A bar in Mexico that ‘evokes the bygone era of the Hollywood speakeasy’ has been named the best in the world.
Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City is ranked number 1 in the World’s 50 Best Bars awards for 2024 – Mexico’s first-ever winner – while London retains its crown as the cocktail capital of Europe.
The continent has 19 bars on the list and four in the British capital – number 4 Tayer + Elementary, Connaught Bar at number 13, Satan’s whiskers at number 29 and Scarves Bar at number 37. Elsewhere in Britain it is Panda & Sons in Edinburgh rises nine places to number 30.
New York dominates in the United States, also with four bars Double chicken please at number 14, Overstory one place behind at number 15, Martiny’s at no. 24 and Fantastic at number 27.
In Australia, the highest ranked bar is Melbourne’s Caretaker’s cottage (no. 21), followed by Maybe Sammy (16th) in Sydney. Another bar in Melbourne – Byrdi – places at number 35.
Handshake Speakeasy (above) in Mexico City is ranked #1 in the World’s 50 Best Bars awards for 2024 – Mexico’s first-ever winner
In Hong Kong, newcomer Bar Leone storms into the list at number 2 and takes over the title of The Best Bar in Asia
London retains its crown as the cocktail capital of Europe – it has four bars on the list, including Tayer + Elementary (above, No. 4)
New York dominates in the US – the Double Chicken Please bar (above) is number 14 in the country
In Australia, the highest ranked bar is Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage (above, No. 21)
Overall winner Handshake Speakeasyin Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez neighborhood, is “one of the capital’s best-kept open secrets,” according to an awards ceremony.
It continued: ‘Hidden behind a secret door in a dimly lit room filled with an impressive array of vintage spirits, the bar features interiors that masterfully evoke the bygone era of the Hollywood speakeasy.
‘While the atmospheric black marble, rich copper details and atmospheric lighting of the interior are reminiscent of a century ago, the innovative cocktail menu is firmly rooted in the future. Bar director Eric van Beek effortlessly combines tradition and innovation and takes the classics to the next level thanks to the latest technology developed in the on-site laboratory, revolutionizing well-known recipes with unexpected flavors.’
Emma Sleigh, Head of Content for The 50 best bars in the worldsays: ‘To be the very first number 1 from Mexico is an extraordinary achievement, which Eric van Beek and his team greatly deserve. The bar’s impressive rise to the list of the World’s 50 Best Bars over the years is a testament to their unique combination of impeccable hospitality, innovative technique and truly outstanding cocktails.”
The Perrier-sponsored awards ceremony took place during a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, and featured winners from 28 cities around the world, chosen by an academy of more than 700 experts.
Handshake Speakeasy is joined in the top three by Europe’s highest rated bar, and last year’s number 1, SipsBarcelona (3rd).
The Perrier-sponsored awards ceremony took place during a live awards ceremony in Madrid, Spain, and featured winners from 28 cities around the world, chosen by an academy of more than 700 experts
Panda & Sons in Edinburgh (pictured) rises nine places to number 30
Handshake Speakeasy is joined in the top three by Europe’s highest rated bar, and last year’s number 1, Sips in Barcelona (3rd)
Pictured above is Salmon Guru in Madrid, number 23 overall
Spanish bars that are also on the rankings ParadiseBarcelona, at number 10 and Salmon guruMadrid, at number 23.
These are striking bars in Greece Line (6th) and Baba au Rum (17th), both in Athens.
In France, the top positions are all in Paris – The Cambridge Public House is at number 19, followed by Bar Nouveau (39th) and Danico (49th).
In Italy, four bars are placed on the list: Drinking KongRome (33rd), Local FlorenceFlorence (36th), and two in Milan, Moebius Milano (38th), and 1930 (50th).
HimkokOslo (11th), and Roda HusetStockholm (45th), represents the best of the Nordic countries.
Outside NYC, Pearl of the Southin New Orleans, is the only other American bar to rank at number 34 on the top 50.
Singapore is taking the lead in Asia.
There are four sizes on the list, tough ones Jigger & Pony (no. 5) and Atlas (No.43), along with new entries Nutmeg & Clove (28th) and Analogous initiative (47th).
In Hong Kong, new arrival Bar Leone has stormed into second place on the list and has taken over the title of The Best Bar in Asia. It is accompanied by neighbor Coa at number 18.
The number 1 bars in Mexico City include Tlecan (above) at number 20 and Licorería Limantour at number 32
Singapore is taking the lead in Asia. There are four sizes on the list, including the sturdy Atlas (No. 43), seen here
See Analogue Initiative in Singapore. It is ranked 47th best bar in the world
Mimi Kakushi from Dubai retains its position at number 40 and is named the best bar in the Middle East and Africa
LEFT: A ‘Mezcal espadin’ cocktail served at the best bar in the world, Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City. RIGHT: A rum ‘daiquiri’ created by Edinburgh bar Panda & Sons (30th)
Bangkok and Tokyo each claim two bars, along with Bangkok’s BKK Social Club rising to number 12 alongside Bar us at number 41, while that of Tokyo Bar BenfiddicH (25th) is joined by newcomer Virtual (42nd). In Seoul, Animo takes No. 9.
Join to be the number 1 bar in Mexico City Tlecan at number 20 and Licoreria Limantour at number 32, while that of Guadalajara El Gallo Altanero is a new entry at number 48.
Tres Monos in Buenos Aires is crowned the best bar in South America at number 7, while two other bars in the Argentine capital make the cut – CoChinChina (22nd) and Florería Atlántico (46th).
Colombian Alquimico in Cartagena comes in at number 8, with a new entry for Bogotá, La Sala de Laurajoining at number 44.
Represents Peru, Lima Lady Bee joins the list at an impressive number 16, while Tan Tan in Sao Paulo (new entry at number 31), the flag of Brazil flies.
Dubais Mimi Kakushi holds its position at number 40 and is voted the best bar in the Middle East and Africa.
Emma Sleight added: ‘We would like to congratulate every bar on this year’s list, which once again highlights the incredible diversity of the global bar sector. We hope the list continues to serve as a beacon for cocktail lovers around the world this year.”
For more visits www.theworlds50best.com.