The Best Cocktail Bars in Mexico City
There’s an effervescent cocktail scene in Mexico City, helped enormously be an ever-growing lust for tequila and mezcal. That’s supported and driven by some of the top mixologists in the world, who throw together a Willy Wonka-esque offering of tempting alcoholic concoctions, and often for far less money than you’ll find in other capitals. When you’re in town, check out this selection of the top cocktail bars in Mexico City.
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1. Licorería Limantour
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Mexican, Cocktails, Wine, Beer
When Licorería Limantour opened in April 2011, it changed the face of the cocktail scene in Mexico, which was barely taking off. The concept is simple, designer cocktails fashioned with all sorts of dynamic ingredients: fresh herbs, flowers, fruits, syrups, shrubs, spices, and rare foreign spirits. Take a seat in the downstairs bar and order a margarita al pastor, a punchy take on the classic marg with flavors inspired by tacos al pastor, a seen-everywhere street eat with pineapple and cilantro.
2. Fifty Mils
Bar, Contemporary
3. Maison Artemisia
Bar, Beer, Contemporary
The best of Mexico and France combine magnificently at Maison Artemisia, an intimate bar with a well-deserved rep as one of the best in the city. It does a mean trade in absinthe – a rarity in the land of tequila and mezcal – and even has its own label, Absinthe Maison Artemisia. The menu is short, sweet and ever-changing, and there’s an equally varied line-up of musicians to keep the good vibes flowing.
4. Hanky-Panky
Bar, Contemporary
It’s in the Juarez neighborhood, but that’s all that can be said about the location of Hanky-Panky – this is, after all, the leading speakeasy in Mexico City. There’s a secret entrance, of course, but behind the theater is simply a brilliant cocktail bar. Button-back seating forms intimate booths or you could prop up the bar and listen to the mixologists wax lyrical about their creations.
5. Handshake Speakeasy
Cocktail Bar, Cocktails
Sophisticated and secret, Handshake Speakeasy has date night written all over it. Plonk yourself at the gorgeous marble bar and peruse the hella creative cocktail menu. This is a place to get out of your comfort zone – your drink might include burned butter, cherry tomato, or, perhaps, a mushroom. It’s exactly what you want from one of the best speakeasys in Mexico City – incredible drinks, great atmosphere and a surprise or two.
6. Baltra Bar
Bar, Mexican
7. Xaman Bar
Cocktail Bar, Ukranian
The miracles of nature come to the fore at Xaman Bar, a trendy coctelería inspired by pre-Hispanic shamanism. It’s a stylish, sophisticated space with decorative nods to the natural world. The feel-good factor here, though, is definitely found on the cocktail menu, where medicinal herbs and plants are utilized in a forward-thinking, experimental offering bound to make you smile.
This is an updated version of the original article by Shreyas Kulkani.
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