Star Bar Ginza
Tokyo, Japan
Most Americans think of Japan as the land of sake, not of world class cocktails — but one trip to Star Bar Ginza will have you reconsidering that notion. Owned by Hisashi Kishi, the director of technical research for the Nippon Bartenders Association and former International Bar Association world champion, this somewhat hidden establishment takes its drinks as seriously as a samurai does his training, shaving off perfect chunks of ice with an array of knives, using ultra-scientific drink recipes, and serving them with purpose in the classic bar atmosphere. Be sure to try the sidecar, which might be the best version on the planet.
