Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City named best bar in the world

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list was revealed during a ceremony in Madrid, Spain, spotlighting the leading figures and venues in the global cocktail industry. This year’s list features bars from 28 cities worldwide, with London bars making a significant contribution. Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City has been named the top bar: the first time a Mexican establishment has achieved this feat.

Hong Kong new entry Bar Leone is the runner up, also securing the title of the best bar in Asia, whilst topping the Europe list is, once again, Barcelona’s Sips at No.3. In the UK, London confirmed its status as Europe’s cocktail hub, securing four spots in the top 50. Tayēr + Elementary, co-founded by Monica Berg who was also honoured with the Industry Icon Award, ranked at number eight. Other London venues listed include Connaught Bar at number 13, Satan’s Whiskers at number 29 and Scarfes Bar at number 37. Additionally, Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons climbed nine places to reach number 30, with its founder Iain McPherson receiving the Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

Monica Berg’s accolade as industry icon highlights her influence in the cocktail scene. Tayēr + Elementary has been a top ten fixture since 2020, underlining her commitment to growth, but also to education and advocacy in the hospitality sector. She has co-founded P(our), a non-profit aiming to enhance drinks knowledge and support biodiversity, and BackOfHouse, an online resource for the industry.

The 2024 rankings also recognised new and sustainable practices in the bar community. Singapore’s Cat Bite Club received the One to Watch Award, while Zest in Seoul was honoured with the Sustainable Bar Award. The Highest New Entry Award went to Hong Kong’s Bar Leone, debuting at number two. Other notable awards included the Highest Climber Award to The Cambridge Public House in Paris and the Legend of the List title to Buenos Aires’ Florería Atlántico.

Handshake Speakeasy’s recognition as the world’s best bar celebrates its blend of historical value and modern mixology. Located in Mexico City’s Colonia Juárez neighbourhood, the bar is celebrated for its secretive, prohibition-era atmosphere paired with a forward-thinking approach to cocktails. Bar director Eric van Beek is noted for his innovative techniques and the use of homemade tinctures and infusions to add a unique twist to classic drinks.

The World’s 50 Best Bars list continues to serve as a benchmark for excellence in the global bar community, recognising outstanding achievements and inspiring trends in the cocktail industry.

Food Desk

For further information visit the World’s 50 Best Bars website here.

The full 2024 list:

1. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City
2. Bar Leone, Hong Kong
3. Sips, Barcelona
4. Tayēr + Elementary, London
5. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
6. Line, Athens
7. Tres Monos, Buenos Aires
8. Alquímico, Cartagena
9. Zest, Seoul
10. Paradiso, Barcelona
11. Himkok, Oslo
12. BKK Social Club, Bangkok
13. Connaught Bar, London
14. Double Chicken Please, New York
15. Overstory, New York
16. Lady Bee, Lima
17. Baba au Rum, Athens
18. Coa, Hong Kong
19. The Cambridge Public House, Paris
20. Tlecān, Mexico City
21. Caretaker’s Cottage, Melbourne
22. CoChinChina, Buenos Aires
23. Salmon Guru, Madrid
24. Martiny’s, New York
25. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
26. Maybe Sammy, Sydney
27. Superbueno, New York
28. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
29. Satan’s Whiskers, London
30. Panda & Sons, Edinburgh
31. Tan Tan, São Paulo
32. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City
33. Drink Kong, Rome
34. Jewel of the South, New Orleans
35. Byrdi, Melbourne
36. Locale, Firenze
37. Scarfes Bar, London
38. Moebius, Milano
39. Bar Nouveau, Paris
40. Mimi Kakushi, Dubai
41. Bar Us, Bangkok
42. Virtù, Tokyo
43. Atlas, Singapore
44. La Sala de Laura, Bogotá
45. Röda Huset, Stockholm
46. Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires
47. Analogue Initiative, Singapore
48. El Gallo Altanero, Guadalajara
49. Danico, Paris
50. 1930, Milan