If you’re a cocktail lover visiting Mexico City, you’ll want to explore the best cocktail spots in Mexico City. From hidden speakeasies to innovative bars inspired by local culture, the city boasts some of the top mixology destinations in the world. Whether you’re sipping on a classic martini or enjoying a mezcal creation, these bars provide unforgettable experiences. Here’s a deep dive into the top five cocktail spots in Mexico City, complete with their history, standout drinks, and even a recipe you can try at home.
Licorería Limantour: A Pioneer Among the Best Cocktail Spots in Mexico City
Step into Licorería Limantour, and you’ll instantly feel like you’ve entered the heart of Mexico City’s cocktail revolution. Established in 2011, this Roma Norte institution has led the city’s booming mixology scene. It’s regularly ranked among the world’s top bars, blending tradition with modern flair to create exceptional cocktails.
The experience at Limantour goes beyond just the drinks. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by a stylish yet inviting atmosphere. The bartenders are experts in their craft, focusing on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to elevate traditional Mexican spirits like mezcal and tequila. As a result, every cocktail feels like a celebration of Mexico’s rich flavors with a contemporary twist.
While the menu changes seasonally, certain drinks have earned a permanent place. One example is the Jamaica Mezcal, made with Los Siete Misterios mezcal, hibiscus syrup, lime, and cardamom. It’s as bold and vibrant as the city itself.
Licorería Limantour has set the standard for cocktail excellence in CDMX. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or a beginner, it’s an essential stop. It’s not just about the drink—it’s about the journey.
Must-Try Cocktail:
Jamaica Mezcal
This cocktail features a mix of Los Siete Misterios mezcal, hibiscus syrup, cardamom, and lime juice, resulting in a refreshing and slightly smoky drink.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Los Siete Misterios mezcal
- 0.5 oz hibiscus syrup
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 dash cardamom
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a hibiscus flower.
Location: Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Norte
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Handshake Speakeasy: A Hidden Gem Among Mexico City’s Best Cocktail Spots
Picture this: You step through an unmarked door in a former shoe store, and suddenly you’re in one of the most exclusive cocktail bars in the world. That’s the allure of Handshake Speakeasy. Opened in 2019, it quickly rose to fame, even securing a top 10 spot in “The World’s 50 Best Bars.”
Once inside, you’re welcomed by an intimate, Art Deco-inspired space. Vintage chandeliers hang overhead, casting a warm glow over the plush seating. While the design is glamorous, it’s the drinks that steal the spotlight.
Dutch bartender Eric van Beek leads a team that masterfully blends classic cocktails with bold, experimental twists. Their signature drink, the Cariño, features Bacardi 8-year rum, yellow chartreuse, vanilla, and nutmeg. It’s an award-winning cocktail that showcases their skill. For those seeking something new, their seasonal menu ensures each visit offers fresh surprises.
At Handshake, the experience is as polished as the drinks. Whether you’re sipping a classic or indulging in a creative mix, every moment feels special.
Must-Try Cocktail:
Cariño
This award-winning drink won the Bacardi Legacy competition and combines Bacardi 8-year rum, yellow chartreuse, vanilla, lemon, Greek yogurt, and nutmeg.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz Bacardi 8-year rum
- 0.5 oz yellow chartreuse
- 0.5 oz vanilla syrup
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
- A dash of nutmeg
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a glass, and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Location: Calle Amberes 65, Juárez
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Baltra Bar: Intimate Cocktails with an Exploratory Spirit
Named after one of the Galápagos Islands Charles Darwin visited, Baltra Bar offers a world of exploration through cocktails. Opened in 2015, this bar in Condesa quickly became a favorite for both locals and travelers. The ambiance is relaxed and intimate, making it the perfect retreat from the bustling city.
Despite its small size, Baltra is known for packing a punch with its cocktails. As a sister venue to Licorería Limantour, it carries the same commitment to simplicity and balance. However, Baltra’s menu is more focused, allowing the seasonal ingredients and flavors to truly shine. Their martinis are a crowd favorite, and the rotating menu reflects the team’s deep knowledge of herbs, botanicals, and fine spirits.
If you’re looking for a quiet yet sophisticated spot to enjoy a drink, Baltra is ideal. Whether it’s a classic martini or a mezcal cocktail, each drink offers a memorable experience.
Must-Try Cocktail:
Old George Sour
This drink combines mezcal with cucumber and cardamom for a refreshing, herbal twist on a sour.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz San Cosme mezcal
- 0.5 oz cucumber juice
- 0.75 oz lime juice
- 0.5 oz cardamom syrup
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe glass, and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Location: Iztaccihuatl 36D, Condesa
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Hanky Panky: Classic Cocktails in a Hidden Speakeasy
Hanky Panky is more than just a bar; it’s an exclusive experience. Originally a secret spot for the owner’s friends, it has since opened to the public but still maintains its mystery. Hidden behind an unmarked kitchen door, it’s reservation-only, giving it an air of exclusivity. Once you’re inside, you’re welcomed by a chic, neon-lit lounge that blends vintage charm with modern vibes.
On the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Hanky Panky excels with its flawless service and showmanship. The bartenders are true masters, crafting cocktails with precision. The Hanky Panky, their signature drink, is a twist on the classic gin and vermouth cocktail, with the addition of Fernet Branca. It’s the perfect balance of bitterness and smoothness.
Whether you’re watching the bartenders work their magic or relaxing in the atmospheric setting, Hanky Panky offers a night to remember. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation in every glass.
Must-Try Cocktail:
Hanky Panky
A classic cocktail featuring gin, sweet vermouth, and Fernet Branca, this drink is a perfect blend of strong and bitter flavors.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz gin
- 1.5 oz sweet vermouth
- 0.25 oz Fernet Branca
Stir with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with an orange twist.
Location: Turín 52, Juárez
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Rayo: Where Mexican Mythology Meets Cutting-Edge Cocktails
Rayo is one of the newest but most exciting additions to Mexico City’s cocktail scene. Inspired by Mexican mythology, its name references the lightning goddess Mayahuel, who is closely connected to the agave plant. The bar’s multi-story venue dazzles with sleek neon art and contemporary décor, creating an electric atmosphere from the moment you walk in.
But the real star here is the drinks. Rayo specializes in agave-based cocktails, crafted with bold, creative flavors. They use molecular techniques to push the boundaries of mixology. From smoked agave to unexpected herbal infusions, each cocktail is a masterpiece. Their signature Pepe el Toro, a mix of whisky, lemon, pineapple, and agave, is the perfect example of their inventive approach.
If you’re looking for an adventurous cocktail experience, Rayo delivers in every way.
Must-Try Cocktail:
Pepe el Toro
This cocktail blends whisky with pineapple, lemon, and cooked agave for a tropical yet earthy flavor.
Recipe:
- 1.5 oz whisky
- 0.75 oz lemon juice
- 0.5 oz pineapple juice
- 0.25 oz agave syrup
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice.
Location: Salamanca 85, Roma Norte
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A Sip of Culture: Exploring Mexico City’s Best Cocktail Bars
These top five cocktail spots in Mexico City offer more than just amazing drinks. Each one provides a glimpse into the city’s culture, history, and ever-evolving mixology scene. From the cozy intimacy of Baltra to the secretive charm of Hanky Panky, these bars take you on a journey beyond just cocktails.
Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly balanced mezcal drink or eager to explore a hidden speakeasy, these venues promise an unforgettable experience. The creativity at Rayo and the warmth at Licorería Limantour are just two examples of how Mexico City’s cocktail scene continues to evolve and excite. So, don’t miss the chance to sip your way through CDMX’s best bars—you’re in for a treat.