26 August 2026 – Alquímico in Cartagena, Colombia, has been announced as the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, chosen by the esteemed voters of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy. This is the first of two special awards that will be announced ahead of the reveal of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier.
Each member of The World’s 50 Best Bars Academy, which comprises more than 800 anonymous industry experts, is invited to nominate the bar that delivered their most outstanding hospitality experience during the voting period, recognising the integral role hospitality plays in shaping the guest journey. The award will be presented at a live ceremony taking place in Milan on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
Founded in 2016 by French-Vietnamese entrepreneur Jean Trinh, Alquímico has evolved from an ambitious cocktail bar in Cartagena's historic centre into one of the world's most celebrated drinking destinations. Housed within a beautifully restored three-storey mansion on Calle del Colegio, the venue showcases Colombia's rich biodiversity through excellent cocktails while driving meaningful change for local communities, earning international recognition for a truly innovative approach to drinks, sustainability and social impact.
Spread across three immersive floors, Alquímico's concept offers a unique perspective on Colombian ingredients, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling while building sincere connections and supporting philanthropic projects across the region. The vibrant ground floor highlights produce sourced from farming communities affected by conflict, with cocktail sales contributing to regional development projects, including a school planned for 2026. On the second floor, proceeds from classic serves reimagined through a Colombian lens support a bartender academy and youth music foundation for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Serves on the lively rooftop are inspired by ingredients grown on the team's own farm while contributing to local reforestation efforts. Historic architecture, warm lighting and vibrant energy bring Cartagena's heritage and contemporary creative spirit to life throughout the space.
At the heart of Alquímico's success is a hospitality philosophy rooted in generosity, education and genuine human connection. The team is renowned for turning service into storytelling, with bartenders guiding guests through the ingredients, the people behind them, and the bar’s wider impact. This deeply personal approach, paired with exceptional attention to detail and a truly authentic sense of purpose, creates a benchmark experience that is celebrated as much for the warmth of its people as for the quality of its cocktails.
Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: "Beyond its extraordinary cocktails and vibrant setting, Alquímico has redefined what world-class hospitality looks and feels like. We couldn’t be happier to extend the warmest congratulations to Jean and the incredible Alquímico team on this thoroughly deserved recognition. For them, hospitality is not simple service, it is the art of making people feel seen, valued and part of a larger story. By sharing the richness of Colombian culture, ingredients and communities with such authenticity, Alquímico delivers an experience that stays with you long after you leave.”
Paola Oviedo & Jean Trinh, Co-Founders and Owners of Alquímico, say: “Winning the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is deeply meaningful because it recognises a belief that has guided Alquímico from the beginning: hospitality is an act of care. For us, that means not only caring for guests, but also supporting our team, producers and communities. This vision is reflected in our Hospitality School in Cartagena, created with Colectivo Canta, where we help young people develop values such as empathy, teamwork, discipline and respect through music and hospitality. This award celebrates everyone involved and affirms that hospitality can be a powerful force for positive change.”
Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s Distillery, says: “Congratulations to Jean Trinh, Paola Oviedo and the entire team at Alquímico on receiving the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award 2026. They have created something truly special in Cartagena, bringing warmth, generosity and genuine care to every guest. On behalf of everyone at Michter’s, we are delighted to celebrate this wonderful achievement.”
The countdown of the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2026, sponsored by Perrier, will also be broadcast live to a global audience. Cocktail lovers across the world are invited to join through the 50 Best YouTube channel at 20:00 Milan time on the 7 October 2026.