Voting System of the World’s 50 Best Bars: Everything You Have to Know

The World’s 50 Best Bars is considered one of the most prestigious rankings globally in the world of cocktail bars and mixology. Every year, this annuallist celebrates the best bars in the world, recognizing the excellence of bartenders and the quality of the experiences offered at these establishments. But how exactly does the voting system that determines which bars make it into this influential ranking work? In this article, we’ll explore the rules, votes, the Academy, and the process that governs the creation of this prestigious annual list. To understand how the voting system works for the World’s 50 Best Bars, we must look back at its origins, development, and establishment in the world of quality mixology.

The World’s 50 Best Bars was launched in 2009 with the goal of creating a global ranking to celebrate the best bars and the talents behind their counters. The initiative was introduced by the British company William Reed, already well-known for managing the famous World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Initially conceived as a guide to recognize excellence in mixology, the list quickly gained prestige, becoming a reference point for bartenders, cocktail enthusiasts, and industry professionals. The first awards ceremony was held in London in 2012, and since then, the event has grown, moving to other cities like Barcelona and Singapore, reflecting the evolution of global drinking culture.

How can someone enter this international ranking? The voting system of the World’s 50 Best Bars is based on a network of international experts, comprising over 700 members of the World’s 50 Best Bars Academy. These voters include bartenders, specialized writers, industry consultants, and cocktail enthusiasts. The selection process is divided into 28 geographic regions worldwide, each overseen by a chairperson responsible for selecting voters in their area. Each voter casts 7 anonymous votes, based on their personal experiences at bars visited within the previous 18 months. The rules state that voters cannot select bars in which they have ownership or financial interests, ensuring the transparency of the process. Additionally, the votes must reflect direct experiences at the bars, excluding temporary events or pop-ups. Since 2020, the consultancy firm Deloitte has been responsible for verifying the integrity of the voting process, ensuring that the system remains transparent and impartial. This guarantees that the final list of the best bars in the world genuinely reflects the preferences of the voters.Once all the votes are collected, the list of the best bars in the world is compiled based on the preferences expressed by the Academy members. The World’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony is a highly anticipated event that celebrates excellence in mixology and gives international visibility to the selected bars. This recognition provides a global platform for the awarded bars, increasing their opportunities for growth and international recognition.

Strategies to enter the ranking: how to enter World’s 50 Best Bars? To aspire to be part of the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars, there are several wyas that can significantly increase the chances of success. Offering a unique experience is crucial: it’s not enough to serve excellent cocktails, but it’s essential to create an atmosphere that engages customers and makes every visit memorable. Innovation plays a key role, experimenting with ingredients, techniques, and presentations capable of surprising and captivating the audience.Being supported by a PR Office and Communication Agency can also facilitate the bar’s visibility, helping it gain recognition among industry experts. A well-defined and targeted online communication strategy, including social media management and quality digital content, is essential for amplifying the bar’s presence and attracting a broader audience.Building a solid reputation is fundamental for any bar aspiring to enter the list of the best bars in the world. Being featured in articles in newspapers, magazines, and industry guides greatly contributes to enhancing both local and international prestige. Investing in these strategies allows a venue to significantly increase its chances of entering the World’s 50 Best Bars and achieving the coveted international recognition.

Cover image courtesy of The World’s 50 Best Bars. Images courtesy of 1930 Speakeasy