Hong Kong’s cocktail culture has reached a new zenith. In the 2025 Asia’s 50 Best Bars ranking, six establishments from the city secured coveted spots, placing Hong Kong second only to Seoul. Leading the charge is Bar Leone, which retained its title as the continent’s top bar for the second consecutive year, while the Four Seasons Hotel’s Argo also made a strong showing. This remarkable achievement cements Hong Kong’s reputation as a global cocktail hub and offers both locals and visitors an impressive lineup of drinking destinations worth exploring.
A City of Champions: Hong Kong’s 2025 Bar Milestones
The 2025 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, unveiled in July, reflects a fiercely competitive landscape across the region. Hong Kong’s six entries—ranging from intimate speakeasies to hotel lounges—demonstrate the depth and diversity of the city’s mixology talent. Bar Leone, situated on Bridges Street in Central, not only topped the regional ranking but also placed second globally in 2024, a feat that underscores its rapid ascent since opening just over a year ago.
Behind the scenes, industry insiders attribute Hong Kong’s success to a blend of innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for craft. “The city’s bars are pushing boundaries while honoring tradition,” says a veteran bartender who requested anonymity. “We’re seeing a wave of creativity that rivals any global capital.”
Bar Leone: Where Simplicity Meets Perfection
Bar Leone, founded by former Four Seasons head bartender Lorenzo Antinori, champions a “low-intervention” philosophy. Antinori eschews distillation machinery and flashy gimmicks, focusing instead on handcrafted classics made with premium, seasonal ingredients. Signature offerings like the Leone Martini and three variations of Negroni—one garnished with smoked olives—have earned rave reviews.
“We want guests to appreciate the purity of each component,” Antinori explained in a recent interview. “Keeping things simple while achieving quality is the hardest part. Our goal is for patrons to return for the drinks and stay for the warm, neighborly atmosphere.”
Complementing the cocktails are Italian-inspired bites, such as cured meat bread and smoked olive snacks, which enhance the overall experience. Located at 11-15 Bridges Street, Bar Leone remains a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, unpretentious excellence.
Argo: A Greenhouse of Innovation
Hong Kong’s Argo, the flagship bar at the Four Seasons Hotel, ranked 11th this year—a slight dip from its 2023 position of eighth but still a testament to its global influence. Led by beverage manager Federico Balzarini, assistant director Summer Lo, and head bartender Yvonne Chan, Argo is renowned for its nature-inspired cocktails and sustainable ethos.
The bar’s design evokes a glass greenhouse, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic Victoria Harbour views. Its latest menu, “ARGO Forestry,” incorporates unconventional ingredients like granite, sweet potato, ginger flower, and bamboo. Notably, Argo also features AI-developed spirits, including Monker’s Garkel gin and Glyph whisky, blending technology with tradition. This fusion of innovation and sustainability has kept Argo a perennial favorite among tourists and locals alike.
Coa: A Mezcal Haven in SoHo
Hidden on a staircase in Central’s SoHo district, Coa is a Mexican-themed bar founded in 2017 by Jay Khan. Its focus on high-quality mezcal from Oaxaca sets it apart, with a diverse menu spanning over ten pages. The bar’s low-key exterior gives way to a vibrant interior adorned with colorful murals and agave harvesting tools.
Classic drinks like the Mezcal Negroni and the spicy Ancho Highball showcase Coa’s expertise. But the experience goes beyond drinking: Coa hosts educational workshops on mezcal history and production, with proceeds donated to charity. For those seeking both flavor and knowledge, Coa offers an immersive journey into Mexican spirits.
Penicillin: The Zero-Waste Trailblazer
Penicillin, located in a basement on Hollywood Road, is Hong Kong’s first “scrap-less” sustainable bar. Co-founded by Agung and Laura Prabowo, its lab-inspired design features white tiles, scientific instruments, and formulas scrawled on walls—a nod to its experimental approach.
The bar emphasizes a farm-to-glass philosophy, sourcing local ingredients and repurposing leftovers through fermentation and brewing. Its dedication earned it the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award in 2021 and consistent spots on the Asia’s 50 Best list (24th in 2024, 27th in 2025). Drinks like those made with recycled fruit peels prove that eco-consciousness need not compromise taste.
The Savory Project: Redefining Cocktail Profiles
Opened in 2023 by Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung, The Savory Project challenges the notion that cocktails must be sweet. This Central hotspot specializes in umami-rich, savory concoctions using beef, peanut butter, miso, clams, and even charcoal-grilled corn leaves. By marrying diverse spirits with bold ingredients, the bar creates layered, memorable flavors.
A 2024 Time Out Hong Kong “Best New Bar” award winner, The Savory Project also offers non-alcoholic options, making it inclusive for all palates. It’s a daring destination for adventurous drinkers.
Gokan: A Symphony of Five Senses
Gokan, which debuted in 2024, earned its first Asia’s 50 Best ranking at 33rd this year. Created by renowned Japanese mixologist Shingo Gokan, the bar’s name translates to “five senses” in Japanese. Each element—from decor to drink—engages sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.
The menu categorizes cocktails by the five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Standouts include a banana-bubble creation and a Tom Yum-inspired Khun Tommy’s. Gokan’s precision and balance reflect Japanese culinary philosophy, offering a refined experience.
The Green Door: A Speakeasy with a Feminine Touch
The Green Door on Wellington Street channels 1920s New York speakeasy vibes, with 36 seats surrounded by art honoring women. Its signature cocktail, MARIE (HK$170), reimagines a Bloody Mary using clear tomato consommé and Monkey 47 gin. Other options range from the tropical JULIA (HK$140) to the whisky-based PAM (HK$140).
The food menu complements the drinks, featuring Japanese shrimp toast, fish and chips, and a hearty sirloin steak (HK$550). Desserts like apple pie with vanilla ice cream round out the experience.
St. Regis Bar: A Board Game-Inspired Adventure
The St. Regis Bar in Wan Chai recently launched “Rail Journey: A Tale of Two Cities,” a 16-cocktail menu inspired by the board game Ticket to Ride. Each drink tells a story linking Hong Kong and New York, with creations like the citrusy Ritual Fizz, the creamy Velvet and Silk, and the smoky Eastbound Negroni topped with red bean mochi.
Guests can enjoy these libations while playing the game, adding an interactive element to their visit. This inventive approach exemplifies the creativity driving Hong Kong’s bar renaissance.
Broader Implications: Hong Kong’s Cocktail Future
With six bars in Asia’s top 50 and a growing reputation for sustainability, Hong Kong is poised to remain a leading cocktail destination. The city’s ability to blend tradition with innovation—from Bar Leone’s low-intervention classics to Penicillin’s zero-waste ethos—offers something for every taste.
For travelers and locals alike, exploring these venues is more than a night out; it’s a journey into the artistry and passion that define modern mixology. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Hong Kong’s bars invite you to raise a glass and savor the moment.