Alquímico in Cartagena, Colombia, has been named the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award ahead of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026.
The award recognises the bar’s approach to hospitality, with the winner selected by members of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy. The Academy comprises more than 800 anonymous industry experts, each invited to nominate the bar that delivered their most outstanding hospitality experience during the voting period.
Emma Sleight, director of content and creative for The World’s 50 Best Bars, said: “Beyond its extraordinary cocktails and vibrant setting, Alquímico has redefined what world-class hospitality looks and feels like. We couldn’t be happier to extend the warmest congratulations to Jean and the incredible Alquímico team on this thoroughly deserved recognition. For them, hospitality is not simple service, it is the art of making people feel seen, valued and part of a larger story. By sharing the richness of Colombian culture, ingredients and communities with such authenticity, Alquímico delivers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.”
Spread across three floors, Alquímico’s concept focuses on Colombian ingredients, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling, while supporting philanthropic projects and building connections across the region.
The ground floor highlights produce sourced from farming communities affected by conflict, with cocktail sales contributing to regional development projects, including a school planned for 2026.
On the second floor, classic serves reimagined through a Colombian lens generate proceeds for a bartender academy and youth music foundation supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The rooftop, meanwhile, features serves inspired by ingredients grown on the team’s own farm, while contributing to local reforestation efforts.
Paola Oviedo and Jean Trinh, co-founders and owners of Alquímico, added: “Winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is deeply meaningful because it recognises a belief that has guided Alquímico from the beginning: hospitality is an act of care. For us, that means not only caring for guests, but also supporting our team, producers and communities. This vision is reflected in our Hospitality School in Cartagena, created with Colectivo Canta, where we help young people develop values such as empathy, teamwork, discipline and respect through music and hospitality. This award celebrates everyone involved and affirms that hospitality can be a powerful force for positive change.”
The award will be presented at a live ceremony in Milan on Wednesday 7 October 2026, when the countdown of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will also be revealed.
