THE COCKTAIL GIRL DISCOVERS…

I’ve been dying to get to Mexico City to check out Handshake Speakeasy. I mean, this bar has only just celebrated its second birthday and has already grown from five to 27 staff, is number two in North America’s Top 50 Bars list and a very sexy number 11 in The World’s 50 Best Bars. Think about that for a moment.

Number 11 – IN THE WORLD! There are bars that have been around for at least three times as long that would kill for that. So what’s all the fuss about? Quite a lot actually. I’ll start with the shallow stuff, the aesthetics. First off, in true speakeasy style, the entrance is low-key – or should I say would go unnoticed if you didn’t know what you were looking for. It’s the number 13 on what seems like a plain old wall on the side of the NH Collection Mexico City Reforma hotel for your reference. And that’s the other thing that jolts a bit. Not being funny, but at first glance, this four-star hotel doesn’t look like the sort of place where you’d expect to find a treasure like this: a five-star bar with first-class hospitality and cocktails that score 10 out of 10.

Once inside – after ringing a doorbell, of course – two things hit me almost at the same time. The size. It’s not much larger than my living room (which isn’t huge btw). Then before that little shock has time to sink in, I’m overcome by its grandeur. It may be small but it has seriously big attitude. Gold trim, twinkling chandeliers and gilded mirrors offset the black (or is it dark brown or navy?) walls and velvet seating, which add to the intimacy of the space and definitely let you know that this place means business. The bar sits proudly at one end, a long table runs down the centre and there are another few tables dotted along the side.

The new menu had just launched when I visited so if you’re heading to Mexico City any time soon, you’re in for a treat. Looks aren’t everything but they certainly help and this one is beautifully conceived with knockout illustrations from Mexican artist Susana Lozano. The drinks are pretty spesh too… The team, headed up by Eric van Beek and Dario Zeilmaker (with strong support from Rodrigo Urraca and Marcos di Battista), have gone over and above in supporting their community, teaming up with small, independent producers wherever possible and even providing a map of local bars so you can visit their peers while you’re in the city. Cool, huh?

But enough of the spiel, what’s shaking up at Handshake?

I absolutely loved the Chica de Humo (smoked tequila, tomato water, smoke and soda water) and their amazing Piña Colada (Torres 15 Brandy, pineapple, coconut, vanilla and micro coriander), and in the shorter, more robust section of the menu, I was blown away by the Que-es(o) (Galénico Gin, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, blue cheese, fino sherry and an olive), but there are many great options to choose from. And, good news! Due to popular demand, they’ve recently opened another bar –in the same hotel but down a secret staircase. Ask nicely and someone just may let you in. handshake.bar