Handshake Speakeasy

Handshake Speakeasy is the bar that put Mexico City at the top of the global cocktail rankings. Hidden behind a secret door on Calle Amberes in Colonia Juárez, it takes its inspiration from the speakeasies of the Prohibition era, and its own website announces that it has been ranked number one in the world by The World's 50 Best Bars. It was named the best bar in North America three years running up to 2025, and in the 2026 lists it is sixth in The World's 50 Best Bars and 12th in North America's 50 Best Bars. Its co-owner, Erik Van Beek, arrived in Mexico in 2019.

The room is styled on the 1920s and stocked with vintage spirits, but the drinks are thoroughly modern. Handshake has its own on-site laboratory where the team experiments every day, and many cocktails take as long as 48 hours to prepare. The bar describes its offer as alta coctelería, high-end cocktail making, and as a sophisticated experience. The World's 50 Best puts the average cocktail at around 14 US dollars, which reflects the work involved.

Reservations are essential for most nights. The website takes bookings for one to ten people through OpenTable: you choose the size of your party and a time slot, then confirm with the Book Now button. There is also a reservations email for other requests. Given its rankings, book as soon as your dates are confirmed. Bookings are made for a specific time slot, so arrive on time, and allow a few minutes to find the hidden entrance.

Handshake suits cocktail enthusiasts, couples looking for a memorable night out and travellers who want to see what the city's top bar scene is about. With bookings capped at ten people, it suits small groups best. Plan on two or three cocktails over an hour and a half.

Calle Amberes is in Colonia Juárez, the same neighbourhood as Hotel Geneve and Café La Habana. If you want to continue the evening, Limantour in Roma Norte is a short taxi ride away, and the two bars together make a good introduction to the city's cocktail culture.