Asia's 50 Best Bars Awards #1 Spot To Hong Kong's Beloved Coa
Since 2016, Asia's 50 Best Bars has been annually calling out the continent's most destination-worthy drink spots, from Singapore to Sri Lanka and Malaysia to Myanmar. This year, Hong Kong hot spot Coa made history by taking the top ranking for the third year in a row.
The cozy mezcal and tequila-focused bar opened in 2017 after owner Jay Kahn was inspired by an experience visiting distilleries in Mexico. A 41-page-long drink menu reflects Kahn's passion for Mexican spirits and flavors, extending beyond mezcal and tequila to lesser-known liquors like floral raicilla, rum-like charanda, and earthy bacanora.
The industrial-styled space inside Coa features murals inspired by Mexican culture and warm lighting emitted from Edison-style bulbs and the flickering glow of candles. Visitors can expect to indulge in creative cocktails that range from riffs on tradition, like the Mole Negroni, to innovative libations like the Smacked Cucumber, with both mezcal and tequila as well as ginger, lime, chiles, honey, and the bar's house Chinese salad sauce.
Why was Coa chosen as the best bar in Asia?
The ongoing awards for the 50 Best Bars in Asia are determined by Asia's Best Bar Academy. The panel of 260 esteemed experts ranges from bartenders and cocktail specialists to writers, historians, and consultants. The members are tasked with nominating up to seven bars for the awards.
There are no checklists involved in the process — instead, academy members are only required to choose bars at which they've had top-notch experiences within the 18 months prior to voting.
In addition to being awarded the Best Bar in Asia, Jay Khan's Coa was also awarded the Best Bar in Hong Kong for 2023. Coa has also placed at #7 for The World's 50 Best Bars in 2021 and #8 in 2020.
After receiving his most recent award, Khan said, "Six years ago, we opened Coa without any expectations. Today, we're here for the third time in a row on this stage, and this year in our hometown, which makes it the most special one of all. If you have a dream, go for it because dreams do come true," via 50 Best.