There is no doubt that Mexico City is a hub for foodies, as well as historians, and is ranking as one of the best tourist cities in the world. Luckily, the mixology programs in Mexico city are rising with the times and there are some outstanding craft cocktail bars in Mexico City taking the ranks for some of the best bars in the world. Long gone are the days of only Mezcal and beer in this bustling city. I am going to share with you FIVE cocktail bars in Mexico City that you must visit on your next trip.
#1 Handshake Speakeasy
Sitting at 25th place at this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars, I believe Handshake has the most innovative gastronomic cocktails you will find in the area, or even the world. With its prohibition era decor, you are transported to a true speakeasy. We walked past the entrance on our first go around then I spotted a door that looked lucky, and I was right about how to get it. When you see it, you will know what I am talking about! The flavor of the drinks at Handshake tell a story, and take you along an elaborate journey of flavor combinations you can only try for yourself to be able to imagine. Here you are also given options of spirit only concoctions, called miniature classics, so go ahead and order one to sip on while you browse through the rest of the menu. If you look closely, you will find liquors and alcohol from all over the world, some with 60 years of age. This bar will be climbing up the ranks of the world’s best year after year, and ranks number one in my book for best cocktails in Mexico City.
Cocktails to try:
Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned: Makers Mark Bourbon, Burned Butter, Mushroom, Walnut, Maple
Mexi-Thai: Don Julio 70, Lime, Coconut, Basil Oil, Tomato Water
Monday- Thursday: 6 PM – 1 AM
Friday – Saturday: 6 PM – 2 AM
Sunday: 6 PM – 12 AM
C. Amberes 65, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX
https://www.instagram.com/handshake_bar/
#2 Hanky Panky
The speakeasy bar placed 12th at this year’s World’s 50 Best Bars, giving them the highest placing new entry. They also run on a membership-only style, but don’t worry, you can make reservations and go even without a membership. As a true speakeasy, Hanky Panky is not something you will just stumble upon. It is located inside a traditional restaurant, and when you have a reservation, they will give you the address. Although I cannot give you the exact details of how to find the door, I can give you a little hint: go wash your hands in the restroom before your night gets started. This is a must if you are looking for cocktails in Mexico City!
Obviously we all probably know what Hanky Panky refers to, but it’s also the name of a drink forged by the legend Ada “Coley” Coleman at the Savoy Hotel in London, made with dry gin, Fernet, and vermouth. She was the first woman bartender, and her legend lives on with this drink. Of course we had to order the Hanky Panky martini, and we were transported back to London in the roaring twenties.
Crafted martinis share the cocktail menu curated for the bar by other craft mixologists like Ricardo Sandoval from Limatourand and Phillipe Zaigue from Artemisia, as well as famous mixologists from around the world.
Cocktails to try:
Napolitano Old Fashioned or have the bartender make something fun for you!
Tuesday – Saturday: 5 PM – 2 AM
Sunday: 5 PM – 12 AM
Monday: Closed
Turín 42, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX
https://www.instagram.com/hankypankydf/
#3 Fifty Mills
Mica Rousseau and Axel Pimentel, two of the most influential bartenders both in Mexico and Latin America have created a mixology haven inside the Four Seasons Mexico City.
Founded by two of the most significant mixologists in Mexico and Latin America, Fifty Mills is breaking bounds of what craft cocktails can become. Of course the Four Seasons never does anything average, but Fifty Mills exceeds any expectations of not only a hotel bar, but any craft-cocktail bar. Set is a luxury scene of marble meeting foliage, you will be fascinated with every presentation of their gorgeous drinks, and also is one of the most beautiful bars in Mexico City!
Cocktails to try:
Billy The Kid: Butter Fat Washed Bulleit, Zubrowka, Caramel Tea, Cinnamon & Saffron Syrup, Lime Juice, Angostura Bitter
Bugs Bunny: Tanqueray Ten, Carrot Juice, Lemongrass Syrup, Lime Juice, Tres Chiles Bitter, Perfumed with Fernet
Tuesday – Saturday: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 6 PM – 12 AM
Monday: Closed
Inside Four Seasons Hotel, Av. Paseo de la Reforma 500, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX
https://www.instagram.com/fiftymils
#4 Licorería Limantour
Named best bar in North America in 2021 (by Naked Malt) and No.10 The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2019, Limantour is a cocktail bar where intimacy meets vibrancy. You can find whatever vibe you are going for here; from al fresco sipping to communal tables to mingle, or a nice quiet corner upstairs for a more chill conversation. The cocktail menu is inviting, and changes seasonally. Specialty drinks here seem to be for a more of a sweet vs savory palate in my opinion. This place is a great option for any palate looking for great cocktails in Mexico City.
Cocktails to try:
Breakfast of Champions: Johnnie Walker Black Whisky infused with peanut butter, banana juice, lemon juice
Grand Gimlet: Tanqueray Ten gin, coconut Chartreuse, manzanilla sherry, lime and grapefruit cordial
Sunday – Tuesday: 6 PM – 12 AM
Wednesday: 6 PM – 1 AM
Thursday – Saturday: 6 PM – 2:30 AM
Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX
https://www.instagram.com/limantourmx/
#5 Xaman
Though this bar is not a speakeasy, you could easily pass by it walking around the Juarez neighborhood. Xaman is an underground shamanic bar, with a chill vibe and electronic music. The cocktails are usually made with traditional Mexican ingredients like Xoconostle, agave syrup, manzano peppers, hoja santa or guava. Sometimes drinks come hanging, and you can always expect a presentation to remember. This seemed to be the most lively out of the cocktail bars in Mexico City that we went to.
Cocktail to try: Xombie
Wednesday: 7 PM – 1 AM
Thursday – Saturday: 7 PM – 2 AM
Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
Copenhague 6, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX
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