Good news for cocktail lovers and those who enjoy a night out: the inaugural ceremony of Europe's 50 Best Bars will take place in Amsterdam on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the iconic De Kromhoutal. Yes, the Netherlands for a historic first. And frankly, it's hard to find a better choice.
Europe's 50 Best Bars to highlight European bars
For those discovering the world of the 50 Best, here's the principle: it's the global benchmark for everything that shines in the bar industry. After rankings dedicated to Asia, North America, and of course, the global level, the organization is finally launching its European version. A list long-awaited by shaker pros and discerning night owls.
Why Amsterdam? For years, the city has been a bustling hub of cocktail culture, with a bar scene that is second to none compared to London or Barcelona. A logical choice, therefore, to lay the foundation for a ranking that aims to showcase the best establishments on the continent, from established venues to new, still little-known gems.
The ranking will be determined by the votes of over 300 anonymous experts: bartenders, bar owners, specialized journalists, and connoisseurs, carefully selected and distributed across 11 European sub-regions. All of this, in complete independence from the global ranking.
Special awards for the European scene.
In terms of awards, several special prizes will also be presented during the evening, including the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award and the Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award. The ceremony will also be broadcast live on YouTube for those who cannot attend.
An event to mark in your calendars now. And in the meantime, we have six months to speculate on which French bars might feature in this first European list.
The Europe's 50 Best Bars ceremony will be held on June 30, 2026 in Amsterdam.
