If you're planning your next getaway and wondering where the world’s best cocktails await, 2025’s top international bars promise more than just drinks. They offer deeply personal experiences. This year’s standout venues aren't massive, high-energy establishments. Instead, they're intimate, curated spaces where craftsmanship, storytelling, and innovation take centre stage. From a secretive sci-fi oasis in Hong Kong to a sustainably sourced cocktail haven in Lima, these five bars are setting the global gold standard.
Here’s your must-visit list of the best international bars of 2025 as chosen by industry insiders and cocktail aficionados.
1. Bar Nouveau – Paris, France
Where vintage charm meets cutting-edge cocktail science
Hidden within the lively streets of the Marais district, Bar Nouveau is a visual and sensory masterpiece created by Rémy Savage and his visionary team. This two-story gem masterfully blends Art Nouveau elegance with a forward-thinking cocktail program.
The street-level bar feels airy and refined, boasting custom lily-shaped light fixtures and a sleek U-shaped counter. Descend into the lower level, and you'll find a darker, moodier atmosphere where high-tech cocktail equipment like centrifuges crafts mind-bending drink variations.
Signature experience: Order a classic Martini upstairs and a playful, avant-garde reinterpretation of the same drink downstairs, a clever duality that captures Bar Nouveau’s magic.
2. ARTIFACT – Hong Kong
Futuristic cocktails in a hidden, dreamlike world
Concealed behind an upscale food court in Hong Kong, Artifact is nothing short of cinematic. Created by a powerhouse trio, Ezra Star, Beckaly Franks, and Michael Larkin, this bar fuses science fiction aesthetics with underground mystery. Think glowing orbs, moody lighting, and a vibe that feels part-dystopian, part-luxurious.
Artifact specializes in brown spirits, offering inventive creations like the Bread and Butter Milk Punch and the ultra-decadent Caviar Martini. The atmosphere feels surreal, yet every drink is precise, balanced, and unforgettable.
Pro tip: Opt for the tasting menu to explore a full journey of whiskey-based delights under Artifact’s ethereal lighting.
3. Baltra Bar – Mexico City, Mexico
A cozy escape where every cocktail feels like a love letter
Tucked away in the artistic Condesa neighbourhood, Baltra Bar exudes warmth, charm, and a splash of nautical whimsy. Owned by the same team behind Mexico’s legendary Licorería Limantour, Baltra embraces a more laid-back, homely vibe that invites lingering conversations and endless exploration.
Decorated with vintage maritime touches, this snug bar crafts cocktails that are deceptively simple yet brilliantly executed. Highlights include the Kiwi + Lemon Balm Cooler, blending Jack Daniels with fresh kiwi and fino sherry for a sunny, refreshing sip.
Don’t miss Martini Tuesdays (Martes Martinis), when Baltra offers adventurous takes on the classic Martini at a special price.
4. Bar Rondo – Tokyo, Japan
Minimalist perfection, one meticulously crafted drink at a time
For those who believe less is more, Bar Rondo in Tokyo’s buzzing Shinjuku district is pure heaven. With just six seats, it offers a serene oasis where every detail, from the single slab wood bar to the handpicked blue-hued art by Reita Moriya, feels intentional.
Owned by Tatsuya Yoshida, formerly of Star Bar, Rondo is built around the philosophy of variations and improvisations, much like its musical namesake. Expect to savour refined cocktails featuring Japanese craft spirits, like a Roku Sakura Bloom gin and tonic, elevated by the softest florals.
Best experience: Chat with Yoshida-san directly. He tailors drinks subtly based on your preferences and mood.
5. Lady Bee – Lima, Peru
Where sustainability and storytelling meet in every glass
In Lima’s stylish Miraflores district, Lady Bee redefines what it means to be a cocktail bar with a cause. Founded by the passionate duo Alonso Palomino and Gabriela León, Lady Bee partners with local farmers, agroforestry engineers, and even marine biologists to create an eco-conscious menu that truly honours its ingredients.
Here, classics are reimagined. The Three Sips Martini, for example, uses a sugarcane distillate from Coastal Hills and comes with three unique Peruvian garnishes: olive, savoury algae, and trout caviar. Every sip carries the story of the land and the people behind it.
Standout feature: The bar’s commitment to transparency means guests learn the backstory of each ingredient, forging a deep connection with every cocktail.
Bookmark this list for your next adventure because a truly unforgettable night is just a reservation away.
Also Read: Top 10 Smallest Countries in the World by Area
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
