultra High stars in bespoke cocktails equal parts delicate and complex. Signatures like the Sakura Martini subtly infuse vodka with cherry blossom before mingling it with jasmine liqueur. The bar’s purest expression, the quintessence Martini mixes Ultra High with just a hint of dry vermouth and orange bitters, allowing the vodka’s crisp purity to shine.

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - Find Tropical Bliss at Broken Shaker in Miami

Nestled within the Freehand Miami boutique hostel, Broken Shaker transports guests to a lush tropical oasis in the heart of the Magic City. Since opening in 2012, Broken Shaker has skyrocketed to global fame as a pioneer of Miami’s craft cocktail culture. Yet its success stems not from trendy gimmicks, but an unwavering commitment to quality ingredients, skilled bartenders, and transportive ambiance.

Stepping into Broken Shaker’s sun-drenched courtyard, you’ll instantly embrace the laidback vibe that defines the bar. Lush palms, hanging ferns, and colorful botanical murals reinforce the tropical environs. Wooden tables, cozy couches, and hammocks tucked under Tiki-style thatched roofs promote lingering. Without walls, the bar seamlessly blends with its hostel surroundings and Miami’s balmy climate.

Yet Broken Shaker’s magic unfolds once you belly up to the bar. Here, a team of ace bartenders blur the line between mixology and alchemy. Fresh herbs plucked from the on-site garden, artisanal bitters, and hand-squeezed juices transform spirits into vibrant elixirs. Many ingredients get a local touch, like Key lime, passionfruit, and guava. Signatures like the mezcal-based Domingo Sour burst with tropical flavors, while the Cohiba Old Fashioned reimagines the classic with a Cuban twist. Those seeking something lighter can opt for refreshing spritzes, sangrias or chilled rosé.

Still, it’s the people and atmosphere that truly distinguish Broken Shaker. Passionate bartenders engage guests in lively conversations on upcoming events, cocktail trends or simply weekend plans. Servers roam with small bites like empanadas, ceviche and Arepa sliders in case hunger strikes. Chill tunes set an upbeat yet relaxed mood aslocals and travelers mingle over drinks in the courtyard. You may just make some new friends by last call.

Shaken, Not Stirred: The Top Cocktail Bars Around the Globe for 2022 - Sip Natural Concoctions at Little Red Door in Paris

Tucked away on a quiet side street in Paris’ arty Oberkampf neighborhood, Little Red Door feels worlds apart from the bustling metropolis. Stepping inside this cozy cocktail sanctuary is like entering a friend’s living room. Exposed brick walls, thrift shop paintings, and flea market furnishings exude bohemian charm. While unpretentious in decor, Little Red Door remains fiercely dedicated to its craft – natural wines and plant-based cocktails.

Since 2013, Little Red Door has pioneered Paris’ natural wine movement while staying ahead of ever-shifting trends. Yet fads never compromise their focus on organic, ethical farming practices and minimal intervention in the cellar. The menu spans unique varietals and appellations, spotlighting family-owned vineyards committed to sustainability. Funky, unfiltered orange wines share space with vibrant Loire Valley reds and crispy Vinho Verdes. Each pour arrives with tasting notes and origin story told by the passionate staff.

While the natural wine selection impresses, the real magic happens behind the stickered-up bar. Talented mixologists transform organic spirits and fresh ingredients into vibrant, garden-driven cocktails unlike anywhere else in Paris. Herbs pulled from window boxes, market produce like figs and plums, and floral essences distilled in-house add intrigue. Yet flavors strike perfect balance and brightness.

Signatures like the 'Petit Pois' shake gin with green pea infusion, vermouth, lemon and mint for an unexpectedly refreshing play on the classic gin and tonic. Their famous 'Carrot, Ginger, Orange' blends carrots, ginger, and blood orange with bourbon and aromatic bitters. For the full experience, spring for a seasonal tasting flight to sample five mini cocktails that epitomize Little Red Door's imaginative spirit.

Beyond the drinks, Little Red Door's quirky character cultivates a lively yet intimate ambiance. Conversations flow easily between strangers seated family-style at communal tables. An eclectic soundtrack skips between classic jazz and indie pop. Patrons pore over the bar's collection of vintage cocktails books and gastronomy magazines when not chatting. Regular themed events like live music nights or guest bartenders keep the vibe fresh and inviting.