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Handshake Speakeasy

Mexico City

• Accolades
• The Best Bar in North America 2026, sponsored by Monkey Shoulder

A hidden bar experience with a culinary approach

Tucked inside a hotel in Mexico City's lively Zona Rosa district, hands down the legend of Handshake Speakeasy speaks for itself, and it was crowned The World's Best Bar in 2024.

In fact, there are two experiences to be enjoyed here: starting at the cosy original space for 32 guests before being guided downstairs to the extremely well-hidden basement bar. For this, the second version of Handshake, co-founders Rodrigo Urraca and Marcos di Battista joined forces with Dutch bartender Eric van Beek, and that arrangement has proved fruitful.

A theatrical entrance awaits at the first bar: long, heavy curtains revealing the intimate space as the drinks team greets you. The decor is Prohibition and Great Gatsby era, low illumination spotlighting leather bar stools and chairs, while tunes tend to draw from the '90s; however, the beverage director's drinks lists are very much 21st century.

Taking a culinary approach to mixology means revisiting classics such as the piña colada – Handshake's take is clarified and refreshing rather than creamy and sweet. Reservations last 45 minutes here before guests are summoned to the buzzing basement bar for the second experience that's more up-tempo and played out to a hip-hop soundtrack. A mix of on-tap cocktails and house classics are served – order the Fig Martini because the popular gin, dry vermouth and fig leaf cocktail has been served on the menu since Handshake's opening night. Another, highly photogenic drink is the Three Sips Martini, whose trio of glasses on floral stalks are likely inspired by tulips, the beverage director's national flower.

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