Editorial
Mexico City's bar scene has been on a tear since Licorería Limantour opened in 2011 and made the Latin America 50 list legitimate. Hanky Panky, Xaman, Baltra and Handshake have all made the top 10 globally. The 10 below cover Roma Norte, Condesa and Juárez — CDMX's three drinking neighbourhoods. Mezcal, tequila and serious classical technique all live here at peak.
Mexico City eats late and drinks later. Cocktail bars peak between midnight and 2 AM. Hanky Panky and Limantour are the two essentials; build around either. Mezcal-led places (Bósforo, La Clandestina) are different drinking experiences — slower, more spirit-focused, more Mexican. Don't try to do all 10 in one trip; CDMX rewards repeat visits.
West Coast Editor — Los Angeles to Mexico City. Casual luxury, never aspirational.