Handshake Speakeasy is a hidden cocktail bar in Colonia Juárez, Mexico City. It was ranked the #1 bar in the world by the World’s 50 Best Bars in 2024 and held the top spot in North America’s 50 Best Bars in both 2024 and 2025. There is no sign outside. You enter through a black door marked #13 inside an NH Hotel lobby on Calle Amberes 65. Cocktails take 24 to 48 hours to prepare in an on-site kitchen lab. Drinks cost between MXN 310 and MXN 500. Book your table on OpenTable or Resy before you travel.
If you search for the best bar in the world, one name keeps coming up. Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City has taken the global cocktail scene by storm. It holds the top ranking from the World’s 50 Best Bars. It also topped North America’s 50 Best Bars two years in a row, in 2024 and 2025.
But here is the interesting part. You will not find a sign outside. You will not see a glowing neon logo. You walk into a hotel lobby, find a black door with the number 13, and step into one of the most talked-about bar experiences in the world.
This guide covers everything you need to know. You will learn what makes this bar special, how to get in, what to order, and whether it lives up to the hype.
What Is Handshake Speakeasy?
Handshake Speakeasy is a reservation-only cocktail bar. It sits inside the NH Hotel on Calle Amberes 65 in Colonia Juárez, Mexico City. The bar opened in Polanco in 2018. After relocating during the pandemic, it settled in its current Zona Rosa location.
The name comes from a simple idea. A handshake is a promise. The bar promises every guest a personal, memorable welcome from the moment they walk in.
This is not your average CDMX nightlife spot. Handshake is built around molecular mixology and culinary precision. Every cocktail is designed the same way a chef designs a dish. The bar blends artisan cocktails with an immersive bar experience that most people have never seen in a cocktail setting.
The speakeasy concept fits perfectly here. The hidden entry, the intimate size, and the sense of discovery all add to the magic.
Where Is Handshake Speakeasy Located?
The bar is at Calle Amberes 65, Colonia Juárez, Mexico City (CDMX 06600). This neighborhood is also known as Zona Rosa. It is one of the most walkable areas of the city.
To find the entrance, walk into the NH Hotel lobby. Do not look for a big sign. Look for a black door marked with the number 13. That is the door to the world’s best bar.
There is no dramatic cobblestone alley or secret password. The arrival is low-key by design. The experience begins the moment you step inside.
Why Did Handshake Win the Best Bar in the World Title?
Most bars are good at one thing. Handshake Speakeasy is excellent at two.
The Cocktail Science
Every drink on the menu is built using culinary cocktails techniques. The team treats each recipe like a kitchen formula. Ingredients are sourced with precision. Flavor combinations go far beyond what most cocktail bars attempt. Think blue cheese in a drink. Think textures you would expect from fine dining, not from a glass.
The World’s 50 Best Bars recognized this as world-class cocktail culture Mexico has been building for years. Handshake Speakeasy did not just rise to the top of the list. It changed what a bar could be.
The Hospitality Model
The service at Handshake is unlike anything in standard bar hospitality. Staff members are trained in multiple roles. They rotate between bartender, server, and host. This means every person you interact with understands the full experience.
The result is choreographed, warm, and consistent. World-class bartenders here do not just pour drinks. They deliver a complete, personal experience from start to finish. This is immersive hospitality at its best.
The 24 to 48 Hour Lab Process Behind Every Drink
Here is one detail that most visitors do not know before they arrive. The cocktails you order at Handshake Speakeasy were made one to two days before you got there.
The bar operates an on-site lab kitchen. Each cocktail goes through a 24 to 48 hour preparation process using culinary science methods. Ingredients are combined, tested, chilled, or treated in ways that a standard bar would never attempt.
This is what separates Handshake from every other speakeasy in Mexico City. The drinks are not mixed at the bar in real time. They are crafted like food in a professional kitchen, then served at the exact moment they reach peak flavor.
When you taste unexpected textures or surprising flavor layers in your glass, this process is why. The molecular mixology approach turns cocktail-making into a science.
How to Get a Reservation at Handshake Speakeasy
Getting a table is the first challenge. Handshake is small. It seats fewer than 20 guests at one time. Demand is high.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to OpenTable or Resy and search for Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City.
- Book as early as possible. Peak weeks can show no availability for the next four weeks.
- Check for weeknight slots first. Weekends fill up much faster.
- Confirm your booking by email. You will receive a confirmation from the platform.
- Arrive on time. You have a 90-minute seating window. Late arrivals lose time from their visit.
Walk-ins are occasionally possible during slower periods. But do not count on it. If you are traveling to Mexico City and this bar is on your list, book before you land.
Pro tip: If you want to skip cluttering your personal inbox with booking confirmation emails and marketing follow-ups from reservation platforms, use a disposable email address when signing up on Resy or OpenTable. It keeps your real inbox clean.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
The Arrival Experience
You will likely wait outside the hotel for a few minutes before being let in. Do not expect a glamorous queue. It looks like any hotel entrance. When your group is called, a staff member will guide you through the lobby to door #13.
The moment you step inside, the whole team shouts “Bienvenidos!” This welcome is part of the brand ritual. It is exciting the first time. As more groups arrive through the evening, you will hear it again for each new table. Some guests love it every time. Others find it loses its novelty.
Inside, the space is intimate and candle-lit. The decor is black and gold with marble accents. It feels like a mix of 1920s underground bar style and modern culinary lab.
Seating includes a community table for about 12 guests, a bar counter, and a few low edge tables.
The 90-Minute Seating Limit
This is the single most important thing to know before you go. Every reservation comes with a 90-minute time limit.
Handshake Speakeasy is not a place to settle in for a long night. It is designed for a focused, curated visit. In 90 minutes, you can comfortably enjoy three to four cocktails. Plan your experience around this. Do not treat it as an all-night bar.
One small detail you will notice: your drinks always go back on a slate slab coaster. If you place your glass on the table, the staff will gently return it to the slate. It is a subtle design choice that keeps the presentation consistent.
What to Order at Handshake Speakeasy
The menu uses a simple three-word system to describe each cocktail. Words like “complex, nutty, short” or “bright, citrus, long” help you choose based on flavor and style. This makes it easy to navigate even if you are not a cocktail expert.
Here is a breakdown of the menu options:
- Standard cocktails: MXN 310 to MXN 500 per drink (roughly $15 to $25 USD). These are the full Handshake creations using the lab preparation process.
- Miniature classics: Four small cocktails served together for MXN 100 each. This is the best way to taste more of the menu in a single visit. It is also the most budget-friendly option.
- Non-alcoholic options: Tea champagnes and mocktails are available at MXN 150 each (roughly $7.50 USD). The bar does not ignore non-drinkers.
English menus are available alongside Spanish menus. You do not need to speak Spanish to navigate the ordering process.
If you want a standout experience, try one of the cocktails with a theatrical presentation. “Once Upon a Time in Oaxaca,” made with mezcal and a fire element, is one of the most memorable drinks the bar has offered.
Classic cocktails are also available on request if you prefer something more familiar.
Is Handshake Speakeasy Worth the Hype?
This is the honest answer most travel guides skip.
Yes, for one visit. Handshake Speakeasy delivers something genuinely rare. The cocktails are exceptional. The atmosphere is beautiful. The service is warm and precise. For anyone who loves cocktail culture or immersive bar experiences, this is worth the trip.
But manage your expectations. The arrival experience is not as dramatic as the photos suggest. The 90-minute limit makes it feel rushed if you are used to relaxed bar evenings. Prices are high for Mexico City standards, even if they feel reasonable compared to New York or London.
| What Works Well | What to Know Before You Go |
|---|---|
| Cocktail quality is world-class | 90-minute time limit enforced |
| Warm, choreographed service | Arrival queue is low-key, not theatrical |
| Creative menu with clear descriptions | Prices are above average for CDMX |
| Miniature classics option for budget visits | Bienvenidos shout gets repetitive |
| English menu available | Walk-ins are rarely available |
The verdict: go once, go with intention, and go with a reservation.
Handshake Beyond Mexico City
In September 2025, Handshake Speakeasy made its first-ever appearance in the United States. The team held a 4-night pop-up at MAD Bar and Lounge inside the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue from September 3 to 6.
Reservations opened on Resy on August 3, 2025. Priority was given to hotel guests. The NYC menu featured New York-inspired cocktail twists and exclusive one-night collaborations not available anywhere else.
This pop-up confirmed what cocktail fans already suspected. Handshake is not just a Mexico City bar. It is a global brand built on precision, hospitality, and craft. Whether the team launches future pop-ups in other cities remains to be seen, but the bar’s international reach is growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Handshake Speakeasy have a dress code?
The bar does not publish a strict dress code. However, the atmosphere is upscale and intimate. Smart casual is the safe choice. Guests who show up in very casual or beachwear-style clothing may feel out of place.
Can I celebrate a birthday or special occasion at Handshake?
Yes, but keep the 90-minute seating limit in mind when planning. The bar creates a personal atmosphere naturally, so birthdays and anniversaries fit well. There is no confirmation that the bar accommodates special decorations or cakes, so check directly when booking.
Is Handshake Speakeasy child-friendly?
No. As a cocktail bar serving alcohol in an intimate adult atmosphere, Handshake Speakeasy is not suitable for children.
How far in advance should I book?
At least two to four weeks ahead is recommended during peak travel periods. If you are visiting Mexico City on a tight schedule, book before you fly. Availability disappears quickly.
Does the bar have parking nearby?
The Colonia Juárez neighborhood has paid street parking and nearby lots. The area is also well-served by Mexico City’s ride-share apps, which most visitors use. The NH Hotel does not offer guest parking for bar visitors.
Are there other top-ranked bars near Handshake in Mexico City?
Yes. Several other CDMX bars also appear on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. These include Tlecān at #20, Limantour at #32, and Baltra at #83. If you love world-class cocktail bars, Mexico City is worth more than one night out.
Can I buy Handshake merchandise or bottled cocktails?
There is no publicly confirmed merchandise or take-home cocktail program at this time. The experience is designed to be had in person, inside the bar.
Next time you plan a trip to Mexico City, put Handshake Speakeasy at the top of your list. Book early, go in with the right expectations, and let the cocktails do the rest. The world’s best bar earned its title. You will taste exactly why.