Vancouver Shines on the Global Cocktail Stage
Vancouver’s cocktail scene just received another major moment in the spotlight. The highly anticipated North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list was unveiled at a live awards ceremony held at the Vancouver Convention Centre, bringing together some of the most influential names in the drinks and hospitality world.
I was lucky enough to get an invite! It’s my second year in a row attending this event, and I look forward to it every year.
For the second year in a row, Vancouver hosted the prestigious event — a reflection of Canada’s growing influence in the global cocktail industry. And local bars didn’t just host the party… they made a serious impression on the rankings.
Sip & Guzzle Crowned Best Bar in North America
Taking the coveted No. 1 spot this year is Sip & Guzzle in New York City, which was named The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Perrier.
The bar has quickly become known for its innovative cocktail program and elevated hospitality experience. I have yet to visit, but according to the release, the venue is celebrated for its “dynamic approach to hospitality and expertly executed drinks program.”
While I haven’t been to New York lately, I was just in Las Vegas, where Sip & Guzzle held a pop-up cocktail bar event at the Waldorf Astoria.
They took over Hard Shake, located on the 23rd floor of the hotel with expansive views of the strip. They were serving up three of their signature cocktails:
- Miami Vice, a strawberry Negroni with coconut wash
- Dirty Mango, a twist on the classic dirty martini
- Tomato Tree, a Roku gin-based cocktail
We sampled all three, and the Tomato Tree was my favourite while Kile preferred the Dirty Mango.
Mexico City’s Bar Mauro claimed the No. 2 position, while New York’s Bar Snack rounded out the top three. That’s three of the best bars in North America, located in New York. Perhaps it is time for another visit!
Vancouver Bars Earn International Recognition
Vancouver had an especially strong showing this year, reinforcing its reputation as one of North America’s most exciting cocktail destinations.
Leading the charge was The Keefer Bar, which landed at No. 7 and earned the title of The Best Bar in Canada. In 2024, they were ranked number 49. They ranked number 28 in the list of best bars in North America for 2025, so they keep moving up the ranks.
When asked what they would say has been the secret for The Keefer Bar’s growing success at such a high level and in such a short amount of time, Amber Bruce, beverage director, replied with, “I would have to give credit to the staff.”
“Looking after your people is always number one. Because then they are feeling good and ready to deliver. It starts with looking after everyone, providing healthcare and extras, taking them on tours, travelling. If they’re happy, we’re happy”
Huge congrats to The Keefer Bar team! A fellow travel writer came to visit me in Vancouver, so naturally we met here for cocktails.
Additional Vancouver bars recognized on the list included:
- June on Cambie — No. 17
- Prophecy — No. 32
- Botanist Bar — No. 38
Botanist Bar is one of my favourite places to go. It’s located inside the stunning Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel and their cocktails are incredible.
Fun fact: Enjoying cocktails at Botanist Bar is number 11 in my book of 100 Things to Do in Vancouver.
Toronto also made a strong impression with four bars appearing on the list, further highlighting Canada’s rapidly growing cocktail culture.
New York Continues to Dominate Cocktail Culture With Four of the Best Bars in North America
New York once again proved why it remains one of the world’s cocktail capitals, with numerous bars securing spots on the list.
Among the standout New York winners were:
- Superbueno
- Double Chicken Please
- Attaboy
- Employees Only
Several new entries also made waves this year, including Schmuck, which earned the Three Cents Best New Opening Award.
Mexico City Continues to Impress
Mexico City maintained its position as a global cocktail powerhouse with multiple bars appearing throughout the rankings.
The city’s cocktail scene has become internationally respected for blending traditional flavours and techniques with innovative modern mixology.
Among the top-ranked Mexico City bars were:
- Tlecān
- Licorería Limantour
- Handshake Speakeasy
More Than Just Cocktails
Beyond rankings, the awards celebrate hospitality, creativity, sustainability, and storytelling within the bar industry.
Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America’s 50 Best Bars, said:
“The bars on this year’s list are exemplary in their ability to push boundaries and influence hospitality not only in North America, but across the globe.”
Several special awards were also presented, including:
- Library Bar won the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
- Allegory received the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
- Chris Hannah of Jewel of the South earned the Roku Industry Icon Award
Why This Matters for Vancouver
Hosting the awards for a second consecutive year signals something important: Vancouver is no longer an emerging cocktail city—it has officially arrived on the world stage.
The city’s mix of culinary talent, creative bartenders, locally inspired ingredients, and globally influenced hospitality continues to attract international recognition. Events like North America’s 50 Best Bars also help spotlight Vancouver as a premier destination for luxury food, wine, and cocktail tourism.
And if this year’s rankings are any indication, Canada’s cocktail scene is only getting started. I can’t wait to see what innovations our city’s finest come up with next.
Related article I wrote for Wine Enthusiast Magazine: Every Must-Visit Bar in Vancouver, According to Industry Pros
Official Listing of the Best Bars in North America
Up next, the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will be unveiled as
part of a live awards ceremony in Milan, Italy, in early October.
Cocktail lovers across the world are invited to join the live countdown of the list of The World’s 50
Best Bars 2026 on the 50 Best YouTube channel.
Stay tuned to see if any Vancouver bars make the list!