Macau Nights, Continental Heights: Inside Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026
On the ground with Cointreau for Asia’s biggest night in mixology.
If 2026 has proved anything, it’s that cocktail culture is becoming far more intentional. As drinking habits shift and casual nightlife slows down, the high-end cocktail scene is elevating to meet a crowd that values depth over simple night-outs. After kicking off the year’s celebratory series in North America and following up with Europe’s historic debut in Amsterdam, the celebration made its third and final regional pitstop in Macau. Returning for its second year in this dedicated regional showcase, Asia’s 50 Best Bars gathered the continent’s premier mixology heavyweights at Wynn Palace in Macau. Hypemaps was on the ground with Cointreau, gaining behind-the-scenes access to a night that felt like a high-stakes spectacle and a tight-knit family reunion.
As the Official Orange Liqueur Partner of The World’s 50 Best Bars, Cointreau served as a focal point throughout the evening, sponsoring the signature ceremonial red scarves worn by all top 50 nominees. Representing Cointreau behind the bar, Kai Ng of Hong Kong’s Quinary showcased the brand’s latest spirit, the Cointreau Spicy. Riffing on the beloved spicy margarita template, he paired the new spirit with tequila, clarified grapefruit, jalapeño syrup, and fig leaf soda. Because the spirit is actually infused with Bird’s Eye chili and Jalapeño, it surprisingly delivered a subtle, warming finish instead of upfront heat. The perfect kick to start off the night.
When the live countdown commenced, the tension in the room was palpable. But as each placement rolled out, the competitive edge quickly dissolved into genuine applause, with the entire room erupting in roars for every city represented.
When the top spots were finally unveiled, the results made regional history. Taking the No. 1 spot as The Best Bar in Asia 2026 was Guangzhou’s Hope & Sesame, marking a historic milestone as the first venue from Mainland China to claim the top spot. Seoul’s Zest followed closely at No. 2, maintaining its top-tier standing with its forward-thinking, zero-waste mixology. Rounding out the podium at No. 3 was Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, which was last year’s overall winner. Proving that unpretentious, classic Italian cocktail culture still holds an endless appeal across the region.
The crowning moment belonged to Hope & Sesame co-founder Andrew Ho, who took the stage after a decade of quiet, relentless hustling behind a hidden speakeasy door in Guangzhou. Ho reflected on starting 10 years ago with zero investor backing, navigating the highs and lows of bad drinks, good reviews, and financial uncertainty, only to build one of the most respected bar communities in the world.
That sentiment of resilience resonated across the entire room. From long-standing icons like Singapore’s Jigger & Pony staying at the top of their game for over a decade, to fresh venues redefining what service looks like in emerging markets, the night proved that the region’s cocktail map continues to develop with global presence. It’s this spirit of innovation and community that Cointreau has long championed through its support of the global bar industry.
As Macau’s lights dimmed and the afterparties spilled out across the city, one truth stood out: whether a bar is tucked down an alley in Seoul, high up above Bangkok, or hidden behind a Cantonese shopfront in Guangzhou, the core ingredients never change. The best bars aren’t just defined by awards, but they are built on resilience, human connection, consistency, and a deep-rooted passion for incredible drinks.
DISCLAIMER: We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.
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