The Best Bars in Mexico City: Cocktails, Mezcal, and More
Explore the spirited and diverse bar scene of Mexico City, from world-class cocktails to traditional mezcal.
The Best Bars in Mexico City
Mexico City’s nightlife offers far more than well-known beers like Corona, Tecate, and Modelo. The city’s bar scene is vibrant, eclectic, and locally focused, from craft breweries and Baja wines to artisanal mezcal and unique cocktails. Whether you seek a sophisticated cocktail lounge, an edgier disco, or a cozy mezcal bar, Mexico City is home to venues that cater to every palate, mood, and moment.
What Makes Mexico City’s Bar Scene Unique?
- Local Spirits and Ingredients: Mexico City’s bars showcase local flavors—mezcal, tequila, pulque, and wine from Baja California, offering drinks rarely found outside the country.
- Innovative Mixology: The city has earned spots on global bar rankings for its creative cocktails and world-class bartenders.
- Authentic Atmosphere: From cultural centers to historic hotel bars, each venue delivers its own unique ambiance.
- Diverse Experiences: Enjoy everything from live music and dancing to intimate tastings and modern culinary pairings.
Essential Bars to Visit in Mexico City
Alipús Endémico
Location: Aguascalientes 232, Hipódromo, Condesa
Alipús Endémico stands out amongst the many mezcalerías in Condesa for its extensive menu: local mezcal, tequila, domestic wine, craft beer, and inventive cocktails. Nearly every beverage offered is Mexican-sourced, giving guests a true taste of the country’s spirits. Pair your drinks with Oaxacan-inspired dishes from the kitchen—the guacamole with chapulines (grasshoppers) is a local specialty and a must-try for the adventurous.
- Extensive mezcal menu
- Local beers and wines
- Oaxacan-inspired cuisine
- Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Jordana BTP
Location: 439 Paseo de la Reforma, Centro
Described as a cultural center and “the thinking man’s disco,” Jordana BTP features multiple vibrant spaces, hosting everything from literary evenings to live music and DJ sets. The crowd is young, creative, and alternative, drawn by affordable cocktails and a lively, low-key vibe. The variety of environments within the venue ranges from energetic dance spaces to quieter corners designed for conversation or romance.
- Versatile events: Live music, DJ sets, literary nights
- Edgy, modern decor
- Affordable drink menu
- Welcoming to all identities
King Cole Bar at St. Regis Hotel
Location: Inside St. Regis Hotel, Paseo de la Reforma
For a classic hotel bar experience, King Cole Bar blends luxury and local flavor. Sip cocktails indoors with live music or step onto the terrace for expansive city views—Diana the Huntress Fountain, Angel of Independence, and Chapultepec Castle. Don’t miss the bar’s signature Mexican cocktail: the Sangrita Maria, a blend of mezcal, sangrita, and pasilla chile purée. Cigar aficionados can browse a quality selection as well.
- Signature cocktails inspired by Mexican flavors
- Live music
- Terrace with iconic city views
- Exclusive cigar selection
La Botica
Location: Malintzin 155, Del Carmen, Coyoacán
If you’re new to mezcal or a seasoned enthusiast, La Botica offers an intimate tasting experience in a small bar environment. Located within The Shops at Downtown inside the historic Centro Histórico, it’s perfect for late afternoon drinks, perhaps before dinner at one of the city’s top restaurants nearby. The focus is on quality mezcal for sipping and discovery, with knowledgeable staff happy to guide your choices.
- Expertly curated mezcal list
- Small, intimate setting
- Educational staff
- Ideal pre-dinner stop
Licorería Limantour
Location: Av. Álvaro Obregón 106, Roma Norte
Widely regarded as one of Latin America’s top bars and ranked #20 worldwide, Limantour is Mexico City’s original contemporary cocktail institution. The bar is known for slow, deliberate drink-making—visit when you have time to savor the experience. Cocktails draw inspiration from both local and international sources. The Pernambuco, featuring Brazilian paprika-infused cachaça and plantain-vanilla compote, demonstrates their global approach to flavor.
- World-class mixology
- Inventive, culturally-inspired cocktails
- Elegant, Art Deco-inspired setting
- International recognition
Bar Scene Highlights: Drinks to Try
- Mezcal: Mexico’s signature spirit, more complex and aromatic than tequila. Most bars offer tasting flights featuring varieties from different regions.
- Sangrita Maria: A modern Mexican cocktail blending mezcal, tangy sangrita, and spicy pasilla chile.
- Pernambuco: Limantour’s unique cocktail inspired by Brazil, using paprika-infused cachaça, plantain, vanilla, and lemon.
- Craft Beer: Increasingly featured in city bars, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, brewed by independent Mexican producers.
- Baja California Wine: Not widely exported but highly regarded for quality and variety—ask for recommendations at venues with a Mexican wine list.
Neighborhood Guide: Where to Drink
| Neighborhood | Bar Atmosphere | Notable Venues |
|---|---|---|
| Condesa / Hipódromo | Trendy, relaxed, creative | Alipús Endémico, numerous mezcalerías |
| Roma Norte | Young, cosmopolitan, busy | Licorería Limantour, contemporary cocktail bars |
| Coyoacán | Historic, artsy, intimate | La Botica |
| Centro Histórico | Classic, cultural, sophisticated | Jordana BTP, Downtown Hotel venues |
| Paseo de la Reforma | Upscale, scenic, luxurious | King Cole Bar at St. Regis |
Pairings: Food and Drink
Many bars in Mexico City offer outstanding food menus, emphasizing local flavors and innovative cuisine. Here are favorite pairings to look for:
- Guacamole con chapulines (with grasshoppers): Try with a smoky mezcal—especially at Alipús Endémico.
- Oaxacan-inspired dishes: Tequila or pulque pairs well with foods featuring mole or tlayudas.
- Cocktails with Latin American flavors: Sample alongside tropical fruit ceviches or plantain-based appetizers.
Coffee Houses and Alternative Drink Spots
Not all of Mexico City’s famed bars serve alcohol. The city’s coffee houses and chocolaterías offer daytime alternatives for those seeking a quieter experience, with expertly brewed coffee and authentic Mexican hot chocolate.
- Cafés: Many bars double as cafés in the morning, serving espresso, local pastries, and chocolate drinks.
- Chocolate Shops: Classic drinking chocolate is available at several venues, combining indigenous Mexican cacao with modern preparation.
Tips for Navigating Mexico City’s Nightlife
- Tip well—bartenders are often celebrated figures in Mexico City’s bar culture.
- Don’t rush the experience—many bars encourage slow, thoughtful enjoyment of each drink.
- Ask for recommendations; most staff are proud to guide guests through local spirits and specialties.
- Weeknights are less crowded and ideal for savoring popular venues.
- Check age policies—some bars are strictly 18+, and ID checks are common.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the signature spirits to try in Mexico City?
A: Mezcal is the standout, with tequila, pulque, and Mexican craft beers also widely available. Baja California wines are local treasures, best sampled at bars with a strong domestic wine list.
Q: Is there a dress code for most bars?
A: Most venues are casual and relaxed, but upscale bars (especially in hotels like the St. Regis) favor smart attire.
Q: Can I find non-alcoholic options in these bars?
A: Yes! Many bars offer creative alcohol-free cocktails, aguas frescas, and extensive coffee/chocolate menus.
Q: Should I make reservations?
A: Reservations are recommended for popular cocktail bars (like Licorería Limantour) and upscale hotel venues. Mezcalerías may operate on a walk-in basis.
Q: Are these venues English-friendly for travelers?
A: Most popular bars have English-speaking staff, particularly those in tourist-friendly neighborhoods. Menus are often bilingual.
Insider Recommendations: Making the Most of Your Visit
- Go early in the evening to avoid crowds and experience the full atmosphere.
- Try tasting flights to sample multiple mezcal or cocktail variations.
- Don’t skip the food menu—Mexico City’s top bars are as famous for their cuisine as for their drinks.
- Discover a mix of bar styles: Visit intimate mezcalerías, buzzy cocktail spots, and scenic hotel lounges for contrasting experiences.
Experience Mexico City’s Spirit
Mexico City’s bars blend history, culture, and innovation, offering something for every taste—from cutting-edge cocktails and classic hotel lounges to mezcal tasting rooms and lively discos. Venture beyond the familiar brands to discover a nightlife scene that’s bold, spirited, and genuinely local.
