Top 10 Latin bars across the globe

As all eyes turn to Brazil for the Rio Olympics 2016, SB picks out the world’s best Latin drinking dens, where patrons across the globe are adopting the sporting spirit.

If you’re based in Mexico, why not head down to craft cocktail den Licorería Limantour?

While yesterday SB brought you London’s top cocktails to celebrate the Rio Olympics, today our focus reaches further to offer up our selection of the world’s best Latin-inspired bars.

Whether you’re based in Argentina, travelling in Sydney or on a business trip to Singapore, there’s no reason for you to miss out on the spirit of the Olympics this year.

Don your athletics gear, stick on some trainers and spirit down to your nearest Latin bar to raise a cachaça (or two) to the athletes making sporting history.

Click through the following pages to take a look at the top 10 Latin bars across the globe. 

Vasco, Singapore

Latin spirit lovers, delight! You’ll not find any gin, vodka or whisky on the menu here, instead the cocktail list is entirely made up of cachaça, pisco, Tequila, mezcal and rum drinks. Dimly lit with lively Latin beats, Vasco aims to embody the culture from menu to  decor. The bar boasts an exceptional Negroni (pictured), made with Mexico ’70. Mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth, and chocolate bitters.

Floreria Atlantico, Argentina

Regarded as one of the best bars in Latin America, Floreria Atlantico is inspired by the various immigrant drinking dens that popped up in Buenos Aires during the 19th century. Hidden out the back of a florist in a basement, the name is a reference to millions of immigrants who sailed across the Atlantic to the country. As such, the menu is divided into five key sections to represent migratory rounds between 1900 and 1920:  Italy, Spain, England, France and Poland, with an additional selection representing modern day Argentina.

Floripa, London

‘Comer, beber, dancer’, which translates as ‘eat, drink, dance’ is the tagline for this East London den. With incredible Brazilian food, an inspired drinks list featuring both classic and house greats, and a selection of live bands, DJs and legendary parties, this hedonistic hotspot is a must-visit. Try the Detoxia cocktail while you’re there – a combination of Green Chartreuse, Bacardi Fuego, avocado, fresh lime juice, salt, mint and Angostura Bitters.

La Factoria, Puerto Rico

Heralded as the bar that put Puerto Rico on the cocktail map, La Factoria offers simple drinks with fresh, house-made  ingredients to a warming salsa soundtrack. Grab a pew in this dimly lit hipster habitat and try a Lavender Mule, made with Ketel One, home-made ginger beer and lavender syrup, and lemon juice; or a Spiced Rum Old-Fashioned – Don Q Gran Anejo, dry spice syrup and house-crafted bitters.

Rayuela, NYC

Hit up this popular Pan-Latin spot, located on the Lower East Side. This sleek restaurant bar has an olive tree growing right through the centre of it, the branches of which spread up to the fancy dining room on floor above. The food is nothing short of impressive, and the drinks menu – which is listed by spirit rather than naming each cocktail – really delivers.

Academia de Cachaça, Rio

Mingle in with the locals at Academia de Cachaça, a slice of Brazil offering a vast selection of sugar cane rums. Lively and loud, this bar offers an education in the national spirit, from infusions of herbs, fruits and roots steeped in cachaça, to various Caipirinhas and Caipiroskas made with fresh fruit.

The Lobo Plantation, Sydney

Named after Julio Lobo – Cuba’s last sugar baron – underground drinking den Lobo Plantation offers a journey through Latin America via tailored rum flights and clever cocktails. Try the Penicilina, a mix of Tequila, house-made ginger and jalapeno syrup, lemon juice, smoked salt and peat spray.

Licorería Limantour, Mexico

Licoreria Limantour is leading the local craft cocktail movement with its list of 30 cocktails, of which 10 are classic, 10 are best sellers and 10 are seasonal. Held as one of the best bars in Latin America and the Caribbean, the team have worked hard to create a list inspired by local ingredients and flavours but with a worldly twist.

JZ Latino, Shanghai

Perched atop the Renaissance Yu Garden Hotel, this Latin jazz bar boasts a huge rooftop viewpoint with spectacular views. Offering entertainment ranging from live bands to dance classes, JZ Latino is a certified South American haven.

Embargo, London

Embargo embodies ‘Cuban exuberance’ with colourful cocktails and punches, an illuminated dance floor and a glittering mirrored ceiling. Head down to this party bar for a slice of Cuban cool – you’ll enter through a cigar shop, and likely won’t leave until dawn.