At a dazzling ceremony in Vancouver, North America’s 50 Best Bars crowned Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City as the continent’s top bar for 2025—an honor that comes just months after the acclaimed spot was also named World’s Best Bar. The moment marks a continued rise for Mexico City’s cocktail scene, with Handshake setting the gold standard for innovation, hospitality, and technical precision in drinks.
What Makes Handshake Speakeasy So Special?
Now in its fourth year, the North America’s 50 Best Bars ranking recognizes the finest establishments across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, as judged by a panel of over 300 industry experts. Consistency, creativity, and guest experience are at the heart of the awards—and Handshake Speakeasy delivered all three in spades.
Co-founder Rodrigo Urraca and bar director Eric van Beek credit their dedicated team for back-to-back wins. “We are all incredibly happy,” Urraca said after the victory, emphasizing the importance of staying humble and committed to excellence. “Our team is the heart and soul of Handshake.”
Stepping inside, guests are transported to a moody, bi-level space inspired by the Prohibition era. But while the decor nods to the past, the cocktail program is anything but retro. Molecular mixology and local Mexican ingredients combine to create drinks that surprise and delight even the most seasoned cocktail lovers.
What to Drink: Fig Martini and Piña Colada Redefined
For those planning their first visit, van Beek and Urraca recommend starting with the bar’s now-legendary fig martini—an inventive, aromatic twist that set the tone for Handshake’s reputation. The piña colada, another top pick, reinvents a beach classic with unexpected depth and balance. Both are shining examples of the bar’s talent for reimagining the familiar in unforgettable ways.
Beyond these signatures, Handshake’s rotating menu invites guests to explore further. The team’s approach to molecular techniques—infusions, foams, clarified juices—brings out new textures and flavors, always anchored by Mexican produce and global spirits.
What’s Next for Handshake—and for Mexico City’s Cocktail Scene?
Success hasn’t slowed Handshake’s ambition. After expanding their current Colonia Juárez space, the team plans to launch a second bar in Mexico City and their first international outpost in Amsterdam by year’s end. Their momentum comes as no surprise: Mexico City landed an impressive eight bars in this year’s Top 50, cementing its place as a global destination for cocktail aficionados.
- Tlecān (No. 3)
- Licorería Limantour (No. 9)
- Bar Mauro (No. 14)
- Baltra Bar (No. 20)
- Bijou Drinkery Room (No. 34)
- Hanky Panky (No. 35)
- Kaito del Valle (No. 40)
- Café de Nadie (No. 47)
Vancouver and Canada Shine on the International Stage
Hosting the awards in Vancouver highlighted the city’s growing reputation for outstanding hospitality and cocktail craft. Botanist (No. 26) and The Keefer Bar (No. 28) led the local charge, while Toronto and Montreal also made strong showings with Bar Pompette (No. 7), Civil Liberties (No. 21), Cloakroom Bar (No. 31), Atwater Cocktail Club (No. 36), Bar Mordecai (No. 37), and Mother (No. 40).
Emma Sleight, head of content for 50 Best, celebrated the decision to spotlight Vancouver: “Hosting the awards here allows us to highlight the city’s exceptional talent and celebrate its innovation on a global stage.”
Raise a Glass to North America’s Best
With Handshake Speakeasy at the top—and a strong showing from Mexico City, Canada, and beyond—North America’s bar scene is richer and more exciting than ever. For the complete 2025 list, visit theworlds50best.com, and get ready to add some new destinations to your bucket list.
