The World’s 50 Best Bars is an annual list that celebrates the best of the international drinks industry.
First published in 2009, it provides an annual ranking of bars as voted for by 600 drinks experts from across the globe.
The list represents the ultimate international guide to the world’s top bars and drinking destinations.
The much anticipated list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021, sponsored by Perrier, was revealed on Tuesday 7th December at an awards ceremony in London and shared digitally around the globe.
Two of the World’s Best Bars for 2021 are in Athens, Greece, with Baba au Rum and The Clumsies finishing in 4th and 14th positions respectively.
No.4 The Clumsies, Athens, Greece
Part of The Clumsies’ undeniable charm is the ease with which it can do so many things so well.
It's just as comfortable as a spot for a morning coffee and breakfast as a place in the evening to drink some of the most inventive cocktails that can be found anywhere, or for dancing on the bar at 2am.
This is thanks to co-owners Vasilis Kyritsis and Nikos Bakoulis’ commitment to hospitality. They've managed to create a space as impressive to the international bartending community as it is homely to locals, and this approach has made The Clumsies a stalwart of the 50 Best list.
The new menu, F<3lings, is designed as a counterpoint to the pandemic.
Drinks fall under one of three emotional categories – happiness, excitement, or tenderness.
The Caregiver – a blend of Ketel One vodka, coleslaw sauerkraut, raisin, and pistachio milk, with a pickled carrot garnish – is a particular highlight.
Contact The Clumsies, Athens, Greece
Praxitelous 30, Athens 105 61, Greece
Visit The Clumsies on Facebook
Visit The Clumsies on Instagram
No.14 Baba au Rum, Athens, Greece
Baba au Rum brought a revolutionary admiration of cocktails to the Greek capital when it opened 13 years ago, and to this day it remains THE bar in Athens’ now thriving hospitality scene, held in highest regard.
The Spicy Baba has been the bar’s most popular cocktail since 2010, but the recipe and ingredients have been continuously revisited and refreshed.
Its power comes from owner and manager Thanos Prunarus, a man who straddles the old school and modernity. Here, things aren’t overhauled but instead attentively developed, moving with the times while maintaining warmth and familiarity.
While Baba au Rum is first and foremost a rum bar, the menu does move beyond the spirit. Try a Smokin’ Mexican, which balances mezcal with fresh avocado, organic agave nectar, barbecue paprika and lime.
“We are traveling around the world, visiting distilleries, tasting and picking no less than the best,” explains Baba au Rum.
“We carefully choose our herbs and fruits from local farmers, and we started experimenting with our own organic farming too, another challenge for us to embrace.
“So sit back, relax and rest, assured that the cocktail you are enjoying was made out of care and with all the attention that you deserve. Everything here has a story to tell...“...After all the same goes for people.”
Contact Baba au Rum, Athens, Greece
Klitiou 6, Athens, Greece
Visit Baba Au Rum on Instagram
Read also: SENSE: Athens’ Magical Rooftop Restaurant
