#Mexico #Mexico City #North America's 50 Best Bars #Handshake Speakeasy

Handshake Speakeasy Takes Top Honor Again

In a dazzling ceremony held in Vancouver, Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City has once more been awarded the title of Best Bar in North America, marking its second consecutive year at the forefront of the cocktail scene. The announcement came during the fourth edition of North America's 50 Best Bars ceremony, elegantly showcasing the talent and craftsmanship that defines the region's vibrant bar culture.

Handshake Speakeasy, nestled within the NH Hotel in the trendy Colonia Juárez neighborhood, has made waves since its inception in 2023. The bar's head bartender, Eric Van Beek, has garnered acclaim for his inventive cocktail offerings, evolving from a minimalist menu to an impressive array of top-quality batch cocktails that push the boundaries of cocktail ingenuity. Each drink is a work of art, often taking days to prepare, ensuring that every flavor profile is meticulously crafted.

The accolades continue for Handshake Speakeasy, which not only captured the top spot in North America but also retains its status as the Best Bar in Mexico. This recognition is underscored by the bar's continuous evolution and commitment to providing guests with a remarkable experience that blends luxury and creativity. According to Emma Sleight, Head of Content for North America's 50 Best Bars, this year’s results reflect the persistent innovation and excellence that the cocktail industry showcases globally.

With 26 bars from the U.S., 14 from Mexico, 8 from Canada, and 2 from the Caribbean featured on the list, the diversity in bar culture across North America is clearly evident. Superbueno in New York clinched the second place, maintaining its title as the Best Bar in Northeast USA, while Tlecān, another standout from Mexico City, secured third place.

As regions vie for the top positions, Handshake Speakeasy continues to be a beacon of high-quality mixology and hospitality. It joins other prestigious bars that have reshaped the drinking landscape, including notable newcomers like Sip Guzzle, which entered the list at fifth place and received the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award.

In Vancouver, the ambiance of the awards ceremony was elevated by the presence of industry giants and cocktail aficionados eager to celebrate the latest achievements in the bar world. The ceremony serves as a platform to acknowledge the relentless efforts and creativity of bartenders and bar owners who not only craft beverages but also set trends that influence hospitality on a global scale.

Other notable awards this year included the Three Cents Best New Opening Award received by Clemente Bar in New York, which has been praised for its unique combination of innovative cocktails and gourmet plant-based dishes, enhancing the cocktail experience for discerning patrons.

As California's Thunderbolt picked up the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award, and Carry On from Phoenix won for Best Bar Design, it's clear the focus on sustainability and aesthetic appeal is becoming increasingly important in the bar industry. The ceremony not only recognized excellence in mixology but also highlighted the importance of embracing sustainability, an element becoming central to contemporary drinking establishments.

In summary, Handshake Speakeasy has successfully carved out its niche in the competitive North American market, standing as a testament to the rich cocktail culture flourishing in Mexico City. With its innovative cocktail techniques and commitment to an unforgettable guest experience, it certainly sets the benchmark for what a premier establishment should offer. As the team at Handshake continues to innovate and inspire, the future looks bright for this groundbreaking bar and the industry as a whole.