Taking place in Amsterdam at De Kromhoutal on Tuesday 30 June 2026, Europe’s 50 Best Bars will showcase the finest bars, bartenders and cocktail cities in the continent.
“As the city’s drinks culture continues to evolve and inspire, we look forward to celebrating the exceptional European bar community in this dynamic and cosmopolitan destination. Our aim is to encourage drinks enthusiasts everywhere to discover their next favourite bar and to join us in recognising the outstanding venues shaping the industry worldwide,” said Emma Sleight, head of content for Europe’s 50 Best Bars.
The ranking is decided by the votes of more than 300 gender-balanced, anonymous bar industry experts from across the region.
The voting panel, the Europe’s 50 Best Bars Academy, includes a balanced mix of bartenders, bar owners, drinks media and well-travelled cocktail connoisseurs, selected by the 11 academy chairs, representing 11 sub-regions of Europe.
Highlights for the events programme in Amsterdam will include the Bartenders’ Feast, hosted the evening before the ceremony for those individuals whose bar features in this year’s ranking.
The list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars will be unveiled at an awards ceremony on 30 June, with red-carpet arrivals and a drinks reception before the live countdown and reveal of Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026.
Ahead of the awards ceremony, 50 Best will reveal the winners of two special awards designed to celebrate the achievements of one bar and one bartender over the past year: the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award and Altos Bartenders' Bartender Award.
In addition, the winners of the special awards categories entered by bars across Europe will be announced at the ceremony in Amsterdam:
- One To Watch Award
- Roku Industry Icon Award
- Three Cents Best New Opening Award
- Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award
- Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award
- SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award
- Best in Destination Award
- The Best Bar in Europe 2026, sponsored by Perrier
The countdown of the list of Europe’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience, through the 50 Best channel on YouTube.
