Handshake Speakeasy Mexico, a 90-minute Libation Experience

Tucked away at the back entrance of a charming boutique hotel on the famous Reforma Avenue, Mexico City, an elegant black door bearing the number 13 hides a true treasure: the World's Best Bar 2024, Handshake Speakeasy. This sophisticated entryway beckons those in the know to step inside, offering a glimpse into a world filled with style and allure.

Upon entering through the black door, guests find themselves in a cosy square waiting room featuring the Handshake golden logo on the floor. Here, the hostess warmly welcomes them, explaining the bar's unique concept and noting that each visitor has a maximum of 90 minutes to enjoy the experience. While this time limit adds an air of exclusivity, it might pose a challenge for those who prefer to linger at a bar for hours on end.

"Handshake is designed as a 90-minute liquid experience, where we want people to enjoy themselves," explained Rodrigo Urraca, one of the founding members of the bar. "As a bar with high demand, we try to provide a space for all our visitors."

As guests finally make their way into the bar, they are greeted by a captivating setting bathed in soft, dim light that casts intriguing shadows against the sleek black walls. A striking communal table dominates the centre of the room, surrounded by smaller intimate tables that create cosy nooks for conversation. Thoughtfully placed aesthetic white lights highlight the bartenders as they skillfully craft an array of vibrant drinks, their movements fluid and precise.

The ambience exudes an air of sophistication, complemented by a curated selection of cool ambient music that weaves through the space, enhancing the overall experience. Upon entering, guests are welcomed with an enthusiastic chorus of "Bienvenido!" from the entire bar staff, their warm voices echoing throughout the venue, creating an immediate sense of belonging. This heartfelt greeting is echoed joyfully throughout the night, welcoming each new customer who crosses the threshold into this stylish retreat.

As guests sink into plush, comfortable chairs, they are greeted with a delightful assortment of classic Botanas—savoury, crunchy bar snacks that tantalise the palate—and a refreshing glass of chilled water, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.

The thoughtfully curated menu features 19 artisanal drinks, each a harmonious blend of traditional Mexican spirits like mezcal and tequila, paired with intriguing Asian liquors such as sake, Japanese Whisky, and Japanese. This innovative concoction is further enriched with distinctive ingredients harvested from Asia, including the fragrant kaffir lime, the zesty yuzu, and the earthy notes of matcha tea.

"Our Asian fusion drinks stem from all our travels through Asia," remarked Eric Van Beek, the head bartender. "Combining elements we have in Mexico and highlighting that with touches of Asian culture and cuisine brings something forward that is unique and not seen before in Mexico."

For those preferring a non-alcoholic option, the menu also offers two delightful alternatives: refreshing versions of the classic Americano and the creamy White Russian, ensuring that every guest finds the perfect drink to complement their experience.

The renowned Mexi-Thai cocktail is a fusion of Mexican and Thai influences in a glass. At its core, this cocktail features coconut-washed tequila, which adds a creamy richness to the mix. It's perfectly balanced with the bright and aromatic notes of lime leaf distillate. Enhanced by clarified tomato cordial and finished with a touch of luxurious basil oil as a garnish, every sip offers a delightful herbaceous complexity. The drink expertly captures a sharp, enticing sourness that lingers on the palate, creating a true taste of paradise.

The bar's Olive Oil Gimlet is a masterful creation that combines sous-vide olive oil-infused tequila with a freshly pressed green apple cordial and a splash of Lillet Blanc. This inventive twist on the classic Gimlet introduces a delicate floral essence while the crisp sweetness of the apple harmonises beautifully with the rich mouthfeel of the olive oil. The tequila provides a bold backbone, delivering a satisfying punch that elevates the entire experience. Each sip is an exquisite balance of flavours, making this cocktail a true perfection in a glass.

The visually striking drink, Once Upon in Oaxaca, offers an experience as intricate as its preparation. Served with a theatrical flair, the bartender ignites a ball of steel wool above the glass, creating an enchanting display that mimics the traditional method of cooking agave for mezcal. This innovative cocktail features a base of mint-infused mezcal, expertly blended with creamy whey, vibrant citrus juice, and milk, which have all been clarified to achieve a silky smooth texture. To elevate the flavour profile, a dash of absinthe is added, lending a subtle complexity and a lingering finish that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the mezcal.

An innovative twist on a beloved classic, the Fig Martini offers a delightful blend of aromatic, herbal, and citrus notes that elevate the traditional recipe. This enchanting cocktail combines the smoothness of Gin with a locally crafted fig leaf cordial, renowned for its delicate fragrance. The drink is further enhanced by a crisp blanco vermouth and a splash of zesty lemon oil, topped off with a fresh half fig that lends a subtle sweetness and visual appeal. Each sip unveils a harmonious balance of flavours, making it a truly refreshing and sophisticated offering.

Amidst the flowing drinks, guests can indulge in a delightful selection of bites designed to satiate their appetites. One standout dish is a creative twist on the traditional Cacio e Pepe, elegantly crowned with a light, zesty lemon sheep cheese foam and finished with a sprinkle of luxurious caviar. For those seeking something different, there's a hot dog, featuring succulent crispy octopus, complemented by a sweet and tangy peach chutney and a velvety avocado cream.

Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned is a remarkable cocktail that elevates the classic drink to new heights. This unique concoction begins with bourbon that has been artfully fat-washed with rich, savoury mushroom brown butter, infusing it with a luxurious depth of flavour. Complementing the bourbon's warmth are the subtle sweetness of maple and the earthy notes of walnut bitters, creating a harmonious balance that dances on the palate. To finish, the drink is elegantly garnished with a vibrant bush of fresh mushrooms, adding a touch of visual flair and a hint of earthiness that ties the entire experience together.

The Mezcal Negroni is a standout offering in the Miniature Classics section of the bar's menu, served in a delightful tasting format. This innovative cocktail features the bold, smoky essence of Mexican mezcal, artfully combined with the rich, aromatic notes of Di Battista bitter vermouth rosso, which elegantly takes the place of traditional Campari. Enhanced fragrant orange oil, this rendition of the Negroni is highly aromatic and wonderfully rounded. Its sweet undertones set it apart, creating a unique and delightful twist on the classic favourite.

To wrap up a round at Handshake Speakeasy, guests can simply try the dessert cocktail known as the Banana Split. This elegant drink combines banana-infused water with two varieties of Spanish sherry and a splash of rum, which adds a lovely softness and richness to the mix. Topped off with a delightful banana ganache chocolate, creatively shaped like an oversized LEGO brick, it's a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The result is a refreshing and fruity experience, perfectly balanced with subtle sweetness.

From start to finish, the experience at Handshake Speakeasy remains outstanding, even as the 90-minute time limit approaches. For anyone eager to dive into the lively culture of Mexico, visiting Handshake Speakeasy is truly a must.

Handshake Speakeasy Mexico

Hours: Daily, 13:00-02:00

Tel: +666 1917 9719

Website: https://handshake.bar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/handshake_bar/?hl=en

Email: reservaciones@handshake.bar

Location: C. Amberes 65, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, 06600 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico