Mexico City Dominates Global Bar Rankings Handshake Speakeasy has been named The Best Bar in North America at The World's 50 Best Bars 2026, ranking No. 6 in the global standings. The honor reflects Mexico City's growing prominence in the international cocktail scene. Two additional Mexico City venues also secured positions in the rankings: Bar Mauro entered at No. 10 and received the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, while Tlecān also ranked among the world's top bars.

Monkey Shoulder Hosts Week-Long Celebration Monkey Shoulder, the Official Scotch Whisky Partner of The World's 50 Best Bars, marked its first year of a two-year global partnership by hosting a series of events during awards week in Milan. The brand organized guest shifts, bar takeovers, and music collaborations featuring bartenders from Rome, Copenhagen, Medellín, and Stockholm. Events included late-night guest shifts at venues including Ceresio 7, SOGNI, and BOB Milano, where international bartenders showcased their regional styles. The program culminated at the awards ceremony with a Monkey Shoulder pop-up bar featuring three variations of the Old Fashioned crafted by bartenders from different regions.

## Creative Collaborations Highlight Whisky Partnership The pop-up menu showcased: - The Scotch Cocktail (1912) by Giacomo Ferraresi of Jerry Thomas Speakeasy in Rome
- Old Fashioned & Charcoal Butter by Alex Skarlen of Lucy's Flower Shop in Stockholm
- Milan Old Fash Spritz by Marie-Louise Roy-Bilodeau, Canada's 2025 Ultimate Bartending Championship winner Joe Petch, Global Brand Ambassador for Monkey Shoulder, said: "The 50 Best Bars brings some of the world's most exciting talent together in one city and Monkey Shoulder is proud to give support that goes beyond the awards, through a wide programme of events across Milan. From guest shifts and bartender takeovers to creative serves and collaborations, we are continuing to champion the people, places and hospitality communities that keep cocktail culture moving forward." The closing event at MOGO Milan featured a selector swap and bar takeover from Stockholm's Lucy's Flower Shop, pairing cocktails with curated music and highlighting the brand's commitment to integrating bar culture with music programming.

Why It Matters

Mexico City's success in the 2026 rankings signals a shift in global cocktail culture away from traditional European and North American strongholds. For hospitality operators, the recognition of multiple venues from a single city underscores the viability of developing destination cocktail programs. Major spirits brands' investment in sponsorship and experiential events around industry rankings demonstrates how award partnerships have become central to brand positioning in the premium cocktail space.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors