The victory for Hope & Sesame, located in the historic Dongshankou district, cements the reputation of founders Bastien Ciocca and Andrew Ho. Their speakeasy, tucked behind a traditional Cantonese store, has spent seven years climbing the ranks by reimagining regional flavors and culinary heritage through a technical, modern lens. This win leads a record-breaking year for Mainland China, which secured seven spots on the list, bolstered by the high-profile debuts of Shenzhen’s MO Bar and Obsidian Bar.

While Bangkok remains a regional powerhouse with eight entries, the 2026 ranking underscores a wider geographic expansion. New talent emerged from cities like Hanoi, Makati, and Hiriketiya, proving that innovation is no longer confined to established cocktail hubs. The list, determined by over 300 independent industry experts, featured 14 new entries and two re-entries, reflecting a fast-evolving landscape where hospitality is increasingly defined by cross-cultural exchange and sustainable, ingredient-focused practices.