Hanky Panky

Hanky Panky is accessed through the back of a kitchen via a secret door, and reservations are required weeks in advance. The space behind that door is small, seating roughly thirty people at a curved bar and a few intimate tables. The lighting is warm and low, the decor is minimal but precise, and the attention is entirely on the drinks. This is Mexico City's first speakeasy, and it consistently ranks among the best bars in the world.

The bartenders here operate at a level that justifies the reputation. Each cocktail is built with precision, using house-made syrups, tinctures, and ingredients that reflect both Mexican tradition and global technique. The tasting menu of four cocktails, priced at around MXN 950 including tip, is the standard order and the best way to experience the range. Conversation between guests and bartenders is encouraged; this is a place that wants you to engage with what you're drinking.

Compared to other high-end cocktail bars in Mexico City, Hanky Panky distinguishes itself through intimacy. Licoreria Limantour, Fifty Mils, and Baltra all operate in larger spaces with more conventional bar formats. Hanky Panky's tiny footprint means every seat feels like it's at the centre of the action. The trade-off is availability: getting a reservation can take planning, and walk-ins are rarely accommodated.

Book as far ahead as possible, especially for weekend evenings. The four-cocktail tasting is the best value and the intended experience. Dress smart casual; the venue's size means you're close to everyone else, and the atmosphere is elevated without being formal. The kitchen entrance on the street gives nothing away, so trust your reservation details.