This Mexico City Bar Was Just Named Best in North America

Spirits were soaring, and history was made in Vancouver as thousands of the world's most influential bartenders, industry tastemakers, and cocktail connoisseurs gathered for the unveiling of the 2025 edition of North America’s 50 Best Bars. Set against the sophisticated backdrop of the JW Marriott Parq, the ceremony honored excellence in mixology and hospitality with all the grandeur the occasion deserved.

So, which fine watering hole took top honors this year? Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City clinched the coveted title of North America’s Best Bar—for the second year in a row. And just months earlier, they earned the ultimate global accolade: World’s Best Bar.

“Winning this award was a dream, we were not expecting to be number one again,” co-founder Rodrigo Urraca told Travel + Leisure. “We are all incredibly happy. Thank you to the people who believe in us, who vote for us, all the clients, and the team, especially—our team is the heart and soul of Handshake.”

“Right now, we have a big responsibility—towards the team, to work, and as an example to set for all,” added bar director Eric van Beek about the commitment that comes with winning. “I don’t think the team expected this either, and I think it's a good thing — it’s very humbling because people believe in you. It’s very important that we all keep our feet on the ground, just carry on and do what we do.”

Though the dimly lit, bi-level space in Colonia Juárez may channel the Prohibition era in its aesthetic, the cocktails are anything but old fashioned. Under the direction of van Beek, the team leans into molecular mixology to craft technically precise libations that showcase regional ingredients in innovative ways. 

For first-time guests, van Beek and Urraca enthusiastically suggest ordering the fig martini—the cocktail that “started it all” for them—or the piña colada. Both crushable drinks reveal unexpected layers of aroma and flavor, offering a fresh spin on the classics.

So, what’s next for the Handshake crew? The team shows no signs of slowing down—they recently expanded their current space, and have plans to open another bar in Mexico City and debut their first international outpost in Amsterdam later this year.

In addition to Handshake, Mexico City had an impressive seven more bars on the list: Tlecān (No. 3), Licorería Limantour (No. 9), Bar Mauro (No. 14), Baltra Bar (No. 20), Bijou Drinkery Room (No. 34), Hanky Panky (No. 35), Kaito del Valle (No. 40), and Café de Nadie (No. 47).

Following last year’s festivities in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the awards made their Canadian debut in Vancouver—a rising star on the global bar scene—further solidifying the city’s status as a hotspot for world-class cocktails and forward-thinking hospitality.

In the host city, Botanist scored the 26th spot and The Keefer Bar came in 28th, while Canada continued to represent with Toronto’s Bar Pompette (No. 7) and Bar Mordecai (No. 37), as well as Montreal’s Cloakroom Bar (No. 31) and Atwater Cocktail Club (No. 36). 

“We are thrilled to bring North America’s 50 Best Bars to Canada for the very first time,” Emma Sleight, head of content for 50 Best, said. “Hosting the awards in Vancouver, a city renowned for its dynamic cocktail culture, stunning natural beauty, and outstanding hospitality scene, allows us to highlight the city’s exceptional talent and celebrate its innovation on a global stage. We look forward to recognizing the people and places that continue to elevate North America as a true leader in the world of hospitality.”

Cheers to all the 2025 winners! The full list can be seen at theworlds50best.com.