Your Guide to the Best Cocktail Bars in Mexico City
Mexico City takes its cocktails about as seriously as it takes its street food, and that’s saying something. The bar scene here is magnetic, mixing world-class creativity with everyday charm. You’ll find bartenders whipping up mezcal and tequila creations with everything from prickly pear to cacao. Not to mention, these creative masterminds behind the bar make it look absolutely effortless.
One of my favorite things about the bar scene in CDMX is how many moods it can match. Want a speakeasy hidden behind a secret door where drinks are as much of a performance as they are cocktails? You’ve got it.
Craving a casual neighborhood spot with a laid-back vibe but solid cocktails? Easy- I’ve got several.
Or are you chasing rooftop skyline views? Done.
At the end of the day, going out for a drink isn’t just about the cocktail; it’s about the story behind it, the people you share it with, and the energy of the city itself. Whether you are sipping on something like an Espresso Martini, a Spicy Margarita, or simply just grabbing a proper beer, CDMX serves up personality and a little magic in each drink.
While there are countless bars to choose from, below you will find a list of ones that I made it to during my trip, and each one was worth the stop. From world-famous cocktail temples to tucked-away speakeasies, they all brought something unique to the table ( or more accurately, to the glass). If you’re planning a night out in CDMX, I recommend adding these to your list. You’ll get a mix of the city’s creativity and just the right amount of buzz.
Baltra Bar | Condesa
Baltra Bar is one of those spots that rewards curiosity. Tucked away in the Condesa neighborhood, it’s intimate, lively, and always full of people who clearly approach a good drink. Consistently ranked on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, it’s part of the same family as Licorería Limantour, so you know you’re in expert hands. Where Limantour dazzles with its bigger, glossier vibe, Baltra feels more intimate and mysterious, almost like a secret that you stumbled upon while strolling the streets of Condesa.
Baltra Bar
Iztaccihuatl 36D, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Website and Instagram
Inspired by the Galápagos Islands and Darwin’s adventures, this neighborhood favorite is all about exploration. Locals and travelers alike squeeze in for smartly crafted drinks that will surprise and delight your palate all at once. It’s the type of place that you’ll wander in for just one drink, easily lose track of time, and before you know it, you’re three cocktails in.
Baltra Bar | Baltra Classics
So many cocktails caught my eye, but two really stood out: The Rebirth Plan and Final Doubt. I didn’t get a photo of The Rebirth Plan, but it was light, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink. It leaned into Margarita territory, with cucumber and clarified tomato giving it just a hint of a Bloody Mary vibe.
Next up was Final Doubt, a clever take on the classic Espresso Martini. Instead of vodka, Baltra used mezcal, Raicilla, and a fat-wash of butter to create something smoky, rich, and smooth—an absolutely perfect way to kick the night into high gear.
Baltra Bar is cozy and fills up fast. I strongly encourage making a reservation if you want to secure a spot.
Baltra Bar | Final Doubt Cocktail
Hanky Panky | Juárez | Keep Your Eyes Peeled For This Entrance
Behind an unassuming Oaxacan restaurant in Mexico City’s Juárez neighborhood, Hanky Panky is a cocktail bar that practically dares you to find it. (Admittedly, the first time I tried to find it, I must have walked past the entrance at least two or three times.) With a secretive entrance and a strict reservation-only policy, walking in makes you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a deliciously well-kept secret. And honestly, that first step through the hidden door is half of the fun.
This marks my second attempt at cocktailing at Hanky Panky. Last year, reservations were all taken, and with hopes of someone not showing for their spot, I waited. And waited—almost 30 minutes and zero movement. I waved the white flag and retreated to my hotel, but swore I would make it back. 2025 was my year, and I snagged a reservation right after dinner.
Hanky Panky | Juárez
Once inside ( I don’t want to give away all of the fun details), the bar delivers on every bit of the hype. Dimly lit and packed with personality, Hanky Panky serves cocktails that feel like miniature adventures in a glass. The menu, known as The Twelve Wonders of Mixology, offers cocktails featuring global flavors and techniques. A single sip proves why this bar has earned a post on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Guests are given a menu and an old-school Viewmaster to peruse before they order. I ordered the Thalassaki, which is a cocktail from Greece featuring Altos Plata tequila infused with melon, lemon verbena, basil cordial, and herbal vinegar. It was quite an interesting drink.
Hanky Panky | Thalassaki | Altos Plata Tequila Infused With Melon + Lemon Verbena + Basil Cordial + Herbal Vinegar.
But it’s not just the drinks that make Hanky Panky worth the trip. The bartenders are passionate, precise, and delightfully approachable, making every guest feel like they’re part of the experience rather than just along for the ride or cocktail in this case. With 40 seats, it’s intimate enough to feel personal, lively enough to feel electric, and stylish enough to feel special. Between the cocktails, the atmosphere, and the sense of discovery and adventure, it’s no wonder people keep coming back, and why a reservation is absolutely mandatory.
A few things to know before you go:
Reservations are open from 5:00 - 8:00 pm only. After that, only walk-ins are allowed, in order of arrival.
You may share your table with other patrons. ( If possible, I’d recommend requesting a seat at the bar or a table upstairs. The communal table doesn’t truly allow you to soak up the vibes of the bar.)
Your visit is limited to an hour and 45 minutes.
Hanky Panky | Juárez
Bijou Drinkery Room | Hipódromo | Entrance
Inside the walls of Colegio Superior de Gastronomía lies Bijou Drinkery Room, a bar that feels like a hidden world of its own. Only after sharing the correct password, guests slip through a discreet passage and emerge into an intimate setting designed for those who appreciate a touch of mystery. With its dim lighting, plush details, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s an ideal escape for those seeking something special and unique.
So what sets Bijou apart from other cocktail bars?
Instead of ordering from a traditional menu, which they have available, guests are invited to have a little fun with their cocktail order and use a Rubik’s Cube to customize their drink. Once they determine the base spirit, they can choose from a curated selection of flavors and textures to personalize their cocktail to their liking. Not only is this a creative approach to cocktails, but it ensures that every creation is as unique as the person holding it.
Bijou Drinkery Room | Traditional Menu and Rubik’s Cube Option
Let’s talk about the vibey interior.
The interior is punctuated by a striking Mondrian-style glass installation, its blocks of color casting subtle reflections that enliven the bar’s moody atmosphere. Not to mention, it makes the perfect backdrop for cocktail photos.
Bijou Drinkery Room | Plum Negroni
A visit to Bijou Drinkery Room is more than just a night out. It’s an immersion into creativity, craftsmanship, and hidden luxury. Whether you are planning a romantic date night or looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path establishment, this bar delivers both sophistication, discovery, and adventure in the heart of the city.
Bijou Drinkery Room | Japan Jazz
Rubí Wine & Cocktails | Hipódromo
Our next bar is one that I learned about while chatting with my new friends at Bijou Drinkery Room. Debuting in late 2024, Rubí Wine & Cocktails has quickly become one of Mexico City’s most exciting new openings. This stylish spot overlooks the iconic Parque Mexico, making it the perfect perch for an afternoon spritz or a long evening of inventive sipping. The vibe strikes a balance between chic and approachable, but my favorite part is the ruby-shaped bar that serves as the playful centerpiece.
What I found to set Rubí apart from all of the other cocktail bars in the city is its focus on wine-driven cocktails and vermouth culture. Expect creative twists on classic concoctions like the Jasmine Negroni or the Fluffy Paloma. Alongside these inventive pours, guests can choose from an impressive lineup of sherries, vermouths, or sparkling spritzes, each designed to complement the curated menu of small plates, including Iberian Ham and some dreamy fondue.
Rubí Wine and Cocktails isn’t just another stop on the bar-hopping circuit; it’s a destination itself. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile, a cocktail connoisseur, or just curious to try something new, this spot is a must-visit and truly embodies the city’s playful mix of tradition and innovation.
Rubí Wine & Cocktails | Hipódromo
Exploring Mexico City’s cocktail scene is one of those experiences that never gets old. Each bar has its own personality. Some you will find playful, some romantic, some a little mysterious, but all welcoming. What I love most is that no matter where you go, the drinks are crafted with such care and creativity that they feel like part of the adventure. As you build your Mexico City itinerary, let yourself wander, try something new, and enjoy the city one slow sip at a time.
Until Next Time!
