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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Food devider The Spirits Library debuts at No. 98 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 list

The Spirits Library debuts at No. 98 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026 list

The Makati cocktail bar makes its first appearance on the Asia's 50 Best Bars 51-100 ranking, marking another proud moment for the Philippine bar scene

Published Jul 14, 2026 10:06 pm
(Photo: The Spirits Library)
(Photo: The Spirits Library)
The Philippines has another reason to raise a glass.
Makati’s The Spirits Library has made its debut on the extended list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026, entering the ranking at No. 98. The recognition puts another homegrown drinking destination on the regional stage and gives the local bar community a proud moment ahead of the unveiling of the main 1-50 list.
Released today, July 14, the 51-100 ranking brings together bars from cities across Asia, with The Spirits Library named a new entry this year. The Makati bar opened in 2019 and has become known for its extensive collection of vintage bottles, along with interiors filled with antiques and fine glassware.
Its No. 98 debut places the Philippines among a wide-ranging group of established bars, returning names and newcomers from across the region. The extended ranking stretches from Sora in Phnom Penh at No. 100 to Bar Outrigger in Goa at No. 51.
(Photo: The Spirits Library)
(Photo: The Spirits Library)
For the Philippines, The Spirits Library’s inclusion is another welcome recognition of a cocktail scene that continues to earn attention beyond our shores. Manila’s bars and bartenders have increasingly found their place in regional conversations, and a debut on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars extended list adds another Filipino name to that growing presence.
There may be more reasons to celebrate. The full Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026 list will be revealed at a live awards ceremony on July 28 at Wynn Palace in Macau, when the bars ranked from No. 1 to No. 50 will be announced.
For now, No. 98 is already worth a toast. The Spirits Library has made its first appearance on the list, carrying the Philippine flag with it and giving the country’s cocktail community another proud moment on the Asian stage.
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