Handshake Speakeasy

Behind a secret door in Colonia Juárez, Handshake Speakeasy Mexico City transforms the traditional speakeasy into a culinary laboratory where Eric van Beek's innovative mixology meets 1920s glamour. This world-renowned destination redefines luxury cocktail culture through experimental techniques and indigenous Mexican ingredients.

Founded in 2018 by Rodrigo Urraca and Mark DiBatista, whose partnership began with a handshake at the World's 50 Best Bars ceremony, Handshake Speakeasy has rapidly ascended to global acclaim. The bar achieved the ultimate recognition in 2024, becoming the first Mexican establishment to claim the title of World's Best Bar. Head bartender Eric van Beek, the 2018 Bacardi Legacy Global champion, leads a team that includes laboratory manager Yiyi Aparicio, whose on-site experimentation facility pushes cocktail boundaries daily. This dedication to innovation has positioned Handshake as both a cultural ambassador and pioneer in Mexico's cocktail renaissance.

The cocktail program at this luxury Mexico City bar showcases extraordinary complexity, with some signature creations requiring up to 48 hours of preparation. The Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned exemplifies this approach, featuring bourbon infused with brown butter, mushroom, and maple syrup, crowned with enoki mushrooms for an umami-rich experience. The Mexi-Thai brilliantly fuses tequila with kaffir lime, coconut basil oil, and tomato, while Once Upon a Time in Oaxaca pays homage to Mexican mezcaleros through eight-hour mint and absinthe-infused mezcal. The back bar proudly features an extensive collection of artisanal agave spirits, celebrating Mexico's indigenous distilling traditions through premium mezcal, tequila, and sotol selections.

The interior evokes Great Gatsby-era sophistication through black and gold furnishings that create an intimate, theatrical atmosphere. The main bar maintains classic speakeasy elegance, while a subterranean space channels contemporary Japanese izakaya aesthetics, seamlessly blending with the overarching 1920s theme. Service transcends traditional bartending, with mixologists serving as storytellers and educators who guide guests through each cocktail's inspiration and technique. The experience feels distinctly fine-dining in its attention to detail and theatrical presentation.

Reservations at Handshake Speakeasy require advance planning, reflecting its status among the best cocktail bars in Mexico City. The dress code maintains elegant standards befitting this sophisticated venue. For discerning travelers seeking Mexico City's pinnacle cocktail experience, Handshake Speakeasy offers an unparalleled journey through innovative mixology and Mexican hospitality excellence.