World best bar 2024
Handshake Speakeasy: Mexico City’s underground cocktail jewel
Tucked away in Colonia Juárez (on Amberes 65), Handshake Speakeasy is a two-level, impeccably designed speakeasy-bar that operates behind an unmarked entrance—a nod to the secret bars of the Prohibition era. Hidden and intimate, its downstairs lounge and upstairs bar seat just about 32 guests, cultivating a sense of exclusivity.
Secret entrance & timeless ambiance
Your experience begins in a faux concrete alleyway leading to a disguised door. Once inside, you’re welcomed into an elegantly lit space with dark wood, antique moldings, and rows of books and bottles lining the shelves. The upstairs bar is a dramatic black marble centerpiece—evoking the glamour of 1920s New York speakeasies.
A legacy of excellence 🍸
Handshake isn’t just a hidden gem—it’s globally recognized. In 2024, it was crowned The World’s Best Bar by The World’s 50 Best Bars, marking the first time a Mexican establishment took the title. It continued its stellar run, topping North America’s 50 Best Bars in both 2024 and 2025 . Co-owners Eric Van Beek, Rodrigo Urraca, and Marcos Di Battista celebrated the news at the 2024 awards in Madrid, crediting their success to Mexican hospitality, strong team values, and innovative approaches.
Behind the counter: cocktails that wow
1. Lab-driven mixology
Head bartender Eric Van Beek, a Bacardi Legacy champion from Amsterdam, established an in-bar “lab” where he employs molecular gastronomy to craft complex drinks. Every detail, from mixing to presentation, receives meticulous attention.
2. Signature creations
Innovative offerings include:
-
Olive Oil Gimlet: A silky mix of Don Julio Blanco, olive oil, Lillet, rosemary, and green apple—a texture-packed treat
-
Salt N Pepper: A mezcal highball infused with strawberries and green peppers for a vibrant twist
Dinner‑menu classics, such as Fig Martini and Once Upon a Time in Oaxaca, further showcase the bar’s culinary creativity and storytelling flair
Service with a smile (and a “bienvenidos!”)
The moment you enter, the staff shouts a hearty “Bienvenidos!” Your reservation is confirmed discreetly, and you’re escorted in with warmth and efficiency. A 90‑minute window ensures high turnover paired with undivided attention—from prompt refills to friendly farewells.
Upstairs + downstairs: two worlds in one
Handshake’s layout blends intimacy with exploration. The main bar offers a gracious, Gatsby-inflected lounge, while a subterranean annex envelops guests with a cozy, almost izakaya-style vibe introduced in 2023. Mirrors create a sense of vastness in an otherwise compact space.
Why it works: the secret sauce
-
Exclusive elegance
A hidden entrance and limited seating amplify allure-pulling in enthusiasts eager to escape the ordinary -
Cultural craftsmanship
Handshake weaves Mexican roots into global techniques, spotlighting agave spirits and taboos of mixology -
Ethical excellence
Co-owner Marcos Di Battista emphasizes quality of life for staff—competitive wages, training, and labor standards underscore their team-centric ethos -
Continuous storytelling
From theatrics like flaming cocktails to innovative ingredients, the bar invites you into its narrative beyond mere drinking
Need to know before you go
-
Reservations essential: Limited seating; 15-minute grace policy applies
-
Upscale-casual attire: Smart-casual dress code ensures the vibe remains elevated.
-
Price point: Cocktails range MXN 310–500 (~USD 16–25)
-
Two tiers, one bar: Enjoy both upstairs and basement atmospheres; total visit lasts around 90 minutes.
Final toast
Handshake Speakeasy mixes history, innovation, and camaraderie into an experience that resonates far beyond Mexico City. Its hidden doorway leads to a world where every cocktail tells a story, every shadow evokes intrigue, and every visit feels like a chance to become part of something special.
If you get a table: raise your glass and say “Salud!”
