The Donovan Bar at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair has unveiled a new menu inspired by traditional fairy tales and stories.

Nolet Group has agreed to acquire Lucas Bols for around €270m with all operations to remain in Amsterdam.

The top two bestsellers have switched places this year, but the duo continue to monopolise both lists.

Ryan Chetiyawardana-founded Amsterdam bar Super Lyan has announced the launch of its second menu, inspired by the need to bring attention to continuously rising sea levels.

Just as Ketel One was on the precipice of completing the perfect 10, in swoops Grey Goose to snatch the vodka crown.

Vodka is the fourth most used spirit in the bars we poll. These days, bartenders want vodkas that can stand up to bold flavours (think the Espresso Martini) and against a wider trend towards flavour, the days of insipid neutral spirits are behind us.

Ketel One has retained its position as the bestselling vodka brand in the world, with 32% of elite bars declaring it the number one choice.

Here we look at the brands used by the World's 50 Best Bars in cocktails.

In the best selling ranks, muscle matters. 

For the moment vodka is the best selling international spirit and, despite many bartenders’ snipes, it is also big business in the world’s best bars.

Paul Walsh has disputed there are bourbon and tequila gaps in Diageo’s portfolio and said the group’s priority is building existing brands, not acquisitions.

Ketel One vodka has introduced Ketel One Oranje, an orange flavoured vodka.