Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - London Calling: Iconic Pubs and Trendy Cocktail Lounges

London's bar scene is eclectic, constantly reinventing itself while paying homage to the city's rich history. From neighborhood haunts to swanky hangouts, you'll find plenty of places to relax with a pint or creative cocktail.

No visit to London would be complete without stopping into a traditional English pub. The perfect cure for rain or homesickness, pubs like The George Inn, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and Lamb & Flag have been serving pints for centuries. With warm fireplaces, cozy nooks and beer on cask, it's easy to lose track of time nursing a lager. Look for pubs from venerable brewers like Fuller's and Young's to sample real British beer.

London has also embraced the speakeasy trend, with intimate cocktail dens hiding behind unmarked doors. Nightjar's mixologists blend teas and tinctures into their inventive drinks, while the Gibson transports you to 1920s glamor. The Kansas Smitty's house band sets the mood for jazz-age classics and prohibition punches. Cocktail connoisseurs shouldn't miss exploring these hidden gems.

Major cocktail legends like American Bar at the Savoy have invented legendary drinks, while hipster havens like Swift and Joyeux Bordel shake up wild infusions. Shoreditch is London's creative district, where you can find avant garde bars like Oriole and Zephyr. Home to startups and artists, expect theatrical presentations and molecular mixology.

Rooftop bars offer glittering views of London paired with equally flashy cocktails. Sky Pod at the Sky Garden, Sushi Samba's 39th floor herbaceous Caipirinhas and Madison's panoramic vistas are Instagram favorites. Radio Rooftop Bar at the ME Hotel impresses with DJs and 360° city views.

Sip a refreshing Pimm's Cup or fruity spritz made for sunny days in London's green spaces. Grab a blanket and picnic basket from local vendors and head to Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Hampstead Heath or one of London's secret gardens. Alfresco terraces at Petersham Nurseries and The Ivy let you soak up some vitamin D while you day drink.

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - La Dolce Vita: Savoring Apertivos and Digestivos in Italy

Italy perfected the art of lounging over leisurely meals with friends, sipping aperitifs before dinner and finishing the night with a digestivo. From Milan fashionistas to retirees in seaside villages, the ritual of aperitivo is integral to Italian culture. This tradition rose to prominence during the 1960s economic boom, as northern Italians embraced pre-dinner cocktails in chic bars. Aperitivo was both an indulgence for the emerging middle class and a way to socialize after long workdays.

While Campari and Aperol spritzes may have colonized bars across the globe, northern Italy remains ground zero for experts in bittersweet liqueurs. In Padua, sip an Aperol spritz where the brilliant orange elixir was invented in 1919. Treat yourself to a Negroni at Dante Alighieri's Caffè Pedrocchi, a storied coffeehouse in the same neighborhood.

Cross the canal-woven streets of Venice to Harry's Bar, where Giuseppe Cipriani adapted the Hemingway Daiquiri into the sweet, frothy Bellini in 1948. While you may cringe at the prices, remember you're paying for the atmosphere at this iconic watering hole. Or head to retro-chic Caffè Florian and channel your inner Casanova as you watch the crowds around St. Mark's Square.

In Florence, unwind at Caffè Gilli after dodging selfie sticks at the Duomo. This glittering 19th century institution serves superb Amaros and vermouths. For a hipper vibe, coastal dynamo Rimini has plenty of lively bars and lounges, perfect for kicking off a night of revelry.

While the spritz may be king of aperitivos, Italians traditionally sip vermouth, amari or Campari when hunger calls. Savor herbaceous vermouth on its own or splash it in a Negroni built from botanicals like rhubarb and chamomile. Similar to vermouth, Italian bitter liqueurs called amari are enjoying a revival thanks to their complex herbal flavors. Sip an Amaro to aid digestion after heavy pastas or indulge in a few to stimulate conversation between friends.

Often called the "bartender's handshake," Fernet-Branca is an acquired taste with its tongue-numbing bitterness. But it's said to be mysteriously restorative, especially when combined with ginger ale or cola. Originally created as a medicine in 19th century Milan, Fernet-Branca does offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - Iberian Imbibing: Exploring Spain and Portugal's Buzzing Bar Scene

Spain and Portugal are renowned for their lively bar scenes, from hipster gin joints to historic taverns. Experiencing these buzzing bars offers a glimpse into the Iberian Peninsula's history and culture. As tiny dishes called tapas emerge with afternoon cañas (small beers), the evening evolves into a parade of drinks and animated conversation. Late, languorous dinners eventually give way to nightcaps at kitschy late-night bars.

In Spain, lingering over drinks in vibrant plazas traces back to the Moorish occupation. Their emphasis on leisure shaped Spain's ritual of sobremesa, spending hours nibbling and chatting after meals. Madrid's jam-packed tapas trail Calle Cava Baja is ideal for a bar crawl. Or enjoy vermouth on ice before feasting on pintxos in San Sebastian's old town. Rowdy Bodega Donostiarra has served its signature pink vermouth for over a century.

The sherry bodegas of Andalusia also shouldn't be missed. In Jerez de la Frontera, González Byass pours sweet Pedro Ximénez from oak casks in atmospheric cellars. Nearby El Puerto de Santa María entices with its old-world tabancos, where servers splash glasses of sherry from imposing wooden barrels behind the bar.

Traveling north to Barcelona,creative cocktail dens like Boadas and Dry Martini offer a completely different scene. But classic beer halls like Červecería Catalana still draw crowds with regional brews and tapas. Just steps away, watch inventive molecular mixology at El Nacional or sip Negronis under towering ceilings at Bar Mut.

Portugal proves just as captivating, with eclectic bars ranging from cozy cafés in Lisbon to sleek lounges in Porto. Lisbon's historic districts enchant with their pastel-hued, tile-covered buildings and bustling nightlife. Park Bar stands out for its hilltop views and gin-based cocktails. Or soak up history at art deco wonder A Brasileira, whose terrace has attracted great writers and thinkers.

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - Belgian Beer Bliss: From Old World Trappists to Hip Brewpubs

With over 180 breweries crammed into a tiny country, Belgium deserves its reputation as a beer destination. From abbeys brewing since medieval times to trendy nano-breweries, beer is integral to Belgian culture. Even those who don’t normally indulge in craft brews can't resist the lure of Belgian beer.

First stop for many beer pilgrims is Bruges, where you can admire Gothic facades in between brewery tours. De Halve Maan’s brewery dates back six centuries, producing the classic, malty Brugse Zot in the city center. Or check out charming De Garre, tucked away down a narrow alley, to try their potent 11% Garre Tripel. Of course, one can't forget the frites - pair them with mayo for the quintessential Belgian experience.

The Trappists have been perfecting their complex, bottle-conditioned ales within monastery walls for centuries. All Trappist beer is brewed by monks to finance their orders, like the distinctive Chimay, Rochefort and Orval. Schedule a brewery tour to learn about their brewing process and monastic life. Cafe-lined squares like Brussels’ bustling Grand Place are ideal spots to sip and people watch.

While tradition runs deep, Belgium’s new generation of brewers is also making waves. Brussels beer temple Moeder Lambic offers a mind-boggling selection of craft brews, many from cult favorites like Cantillon. Or head to hipster hangout BRUSSELS Beer Project, where you can talk brewing with the craft brewers themselves.

Beyond Brussels, beer pilgrims flock to charming medieval Bruges and Gent. You’ll find plenty of beer cafes and bars lining their cobblestone lanes. Local favorite Herberg Vlissinghe in Bruges has been pouring beers since the 1500s. Or enjoy local brews canal-side at the laidback, bohemian Hotsy Totsy in Gent.

Wallonia, the French-speaking southern region, also boasts some standouts. Pay homage to the mighty Cazeau brewery, which dates back to the 1700s, at the Musée de la Brasserie in Tourpes. Beer geeks shouldn’t miss buzzy Brasserie de Cazeau, which is reviving their legacy with small-batch brews.

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - Scandinavian Hygge: Cozy Cafes and Creative Concoctions

Long winters and chilly temps have shaped Scandinavia's unique drinking culture, centered around the Danish concept of hygge. Roughly translating to "coziness," hygge reveres tranquil moments that nourish the soul. Dim lighting, crackling fires, cinnamon, cardamom, and sharing heartfelt conversations over mugs of coffee or mulled wine. As the days grow short and cold, Scandinavians practice hygge by gathering in cafés and bars emanating warmth and conviviality.

In the hip neighborhoods of Copenhagen, candlelit cafés fill with locals bundled in sweaters and cradling steaming mugs. Bakken & Bæck beckons with its blazing fireplace, exposed brick walls, and bohemian charm. Their seasonal menu tantalizes with organic bites and housemade cinnamon buns drenched in cardamom sauce. Pair your flaky pastry with a coffee roasted on site or a spiced gløgg (mulled wine) for full hygge. At Café Norden, locals unwind by playing board games and lingering over ginger snaps and cinnamon-laced tea.

Beyond Copenhagen, Sweden boasts fika, their own tradition of cozy coffee breaks with friends that is central to Swedish culture. Greta's in Stockholm is a fika favorite thanks to its chilled vibe and creative lattes like the Kråkspark with licorice syrup and sea salt. Tucked on a quiet side street, drop in for cinnamon buns and great people watching. Or head to Mellqvist Kaffebar to try their trademark coffee drinks topped with whipped cream and cinnamon. Their minimalist space filled with plants and natural light brings the outside in.

In Norway's capital, Fuglen and Tim Wendelboe showcase Oslo's blossoming coffee culture through exacting prep and cutting-edge cafes. But Engebret Café captures hygge with its charming wooden interior from the 1920s evoking a traditional Norwegian cabin. Sip their excellent coffee alongside carved, high-back chairs and ornate wall paneling for a truly Norwegian experience.

Scandinavian bars also embrace hygge with their cozy, convivial settings. Brus in Copenhagen mixes creative seasonal cocktails like their Sunny Side with aquavit, gooseberry shrub, and candied orange. But their true draw is the warm, welcoming ambiance. The fireplace room oozes hygge with its Chesterfield sofas, roaring fire and candlelight. Oslo's Musikkoperatørene blends hygge and mid-century Danish design through its intimate rooms with crackling fireplaces, velvet sofas, and shelves of vinyl records. Their winter menu highlights hygge with cinnamon-infused drinks like the Hot Anna, blending aquavit with cinnamon, lemon and ginger ale.

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - Parisian Allure: Classic Cafés and Hidden Neighborhood Gems

Paris enchants with its timeless culture, effortless elegance, and quintessential cafés. Like cathedrals to coffee, these beloved institutions have attracted great thinkers and artists for centuries. Beyond just serving rich espressos and buttery croissants, they embody Parisian life. Locals treat these spaces like living rooms, reading newspapers, chatting with friends, and watching the world go by for hours.

While picturesque spots like Café de Flore on Boulevard Saint-Germain or Les Deux Magots on Rue Bonaparte should be experienced, some hidden gems deliver more authentic charm. In the Marais, cozy Café Charlot feels lifted from the pages of a novel with its red banquettes, mosaic tiles, and literary vibe. Neighborhood denizens linger for hours with laptops and novels, embracing the café's role as a salon. The clientele, such as professors, artists, and students, is as intriguing as the surrounds.

On the Left Bank, Café de la Nouvelle Mairie whispers "Paris, je t'aime" from the moment you enter. With its lace curtains, painted wooden chairs, and locals deep in conversation, it exudes shabby chic. Sip a café crème on the petite terrace to experience Parisian life unfolding all around you. Nearby, Café Miranda seduces with its belle epoque beauty, from vintage globe lights to decorative wall mouldings. Their terrace under a chestnut tree captivates on sunny days.

In artsy Montmartre, Café Roux charms with its exposed stone walls covered in artwork, fresh flowers on each table, and locals typing away with their daily coffee. Unwind on their terrace overlooking the winding cobblestone lanes. Or head to Hardware Société Paris, an Australian-inspired charmer specializing in killer flat whites and avocado toast. Despite the influx of tourists to Montmartre, Hardware Société delivers laidback antipodean cafe culture.

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - Tokyo's Mixology Moment: Innovative Japanese Cocktails

Hidden in the neon-lit side streets of Tokyo are some of the world's most innovative cocktail dens, where exacting Japanese bartenders are reinventing mixology. Far from sticky sweet cocktails topped with umbrellas, Japan's meticulous, culinary approach is changing the game. From smoky, aged sips to theatrical creations featuring rare Japanese ingredients, talented bartenders are spotlighting overlooked aspects of Japan's food and drink culture.

"There's been a real shift towards celebrating Japanese flavors and culture in cocktails, instead of just mimicking Western trends," shares industry expert McKay Allison. This movement emerged in the early 2000s, as bartenders looked inward for inspiration instead of copying overseas trends. Leading luminaries like Kenta Goto of Bar High Five and Hidetsugu Ueno of Bar Ishinohana have shaped Tokyo's distinctive style through their obsessive attention to detail and ingredients.

At his snug 8-seat basement bar Gen Yamamoto, namesake bartender Yamamoto-san spotlights indigenous flavors in drinks like his Yuzu Sour. Fresh yuzu juice, an aromatic citrus fruit from Kochi, is blended with sake lees and clarified butter for a velvety texture. Other inventive touches include aging gin and vermouth in umami-rich miso barrels before stirring into complex, savory cocktails.

"There's a real continuity in Japan between cooking and bartending, since both rely on blending flavors and textures," notes Allison. The culinary influence shines through in Tokyo's emphasis on seasonality and progression of flavors. Ginza's swanky Star Bar takes a kaiseki approach, with cocktails flowing in courses like satsuma imo sweet potato shochu and Kyoto salted cherry blossom martini.

Izakaya cocktails also showcase culinary innovation, like Shingo Gokan's chartreuse colored Koji Highball. This savory sipper mixes Koji sharish, a distilled rice mash, with botanicals and saline for an umami-rich blend evoking Japanese pub grub. At his lively Koji Bar, Gokan-san also ages Negronis and Manhattans in Koji to draw out savory flavors.

No cocktail experience showcases Japan's indigenous spirits quite like a handcrafted shochu flight. At cozy Samurai Bar Mai, the extensive shochu menu traverses sweet potato, barley, rice and buckwheat varieties from small southern distilleries. "It's fascinating to taste how terroir comes through," says Allison, "much like with tequila and mezcal." Be sure to try the slow-aged Kuro Kirishima single malt alongside an inventive highball or seasonal cocktail.

Sip Your Way Around the Globe: The Top Bars for 2022 - Latin American Libations: The Best of Mexico, Peru and Beyond

Latin America tantalizes travelers with its colorful culture, breathtaking landscapes, and most importantly - its cocktails. From a classic Margarita at a cantina in Mexico to a Pisco Sour overlooking Machu Picchu, iconic Latin American tipples capture the essence of these vibrant destinations. Savoring local libations offers a delicious lens into each country's cuisine and customs.

"You really can't grasp the culture without experiencing the drinks," shares bartender Victor Vaughn, who chronicles his love for Latin America's liquid culture through his popular blog 'South of the Equator.' "Each region puts its own spin on classics while also creating unique local specialties that tell a story."

In Mexico, a well-made Margarita elegantly balances tart lime, floral orange liqueur, and the peppery bite of 100% agave tequila. "A Margarita hi-ball in a touristy beach bar is fun, but for the quintessential experience, head to a traditional cantina like La Capilla in old town Mexico City," advises Vaughn. Under hanging papel picado banners, dapper bartenders called garroteros gracefully pour shots and mingle with patrons in the lively cantina. For tequila neophytes, Vaughn suggests trying bartender Bertha Loo's brilliant flight menu which progresses from young blanco to complex extra añejo.

Further south in Peru, Pisco serves as the national elixir. Made by distilling fermented grape juice, the clear brandy forms the base for Peru's iconic Pisco Sour cocktail. The Pisco Sour was invented in the 1920s by expat Morris Harper at his bar in Lima, but today the drink is ubiquitous at Peruvian pubs and restaurants. "Sour is really an understatement - the tart lime and sugar balance make it super drinkable," says Vaughn. For a memorable Pisco Sour, he suggests Bar Inolvidable in bohemian Barranco district, where each drink is crafted with care. The bartenders sometimes offer tastes of various Pisco to highlight the nuances.

Beyond the classics, Vaughn has discovered exciting regional specialties that provide a window into Latin countries' native spirits and ingredients. On a recent trip to Patagonia, he was introduced to an Argentinian bitter liqueur called Amargor made from the wild calafate berry. In Ecuador, Vaughn sampled Canelazo, a comforting blend of naranjilla juice, cinnamon, and sugarcane alcohol. His favorite discovery was Paraguay's take on yerba mate in a cocktail called Terere. Shaken with guaraná syrup and fresh lime juice, this take on the bitter tea makes for a refreshing, herbal cocktail.