Hong Kong has once again cemented its status as a cocktail capital, with six of its bars securing spots on the prestigious 2025 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, placing the city second only to Seoul. Leading the charge is Bar Leone, which repeated its 2024 triumph by claiming the title of Asia’s best bar for the second consecutive year, while Four Seasons Hotel’s Argo also made a strong return to the upper ranks. This achievement underscores Hong Kong’s growing influence in the regional cocktail scene and offers locals and visitors alike a compelling lineup of world-class drinking destinations.
Bar Leone: A Champion’s Philosophy
Located on Bridges Street in Central, Bar Leone is the brainchild of former Four Seasons Hotel head bartender Lorenzo Antinori. The bar shot to fame just one year after opening, winning the top spot in Asia in 2024 and finishing second globally in the World’s 50 Best Bars that same year. Its secret? A commitment to the low-intervention approach.
Antinori explains that his team focuses on reviving classic cocktails through craftsmanship rather than relying on distillation techniques or elaborate machinery. “We don’t use distillation or other machines,” he says. “This keeps us distanced from current trends and strips away gimmicks. Staying simple while achieving high quality is the hardest part—but it allows guests to truly understand the ingredients in their drinks.”
Signature offerings include the Leone Martini and a trio of Negronis, with a smoked olive garnish adding depth to the classic recipe. The Italian-inspired food menu, featuring items like cured meat bread rolls and smoked olive snacks, complements the cocktail experience without overshadowing it.
Also Making the Cut: Argo and Other Standouts
The Four Seasons Hotel’s flagship bar Argo secured 11th place on this year’s list. Known for its glasshouse-inspired design and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, Argo has become a favorite for both its atmosphere and its innovative menu. Under the leadership of beverage manager Federico Balzarini, the bar has introduced AI-developed spirits—such as Monker’s Garkel gin and Glyph whiskey—and recently launched the “ARGO Forestry” menu, which incorporates ingredients like granite, sweet potato, and ginger flower to emphasize agroforestry themes.
COA: Mezcal Mastery
COA, located on Shin Hing Street in Central, remains a beacon for agave-based spirits. Founded by acclaimed bartender Jay Khan in 2017, this Mexican-themed bar boasts a menu of over ten pages dedicated to high-quality mezcal cocktails. The intimate space, adorned with vibrant murals and agave harvesting tools, transports guests to a Oaxacan street tavern. Educational workshops on mezcal production further deepen the experience, with proceeds benefiting charity.
Penicillin: Sustainability Pioneers
Penicillin on Hollywood Road continues to push boundaries as Hong Kong’s first zero-waste bar. Co-founded by Agung and Laura Prabowo, the lab-inspired venue emphasizes a farm-to-glass philosophy through in-house fermentation and ingredient recycling. Ranked 27th in 2025, the bar has earned accolades like the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award for its innovative use of fruit peels and kitchen scraps.
The Savory Project: Breaking the Sweet Stigma
Launched in 2023 by COA’s Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung, The Savory Project challenges the notion that cocktails must be sweet. This Soho bar focuses on umami-driven drinks, incorporating ingredients like beef, peanut butter, miso, and clam. Its savory approach earned it a Time Out “Best New Bar” award in 2024 and a reputation as a trailblazer in flavor experimentation.
Other Notable Hong Kong Bars
- Gokan: Debuting at 33rd on the Asia list, this Japanese-themed bar by renowned mixologist Shingo Gokan emphasizes the five senses and categorizes its drinks by sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.
- The Green Door: A New York-style speakeasy on Wellington Road, this venue offers craft cocktails and shareable snacks like wagyu steak and fish and chips, all within an intimate 36-seat setting.
- St. Regis Bar (Wan Chai): The hotel’s latest “Railway Journey: Tale of Two Cities” menu features 16 cocktails inspired by Hong Kong and New York, incorporating elements like osmanthus oolong, red bean mochi, and lychee.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
Hong Kong’s performance in the 2025 Asia’s 50 Best Bars rankings not only highlights the city’s depth of talent but also signals a shift toward sustainability, umami-driven flavors, and low-intervention craftsmanship. For cocktail enthusiasts planning their next night out, these eight establishments offer a diverse range of experiences—from the championship-winning simplicity of Bar Leone to the eco-conscious innovation of Penicillin.
Recommendations at a Glance:
- Bar Leone: Classic cocktails, low-intervention philosophy, Central
- Argo: Creative spirits, AI-developed liquors, Victoria Harbour views
- COA: Mezcal expertise, Mexican ambiance, educational workshops
- Penicillin: Zero-waste ethos, in-house fermentation, eco-friendly
- The Savory Project: Umami-focused cocktails, bold ingredients
- Gokan: Japanese five-senses experience, balanced flavor profiles
- The Green Door: Speakeasy vibe, shareable bites, intimate setting
- St. Regis Bar: Themed cocktail journey, Hong Kong-New York fusion
Whether you are a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these bars promise memorable evenings and a taste of what makes Hong Kong a world-class cocktail destination.