How Asia Became The Drinks Capital Of The World

There are plenty of reasons to visit Asia. For one, the sheer mix of cultures across the continent means there's so much to discover every time you go there. Landmarks range from the Taj Mahal in India to Petra in Jordan to the Great Wall of China in, well, China. Then, there's the delicious food, with delights like sushi, Peking duck, and curry all hailing from this part of the world.

Something you might not associate that much with Asia, though, is drinking. Yet, it's pretty much one of the best places for this, with the continent host to one of the most thriving bar scenes around. What is it that makes Asia stand out so much in this regard, and how did Asia become the drinks capital of the world?

Singapore recently played host to the World's 50 Best Bars ceremony

There have always been some great bars dotted around parts of Asia, like in Hong Kong and Tokyo. However, in the last decade or so, the continent as a whole has really come into its own in this regard. During the World's 50 Best Bars ceremony in 2023, places like BKK Social Club in Bangkok and Jigger & Pony in Singapore found a spot in the top 20. It marks a continuing upward trajectory for such places that had before gotten lost beneath the wave of Western locations. The fact that the event was held in Singapore - the first place outside of Europe to host the annual awards - further shows the growing dominance of this part of the world. William Drew, head of content for the World's 50 Best Bars, remarked that Singapore was a "straightforward choice" because the bars there are doing their own thing. He praised the sense of "self-confidence" and "self-identity" that these spots exuberate.

Asian ingredients are taking center stage in a lot of drinks around the world

Part of the reason that Asia has become so much more prominent on the drink scene is because of the growing popularity of traditional Asian ingredients. Things like pandan and coconut are seeing a lot more love in beverages around the world, as are various spirits that hail from areas like Korea and Taiwan. While there might not have been any actual Asian bars in the top ten for the World's 50 Best Bars competition, that doesn't mean the continent's influence wasn't felt. For instance, Double Chicken Please, which placed second, uses a lot of Asian teas and herbs to concoct some unbelievably delicious drinks. There's also the matter of many Asian bars being at the forefront of sustainability, with places like Mahaniyom in Bangkok sourcing local ingredients and emphasizing zero-waste policies. To rule the drinks scene, you have to think about more than just the taste, and Asia is proving that it knows how to do that perfectly.

Places like Zest and Coa show why Asia is thriving in the drinks department

If you want to see for yourself what Asia's bar scene is like, there are a few excellent places worth checking out. Zest in Seoul is a brilliant example, with this zero-waste spot making a big impression since launching in 2020. It placed 18th in the World's 50 Best Bars list last year, becoming the highest new entry for several great reasons. Firstly, it's really making waves in terms of environmentalism, from banning aluminum to sourcing ingredients locally. Then, there's also the drinks themselves, with beverages like Jeju Garibaldi being a real taste sensation. Another worthwhile place to visit is Hong Kong's Coa, which just made it into the top 20 of the World's 50 Best Bars list. This place has a few more years behind it, and that extra experience has led to some brilliant inventions. The menu here spans almost two dozen pages and shows that Asian bars aren't afraid to showcase international flavors just as much as local ones.

The continent is full of amazing places worth drinking at

These spots aren't the only places worth calling out. You also have bars like Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou, Stay Gold Flamingo in Singapore, and Hybrid in Ho Chi Minh City. While they might not have cracked the World's 50 Best Bars list, it's a different story when it comes to Asia's 100 Best Bars. Hope & Sesame has been around since 2016 and is an ambitious spot that mixes great global flavors with unusual scientific techniques. It's a little hidden away, but once you find it, you're in for a treat. Meanwhile, Stay Gold Flamingo is quite a new venture, only opening in 2021. It's a dual establishment, with the Stay Gold portion more focused on adult-oriented beverages with a good kick. From classic treats to modernized twists, this Singaporean spot stands out for a reason. As for Hybrid, while their drinks might seem simple, the taste of them celebrates Asian ingredients in a beautiful way.

Asia is hardly the only place in the world pushing the drinks scene forward in exciting directions. However, it's definitely somewhere that has a lot of our attention right now.