Two bars in Rome and Milan have made it into the “The World’s 50 Best Bars”, Drinks International’s annual survey to find the best bars in the world.
The results of the survey were announced at a ceremony at One Mayfair in London at the beginning of October, before a crowd of 500 of the bar industry's top figures.
At number 19 is Rome’s Jerry Thomas Project.
“The name Jerry Thomas is to bartenders a bit like the name Jesus to Christians,” Drinks International reports. “Although born nearly 200 years ago, his name is alive and kicking in today's industry. He famously penned How to Mix Drinks/The Bon Vivant's Companion in 1862 and it has been a bible for those interested in the history of their craft for many years.” Thomas was the inspiration for The Jerry Thomas Project’s owner Leonardo Leuci, who opened the bar in 2010. Resembling a 1920s Prohibition era bar, Leuci says of his locale: "We wanted to open a real speakeasy, a tribute to Jerry Thomas, but also be focused on the rediscovery of forgotten Italian spirits – this is a good mix for us: classic pre-Prohibition drinks with an Italian touch." To enter the bar, you will need a password in the form of an answer to a question, which changes every two weeks and can be found on the website.
At number 49 is Milan’s Nottingham Forest, with more than 1,000 cocktail on offer.
“Owner Dario Comini is a respected bartender with years of experience, coming to the trade from a chemistry background,” writes Drinks International. “That would immediately imply something molecular in the mixing here, although on the surface Nottingham Forest lends itself more to a tiki haunt. Nautical nick-nacks hanging from the ceiling and a massive mounted fish point to all things rum-related.”
The Drinks International-organised award ceremony was presented by cocktail historian David Wondrich and World's 50 Best Bars editor, Lucy Britner. Voters from around the globe, collectively known as the Academy, choose their best bars.
Established in 1972, Drinks International is the only magazine devoted exclusively to the global spirits, wines and beers market.
Here's a video from the staff of Rome’s Jerry Thomas Project:
