Food

Sips In The City: 10 Top Mexico City Bars

Local Cristina Alonso shares her shortlist of top-shelf drinkeries in the Mexican capital

By Cristina Alonso

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Fancy a rather fancy night out? These temples of tippling promise a night to remember in the Mexican capital – with unforgettable flavours to match.

Kaito Del Valle

Inspired by Japan’s Izakaya culture (and fabulous drinks), this beloved bar serves some of the most whimsical cocktails you’ll find in town. Led by Claudia Cabrera, the all-female team is knowledgeable and eager to recommend a drink that will delight or surprise your palate, like the Kobe Fashioned, the Tipsy Buddha or the Kemuri. Make sure to grab sushi at Deigo downstairs before or after your drinks. Don’t think you’ll make it to Mexico City soon? Try Cabrera’s recipe for a Tigre Verde cocktail at home.

Rayo

Leaning into the legend of Mayahuel, the goddess of agave, this lively cocktail bar serves a combo of Mexican pride and global influences at its rooftop location in Colonia Roma. The ‘Mexico Through the Senses’ part of the menu focuses on domestic spirits, like mezcal, pox and raicilla, blended in inventive concoctions. Don’t skip the snacks – the fried chicken is a highlight.

Handshake Speakeasy

Ever since its opening, Handshake’s popularity has risen spectacularly – and so has industry praise. The bar was recently named #1 at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, and an evening of sipping its creations makes it easy to know why. Led by Eric van Beek, the team pours deceivingly simple, yet complex and creative cocktails that showcase an impressive skill level and pair perfectly with the warm, fun vibe that infuses the space.

Licorería Limantour

A legend in its own right, Licorería Limantour pioneered the Mexico City cocktail scene when it opened 14 years ago, introducing Chilangos to the art of fine drinking. Today, the Colonia Roma landmark remains a favourite among locals, visitors and bartenders – partly because of the ever-evolving menu, which in the past has drawn inspiration from themes like Mexico’s markets and street food, but mostly because of the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Café de Nadie

This Roma spot is the place to experience two of life’s greatest joys: good music and great drinks. Seasonal cocktails showcase local produce and ingredients with fascinating results, like the Bocanada (Montelobos Espadín mezcal fat wash, avocado oil, kale and tonic water), while classics like the Espresso Martini and the Paloma always hit the spot. The unmatched accompaniment? A hi-fi system and dozens of vinyl records.

Plonk

Open since late 2023, this charming wine bar is located a few steps from the iconic Parque México. The fabulous and constantly rotating wine list, curated by sommelier Romina Argüelles, forms the foundation for the creative and very shareable bites imagined by chef Flor Camorlinga. The Spicy Udon with shrimp and peanuts, and the catch-of-the-day sashimi, are not to be missed.

Baltra

Becoming an internationally acclaimed bar while maintaining a neighbourhood vibe is not an easy feat, but this cosy joint has achieved that balance. Grab a seat at the bar to try one of the inventive house creations (the Winter 2024 menu features cocktails like the whisky-based Rice+Yuzu) or sip on one of their iconic martinis – even better if you’re there on Martini Tuesday – and watch the action unfold.

Tlecán

Mezcal is king at this Roma bar, where the low lighting, pre-Hispanic-inspired décor and lively music – don’t be surprised if you find yourself dancing – set the mood for an evening of appreciation, honouring one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits. The expert team is ready to guide you along their selection of artisanal tipples, to be enjoyed neat or shaken up into a potent cocktail like the refreshing Paloma Blanca (mezcal, clarified lime and grapefruit juice, soda).

Hugo

With a privileged location in Condesa, this wine bar invites guests to sit back, relax and people-watch from the enticing terrace. Explore the wine list, focused mostly on natural wines from Europe and Mexico, and pair your glass – or bottle, preferably! – with delectable bites like the tosta de boquerón (toast topped with anchovies) and gnocchi Parisienne.

Brujas

Led by an all-female team, this intimate yet buzzing bar in the heart of Colonia Roma honours Mexico’s ancient tradition of herbalism, infusing every drink – and every corner of the bar – with mysticism and beauty. The result: a perpetually evolving menu that features drinks like La Matlazihua, prepared with Macurichos Espadín mezcal, grasshopper brine and chamomile liquor. Powerfully healing.