Thousands of mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts gathered in Madrid for the announcement of The World’s 50 Best Bars list for 2024. The top honor went to Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, marking the first time a bar outside of New York or Europe claimed the No. 1 spot.
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This prestigious ranking celebrates excellence in the global cocktail industry, with an Academy of 700 experts casting votes. Handshake Speakeasy’s win comes on the heels of being named North America’s best bar earlier this year.
Co-founder Rodrigo Urraca expressed his excitement, calling the win a “dream come true” and praising the team’s hard work. Known for its Prohibition-era decor and cutting-edge cocktails, Handshake Speakeasy uses molecular mixology to craft complex drinks like the piña colada and fig martini, which are fan favorites.
The awards ceremony, held at Madrid Arena, capped off four days of events. Spain continues to play a key role in the cocktail world, with two Spanish bars, Sips and Paradiso, also ranking in the top 10.
Other notable winners include Hong Kong’s Bar Leone , which earned the second spot, and several bars from New York, London, and Singapore, all with multiple entries on the list.
For Handshake Speakeasy, the journey doesn’t end here. The team plans to open a new space adjacent to their current location and expand internationally, with a bar in Amsterdam slated for next year.
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