Hi, Mexzine friends!
If you follow international bar lists and awards, such as Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards and 50 Best Bars, you may have noticed that, each year, more and more Mexican bars are getting much-deserved recognition. While traditional Mexican spirits have been around for centuries, our bar scene is definitely going through a golden era, marked by creativity, inspiration, and great pride for the craft. Today, we embark on a cocktail-fueled tour of my hometown, with a healthy mix of legendary spots, like the pioneering Limantour, all the way to recent openings, like Mauro and Despacho Margarita, that have quickly become favorites.
¡Salud!
–Cristina Alonso, Managing Editor
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Bar Mauro // At this Roma Norte bar, brothers Eduardo and Ricardo Nava pay tribute to their grandfather Mauro, a master of the art of aperitivo and hospitality. Original creations like the Maurito (mezcal, Lillet Blanc, sherry, and guava) are as excellent as the house version of the classics, like the Negroni 1929, made with Condesa Gin Xoconostle, cacao-infused Campari, vermouth rosso, and strawberry water. Italian-inspired bites –try the mortadella focaccia – and welcoming vibes make it hard to stay away from Mauro.
Tlecan // There’s something mystical about stepping into this mezcal bar: the low lighting, the scent of copal in the air, the spotty phone service. Little-known it is not – it’s currently #23 in The World’s 50 Best Bars and #5 in the North America list– but it definitely is a place for discovery. Here, artisanal agave spirits reign supreme, with each liquid on the menu featuring its producer’s name and its place of origin. The cocktails are equally exciting: try the Tascalate Sour (Chiapas tascalate, fermented cacao, lemon juice, and mezcal) or the Martini Papantla (mezcal and vanilla-infused dry vermouth).
Licorería Limantour // Before there was (almost) anything else, there was Limantour. 15 years ago, in a still-developing Roma Norte, this bar invited us Mexico City dwellers to explore beyond the world of bottle service and Cubas (or rum-and-coke, if you will) in favor of expertly crafted cocktails, like the iconic Mr. Pink and Margarita al Pastor. Over the years, Limantour has welcomed countless guest bartenders from across the world, formed generations of new talent, and remains as fun as ever.
Handshake Speakeasy // A constant presence on international bar lists, and one of the toughest reservations in town – book well in advance! — this Juárez speakeasy blends gilded Prohibition era decor with deceivingly simple cocktails that hide complex, culinary-inspired techniques. The beloved Piña Colada, for example, is a light, clarified version that brings the taste of the tropics to the heart of the city. The real secret, however, is the staff’s thoughtful hospitality and versatility, with team members rotating roles every week.
Baltra // Inspired by Darwin’s journeys across the Galápagos, this cozy Condesa Bar, decked in taxidermy and maps, is no stranger to awards and accolades, yet has maintained its laid-back neighborhood feel for more than a decade. With evolution as its mission, its inspired menus change seasonally. A recent iteration, for example, draws on tea, with oolong and green tea bases resulting in unexpected concoctions. The bar’s stars, however, may just be its martinis, poured at a budget-friendly $100 pesos every Tuesday night, aptly known as Martes de Martini
Café de Nadie // Part listening bar, part coffee shop, part cocktail bar, this laid-back spot, tucked within Roma Norte’s Pasaje Parián, is a good idea at any time of day. Envisioned by a group of music-obsessed friends and their 10,000-plus record collection, the bar is helmed by a talented female trio – Mapo Molano, Jimena López, and Carmen Huizapol – with a strong focus on fresh ingredients sourced from the Xochimilco chinampas. Try seasonal creations like the Loco Poco a Poco (Bacardí Blanco, banana shrub, white port, and prosecco) or the Perfect Martini, served with pickled vegetables.
Librería Valladolid // For those of us who love books as much as we love strong cocktails, this enchanting speakeasy in Roma Norte brings together the best of both worlds. Books line the walls and even the stairs as you step into the space, where dim lighting and reasonably-played music – thank God – create an unbeatable setting for a date or a night out with a small group of friends. Classics rule the menu here, with timeless creations like a Hanky Panky, a Batanga, or a Paloma that pair beautifully with snacks like tinned fish and salty chips