Two Makati Bars Earn Spots on Asia's Best Bars 2026 Rankings

(SPOT.ph) Asia's 50 Best Bars has unveiled its 2026 rankings, recognizing Asia's top cocktail destinations as chosen by more than 300 anonymous drinks experts, bartenders, bar owners, and writers from across Asia. The annual list honors excellence in cocktails, service, creativity, and hospitality.

This year, two Philippine bars made the cut: Makati's The Spirits Library ranked at No. 98 in the extended 51-100 list, while Problem Child landed at No. 44 on the main list, earning the title of The Best Bar in the Philippines 2026.

Leading the country is Problem Child, which ranked No. 44 on the main list and was named The Best Bar in the Philippines 2026—a huge milestone for a bar that only opened its doors in late 2025. This Makati bar is founded by Kevin Corales, Wendy Esteban, and Patrick Leyble, and has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about bars thanks to its cocktail program, which rotates around a single colour scheme every three months.

Joining in on the extended 51-100 list is another Makati bar: The Spirits Library, ranked at No. 98. The intimate cocktail bar has quietly built a loyal following for its thoughtful drinks and immersive experience with every cocktail they serve. Great examples are the Bamboo Highball, which blends scotch with a bamboo tea soda, or the Slow Down, Kiddo, which has gin, sour apple liqueur, honey, Earl Grey tea, and grape juice.

While the Philippines celebrates two entries on this year's list, the top 10 bars remain dominated by bars across East and Southeast Asia. Rounding out the top 10 are Obsidian Bar in Shenzhen, Jigger & Pony in Singapore, Boilermaker in Goa, Lennon's and Bar Us in Bangkok, MO Bar Shenzhen in Shenzhen, Dry Wave Cocktail Studio in Bangkok, Bar Leone in Hong Kong, and Zest in Seoul, and claiming the top spot is Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou.