Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-06
This week in bar culture, Death & Co. officially opened its first Seattle location, marking a significant expansion for the New York cocktail powerhouse. Meanwhile, Buenos Aires kicked off its major Cocktail Week with international guests, and Edinburgh venues celebrated victories at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards.
Cocktails and Bar Culture: 50 Best and Beyond — 2026-09-06
Top developments
Death & Co. Opens First Seattle Bar
The acclaimed New York cocktail institution Death & Co. officially opened its first Seattle location in Pioneer Square on Thursday, September 3, 2026. This expansion brings the brand's signature craft cocktail program and hospitality standards to the Pacific Northwest, signaling continued growth for major cocktail groups beyond their original hubs.
Bs As Cocktail Week 2026 Launches
Buenos Aires’ premier cocktail event, Bs As Cocktail Week 2026, opened on Sunday, September 6, with a public festival at the Parque de Innovación. Organized by CABARCO, the event features bartending competitions, masterclasses, and guest appearances from bars in Mexico, Italy, Brazil, and South Africa, under the theme "New generations, new mixology".
Edinburgh Wins Big at Scottish Bar Awards
Edinburgh and Lothian venues secured multiple wins at the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2026, announced recently. Notable winners include Deanston, which took home accolades including Best Irish Bar 2026, highlighting the region's strong presence in the UK's hospitality sector.
Chicago Bar Scene Expands
Chicago’s bar landscape saw significant additions in early September 2026, with Eater Chicago highlighting new openings that blend food and drink experiences. The updates include a new barbecue outpost and other concept-driven spaces, reflecting the city's ongoing evolution in hospitality.
Local view
In Japan, local media highlighted new niche concepts and collaborations. Gourmet Press reported on September 1 that top bartender Sorato Nomura joined the menu team at STAND_BnA, introducing new cocktails to the venue. Additionally, Hira2.jp noted the opening of "THE BAR 21st AVENUE" in Hirakata on August 31, adding to the local nightlife options near Hirakata Municipal Hospital.
Context & numbers
The US bars and nightclubs industry continues to show resilience, with revenue growing at a CAGR of 2.8% over the five years to 2026, reaching $38.6 billion. This growth is driven by stable alcohol consumption and strong demand for socialization among affluent customers. Meanwhile, the global tequila market is projected to reach $30.06 billion by 2028, up from $19.76 billion in 2022, indicating sustained consumer interest in specific spirit categories.
On the radar
- Australian Bar Awards: Tickets for the 2026 Australian Bar Awards are still available, with the event approaching later this month.
- Spirited Awards Winners: The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation announced its 2026 Spirited Awards winners earlier this summer, with Yayo Nava (Bar Mauro, Mexico City) named International Bartender of the Year; industry watchers will be tracking the long-term impact of these recognitions on global bar traffic.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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