Regina Troy Barrios

Only One Philippine Bar Made Asia's 50 Best Extended List. It's In Makati.

Article (news)

The Philippines has a new entry on one of Asia&#x27;s most influential cocktail rankings.<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thespiritslibrary/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Spirits Library</a> in Makati has debuted at No. 98 on Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars 2026 Extended List, making it the country’s&#x27; only representative on this year&#x27;s 51–100 ranking and earning Manila a place alongside some of Asia&#x27;s leading cocktail capitals.Released on July 14 ahead of the main awards ceremony in Macau on July 28, the extended list recognizes bars ranked from No. 51 to No. 100. It is compiled from the votes of the Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars Academy, a panel of more than 300 bartenders, bar owners, drinks journalists, and cocktail experts from across the region.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17840161577281.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>The Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars Extended List 2026 has been released | Photo: 50 Best Bars</div>While the annual spotlight naturally falls on the Top 50, the extended list has become an important indicator of where Asia&#x27;s cocktail scene is heading. Many bars that first appeared in the 51–100 rankings have gone on to become regional destinations and eventually entered the Top 50.For The Spirits Library, the recognition is a milestone. But it also highlights just how competitive Asia&#x27;s cocktail scene has become. Singapore placed seven bars on this year&#x27;s extended list, while Tokyo, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur each claimed four. The Philippines had one.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17840163204703.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>The Spirits Library&#x27;s team on World Bartender Day | Photo: The Spirits Library</div>The sixth edition of the extended list features 11 new entries spanning 25 cities. Singapore leads with seven bars, including BOP at No. 52, the year&#x27;s highest new entry, and newcomer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/barbonfunk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bar Bon Funk</a> at No. 90. Tokyo and Seoul each claim four spots, while Kuala Lumpur continues its ascent with four bars, including debut entrant <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jwc.cabinet8.kl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cabinet 8</a>.Several cities are making their first appearance on the ranking, such as Galle in Sri Lanka, Hangzhou in China, and Beijing, underscoring how the region&#x27;s cocktail culture continues to expand beyond its traditional powerhouses.Among this year&#x27;s biggest movers is Vietnam’s <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theenigma.saigon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Enigma Mansion</a>, which climbed an impressive 38 places—from No. 93 last year to No. 55—making it the highest climber on the extended ranking.The Philippines&#x27; lone appearance is both a milestone and a reminder that Manila remains an emerging player on Asia&#x27;s cocktail map. Over the past decade, a new generation of independent bars has helped redefine the city&#x27;s drinking culture, shifting the conversation away from hotel lounges toward original concepts, serious spirits programs, and cocktails rooted in craft and hospitality.Recognition from Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars puts Manila on the radar of regional travelers, many of whom plan trips around the annual rankings.&quot;It&#x27;s inspiring to see the continuing emergence of establishments paying homage to their local cultures and native ingredients,&quot; said Faye Huggett, Director of Community for Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars. &quot;From Mainland China to Southeast Asia and the Indian sub-continent, innovative professionals are showing there are no limits to creative cocktails.&quot;Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars 2026 Extended List (51–100)<div> </div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17840163082902.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/> The full Asia&#x27;s 50 Best Bars 2026 ranking will be revealed on July 28 at Wynn Palace in Macau. Whether another Philippine bar breaks into the coveted Top 50 remains to be seen.</div>

The Spirits Library in Makati is the Philippines' only entry on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 Extended List, debuting at No. 98 on the influential regional ranking ahead of this month's Top 50 announcement in Macau.

The Spirits Library in Makati is the Philippines' only entry on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 Extended List , debuting at No. 98 on the influential regional ranking ahead of this month's Top 50 announcement in Macau.

Only One Philippine Bar Made Asia's 50 Best Extended List. It's In Makati.

People

Fashion

Beauty

Wellness

Travel

Culture

Living

Food

Weddings

Food

Only One Philippine Bar Made Asia's 50 Best Extended List. It's In Makati.

Troy Barrios

Published July 14, 2026 04:08 PM PHT

Read More:

asia's 50 best bars 2026

the spirits library

lee watson

makati bars

makati cocktail bars

best bars in the philippines

manila nightlife

asia bar rankings

drinks news

foodbymetro

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Metro.Style is your go-to destination for all things chic and stylish—featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, celebrity news, and inspiring stories. It's your curated guide to living your best life.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.