Once Again, The Best Bar In North America Is In Mexico

At the 2025 50 Best Bars of North America awards ceremony in Vancouver, Mexico once again proved its dominance on the continental cocktail scene. In a packed ballroom at the J.W. Marriott, under the bright pink lights of sponsor booths and the hum of music and conversation, teams from top bars across the continent gathered for the event, including Mexico City’s Rayo, which had no idea it would be one of the night’s biggest surprises.

Despite ranking fifth last year, Rayo was the only Mexican bar to drop off the list entirely. Mexico’s overall performance, however, remained strong, with 18 bars making the Top 100 list. Leading the charge was Handshake Speakeasy, a staple in Mexico City’s upscale cocktail circuit, which reclaimed its No. 1 position after two years at the top.

“When I arrived in 2019, there were Fifty Mils, Limantour, Hanky Panky, and Baltra; that was it. And now people are really pushing their cocktail programs, their service, and their standards,” said Erik Van Beek, co-owner of Handshake.

“Of course, 50 Best has helped tremendously with that because people receive the recognition, but at the end of the day, it’s the bars that do it.”

Handshake Speakeasy Takes the Top Spot

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Familiar Names and Strong Debuts

Longstanding favorites like Limantour (#9), Baltra, and Hanky Panky all retained their spots, with the latter two climbing the ranks. Elsewhere, bars like Café de Nadie in Mexico City, Aruba Day Drink in Tijuana, and Selva in Oaxaca continued to represent Mexico’s diverse bar landscape.

Newcomers also made a splash. Bar Mauro in Roma Norte entered the list at #14, and Bijou, a hidden speakeasy inside Condesa’s Escuela de Gastronomía, landed at #34. Both have been well-known among local cocktail fans since opening.

Cultural Significance in Cocktail Trends

Dr. David Wondrich, a renowned cocktail historian, emphasizes that Mexico's vibrant cocktail culture is deeply intertwined with its rich traditions and social customs. He notes that this cultural heritage plays a vital role in the creativity and uniqueness of Mexican bars, allowing them to stand out on a global scale.

Wondrich points out that the use of local ingredients and artisanal techniques not only enhances flavor but also tells a story that resonates with patrons. He encourages aspiring bartenders to explore their cultural roots to create more authentic experiences.

San Miguel de Allende’s Bekeb was among the winners on the night.

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Local Love, Global Attention

Claudia Cabrera, co-owner and bar director at Kaito del Valle in Mexico City, which came in at #40, has seen the effects of the list firsthand.

“We saw a big change,” she said. “We are in a family neighborhood, and suddenly when the list came out, people started coming to [Del Valle]... We have seen people specifically seeking us out, which we didn’t have before.”“There’s a good network of bartenders sending people to different bars across the city,” she added. “Even my friends who aren’t really into cocktails will suddenly tell me about a trendy new cocktail bar they went to and ask me if I know it.”

San Miguel de Allende’s Bekeb was also among the winners, showcasing how Mexican bars outside the capital are gaining global recognition.

Hospitality as the Common Thread

This year’s Bartenders’ Bartender award went to Eli Martínez, owner of Tlecān in Mexico City, which climbed to #3 after debuting at #10 in 2024.

“I think the list reflects the plurality of the scene,” Martínez said. “It’s nice to see bars inside hotels that have endless resources at their fingertips on the same list as places that have made an enormous effort to raise their own money and promote themselves. The common denominator for me is hospitality.”

Martínez, like many in Mexico’s bar industry, sees the 50 Best list as a catalyst that has helped push quality and creativity. “The level of mixology has clearly improved,” he said. “It’s now common to find a drinks menu with a real story to tell.”

A New Era for Mexican Mixology

Cabrera echoed that sentiment, highlighting a deeper appreciation for local ingredients and craftsmanship.

“I think in the last six or seven years, we have all become really proud of our products. We’re using more agave, more local products, more local brands, and there are more collaborations among everyone.”She added, “Drinks are going minimalist, which you would have never seen in Mexico before. There are no complex garnishes; people are working with really good ice programs. We are all following trends but trying to make them local, ‘tropicalizing’ them, if you will. It’s really moving fast.”Martínez agreed. “I think the tendency is more and more in the direction of showcasing all the culinary and cultural richness of Mexico,” he said.

With bars across Mexico continuing to innovate, collaborate, and redefine what world-class mixology looks like, the country’s place at the top of North America’s cocktail culture seems well secured, at least for now.

According to renowned mixologist Jim Meehan, the key to a successful bar experience lies in its ability to create memorable moments. He argues that bars should prioritize customer engagement by offering unique experiences that go beyond just drinks.

Meehan recommends incorporating interactive elements like cocktail classes or themed nights, which can foster a sense of community. He believes that these strategies not only enhance customer loyalty but also position bars as cultural hubs in their communities, ultimately driving greater success.

Solutions & Coping Strategies

The recognition of Mexican bars at the 2025 50 Best Bars awards underscores the importance of cultural identity in the cocktail scene. Experts like Dr. Wondrich and Jim Meehan highlight how leveraging local traditions and engaging patrons through unique experiences can elevate a bar's status. As the industry continues to evolve, bars should focus on innovation while honoring their roots, ensuring they remain relevant and appealing to diverse audiences. This blend of tradition and modernity is vital for sustaining the vibrant cocktail culture that has made Mexico a standout on the North American stage.