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Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis known for its rich history, lively culture, and internationally prominent food. It is also home to an extraordinary bar scene that combines traditional flavors with modern mixology. From sophisticated speakeasies to bars that pay homage to Mexico's indigenous heritage, these establishments are must-visits for any informed drink enthusiast.

686 Bar

686 Bar is distinctive for its laid-back atmosphere and innovative approach to casual drinking. This modern speakeasy, set in Mexico City's trendy Roma Norte neighborhood, offers a refreshing addition to the area's upscale dining scene.

With its minimalist furniture and dim lighting, 686 Bar is a blank canvas on which creativity flows as freely as the drinks. The cocktail menu is a playful mix of classic and contemporary, featuring everything from craft beers to creative concoctions that challenge the palate in a practical way.

Address: Tonalá 133-2do Piso, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX

Reservations available on Tock

Hours: Mon, Thurs-Sun 19:00-2:00

Café Tacobar

Café Tacobar is a distinctive fusion of cafe culture and cocktail craftsmanship, located in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City. By day, it serves as a cozy spot for coffee aficionados, but as night falls, Café Tacobar transforms into a lively bar specializing in coffee-based cocktails. This dual identity makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The signature drink, an Espresso Martini with a Mexican twist, perfectly embodies the bar's innovative spirit. With its relaxed ambiance and commitment to quality, Café Tacobar offers a distinct experience that celebrates Mexico City's dynamic drinking culture.

Seven vibrant cocktails, each in a unique glass, are lined up on a polished wooden bar counter, with rows of liquor bottles in the background.
Seven distinct cocktails are presented on a wooden bar counter, showcasing the variety of drinks available.

Address: Av Oaxaca 12, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Reservations: Walk-ins only

Hours: Tues-Sat 15:00-1:00

Handshake Speakeasy

Hidden behind an unassuming façade in the bustling Juárez district, Handshake Bar offers an intimate and exclusive drinking experience. With a reservation-only policy and a preference for privacy, Handshake Bar suits those in the know. Inside, the ambiance is reminiscent of a Prohibition-era lounge, complete with plush seating and dim lighting.

A bartender pours a dark liquid from a jigger into a glass filled with ice cubes, illuminated by purple light at a bar.
A bartender prepares a drink, pouring a measured amount of liquid into a glass at a Mexico City bar.

The cocktails are masterpieces of precision and flair, with bartenders employing both classic and innovative techniques to create drinks that are as memorable as they are delicious. It is hard to choose which drink is a priority since every single one was phenomenal, but the Olive and Apple stood out for its uniqueness.

Tequila blended with Olive Oil and then strained? We were skeptical too but this creation must be tasted to be believed.

Address: Amberes 65, Col. Juarez, Ciudad de México, CDMX 06600

Reservations available on OpenTable

Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 18:00-1:00; Fri-Sat 18:00 pm-2:00 am

Licorería Limantour

Situated in the fashionable Roma Norte neighborhood, Licorería Limantour has been a beacon of innovation in Mexico City's cocktail culture for over a decade. Known for its avant-garde approach to mixology, Limantour blends international techniques with local ingredients, resulting in a dynamic and ever-evolving cocktail menu. The bar's interior, a stylish blend of Art Deco elegance and contemporary chic, sets the stage for an evening of sophisticated enjoyment. Signature cocktails, such as the Margarita al Pastor, showcase the bar's commitment to Mexican flavors, making Limantour a top destination for cocktail aficionados.

Address: Álvaro Obregón 106, Colonia Roma. Del. Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City, 06700 CDMX

Reservations available on OpenTable

Hours: Mon-Wed 18:00-00:00; Thu 18:00-02:00; Fri-Sat 15:00-02:00; Sun 15:00-00:00

Tlecan

Tlecan is broader than the bar; it's a celebration of Mexico's rich indigenous heritage and its myriad of traditional spirits. Located on the border of Hipódromo and Roma Norte, Tlecan's ancient pre-Hispanic décor and dim lighting invite guests to explore the depth of Mexico's ancestral beverages. The bar's name, derived from Nahuatl, reflects its dedication to authenticity and tradition. Here, patrons can savor drinks made with lesser-known spirits like raicilla, bacanora, and sotol, each cocktail telling a story of Mexico's diverse regions and cultures.

Address: Av. Álvaro Obregón 228-Local 2, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 CDMX

Reservations: Walk-ins only

Hours: Mon-Sun 18:00 - 2:00

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