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Handshake Speakeasy

Mexico City

• The World's Best Bar 2024, sponsored by Perrier
• The Best Bar in North America 2024, sponsored by Perrier

It’s a two-part story at this hip Mexico City establishment tucked away in Colonia Juárez neighbourhood, which was anointed North America’s Best Bar in 2024. Inspired by the Prohibition era, pass the plush velvet curtains to the first port of call on the ground floor where the intimate space for 32 sports a black and gold aesthetic and Gatsby vibes. As for the basement bar, a space that opened in 2023, pure Mexican spirit and energy awaits.

At first glance, the drinks list is minimalist, but given that head bartender Eric Van Beek uses advanced culinary techniques in prep, each drink is more complex than meets the eye, often taking 48 hours to craft from start to finish and usually boasting unexpected textures. There’s an on-site laboratory with lab manager Yiyi Aparicio at the helm hidden at the heart of the bar where the team experiments daily.

Order the Fig Martini, Van Beek’s first concoction for the bar or try a popular tipple on the current menu Salt N Pepper, a fresh and spicy mezcal highball with strawberries and green peppers. The bar also produces its own bitter, Di Battista, named after one of its co-owners.

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