Mexican bars stand out in the top 50 best places to drink in North America

The new annual "North America's 50 Best Bars" list recognizes the best places to drink in the region. This year, 220 beverage experts from Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean claimed that 20 Mexican bars offer some of the best experiences.

The list includes Handshake Speakeasy, where the most popular drink the Mexi-Thai—based on coconut-washed tequila, a house-made makrut lime distillate, clarified tomato cordial, and basil oil—is contrasted with the retro interior of the place in Mexico City.

The list also highlights Licorería Limantour, a special place in Mexico City's craft cocktail corridor that opened in 2011.

The menu combines strong cocktails such as the Mezcal Stalk (mezcal, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, agave honey, garnished with worm salt), as well as the novel Margarita al Pastor (tequila, orange liqueur, taco mix, and lime), according to "The 50 Best Bars in North America."

Beyond the Mexican capital, the list also mentions Zapote Bar, which references the Mayan culture's symbol of hospitality. Located at the tropical Rosewood Mayakoba resort in Yucatán, it offers welcome cocktails, as well as private rooms for agave tasting, wine dinners, and cigar smoking.

The synergy between service, flavors, and location have been part of Zapote Bar's success, which was awarded the London Essence Best New Opening Award 2022.

This is the first time since 2016 that the 50 Best group has announced a new North American bar list and awards program. The inaugural edition was unveiled on June 7 during an awards ceremony in New York.

The ceremony included a live tally of the list, culminating in the announcement of Best Bar in North America, which was awarded to Attaboy, a bar located on New York's Lower East Side.