Mexico City Nightlife: The Best Cocktail Bars in Mexico City

Apr 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Apr 22, 2024

In the heart of Mexico, where history meets modernity, lies a city that truly comes alive when the sun sets – Mexico City. From trendy rooftop bars with breathtaking cityscape views to local mezcalerias, Mexico City's nocturnal scene offers an eclectic mix of flavors and sounds. Join me on a journey through the vibrant streets, buzzing clubs, and hidden gems that make Mexico City's nightlife an unforgettable adventure waiting to be explored. This is your ultimate guide to exploring the electrifying pulse of Mexico City's nightlife.

Licoreria Limantour

The Licorería Limantour in Polanco is one of the best cocktail bars in Mexico City. They are featured as one the World's 50 Best Bars. The cocktails are made with high quality ingredients, and the Mezcal Stalk is my favorite. It combines mezcal, orange liqueur, pineapple, and agave. Another must try cocktail is the Margarita al Pastor, which is puts a different spin on your typical margarita by adding taco mix. You can make reservations in advance to sit at a table, or you can just stop in to sit at the bar. Licoreria Limantour is the perfect place to stop at before or after dinner in the Polanco neighborhood.

La Clandestina

La Clandestina is a lively mezcaleria in Condesa that you must experience while in Mexico City. The space is packed with small tables, people is good spirits, and features more than 30 types mezcal. The cucumber cocktail from here was the best mezcal cocktail of my stay, featuring Espadin Joven mezcal, cucumber, rosemary ginger syrup, lemon juice, and mineral water. If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, I would recommend the avocado cocktail which features Espadin Joven mezcal, avocado pulp, pineapple, Licor 43, and topped with blackberries and basil.

Handshake Speakeasy

Handshake Speakeasy a hidden lounge in the Colonia Juarez neighborhood that is part of Mexico City's growing speakeasy scene.It is recognized as one of the World's 50 Best Bars with a talented team of mixologists. The venue is chic featuring black, marble, and brass accents. Handshake is known for its specialty cocktails that are carefully crafted using molecular mixology techniques.

The cocktails appear clear and simple when served, but they each have their own complex and unique taste. My favorite cocktail at Handshake is the Once Upon In Oaxaca, which combines mezcal, mint, lemon, absinthe, and smoke. The is popular spot and you must make a reservation early in advance.

Jardin Paraiso

Jardin Parasio is a lounge Roma Norte that is a casual garden terrace during the day and turns into a club at night. The ambiance has lots of greenery, dim lights, and trendy spaces to talk with friends. They usually have a DJ who plays electronic and Mexican club music, with a small dance floor in front of the DJ. Jardin Paraiso is the ideal spot to end a fun night out, and I recommend going after 10PM. There is security at the front door, and make sure you dress up in club attire for entry.

Tlecan

Tlecan is a mezcaleria in Roma Norte that focuses on artisanal, small-batch mezcal from local producers. Tlecan means "place of fire" and its name is based on the process of making Mezcal with fire. The venue is small and has a simplistic, modern design featuring earthy stone with sand colors, and dimmed lighting. The centerpiece is a sculpture on the wall that replicates a famous aztec piece, the disc of death. My favorite drink here is the guava mezcal cocktail. Everything from the decor, music, and drinks are perfectly curated to take you back in time to appreciate the pre-hispanic roots of the culture and mezcal.

Ling Ling

Ling Ling is a chic restaurant and lounge located at the top of a skyscraper at the edge of Chapultepec Park. Ling Ling has floor to ceiling windows so you take in the breathtaking views of Mexico City. There is also as outdoor deck surrounding the lounge with tables directly next to the view. These are the best seats in the house as you can take in the sky high ambiance while enjoying your drinks. You will need a reservation to sit at one of these tables. There is a more casual bar located inside where you can grab a drink without a reservation.

Fifty Mills

Fifty Mills is a sophisticated and cozy cocktail bar located inside the Four Seasons Hotel. This is the perfect spot to start the night or end it with a night cap. Fifty Mills has floor to ceiling windows that open into a beautiful garden courtyard. You can can enjoy your drink in the stylish lounge or outside under the umbrellas in the garden.

Paramo

Paramo is the perfect nighttime cantina to enjoy drinks and tacos on a lively terrace. To find the terrace, you will see a small door off the street that lead up a staircase. Once you go up the steps, you can put your name in for a table and grab a drink at the smaller bar located by the entrance while you wait. The terrace has a skylight roof with greenery and string lights hung above the tables. The tightly packed tables are usually always filled with people in good spirits.