Making an entrance at the Rosewood San Miguel.
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Español
May 5, 2024
by Marni Hills
¡Viva Mexico y Felicidades! Mexican Bars Dominate North America's 50 Best List
Making an entrance at the Rosewood San Miguel.
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This year's North America's 50 Best Bars list is bursting with Mexican brilliance! A staggering 15 Mexican hotspots secured coveted rankings on the prestigious list - that's right, nearly a third of the continent's best cocktail destinations can be found in Mexico. For the first time, Mexico takes the number one spot on North America's 50 Best Bars List 2024, as well as "Best Bar in Mexico"….. the top honors were presented to Handshake Speakeasy from Mexico City, at the unveiling ceremony this past Tuesday night at The Rosewood in San Miguel.
Handshake Speakeasy is the big winner (photo: theworlds50Best.com)
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San Miguel's rooftop bar scene explodes onto the world stage as Bekeb rockets onto the list for the first time, landing a coveted #27 ranking.
Hat Atelier Suki Palomina (L) and Bekeb owner and Principal Fabiola Padilla. (Photo: Isis Rodriguez)
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Bekeb's friendly and fabulous staff (photo: Bekebsma.com)
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The celebratory crowd was in high spirits. Refreshingly vibrant, diverse and impeccably dressed, they walked the red carpet, posed for the paparazzi, enjoyed canapes and an endless assortment of fancy liquors and artisanal cocktails provided by the event sponsors.
Mexico's Siete Misterios Mezcal sponsored the "Best Cocktail Menu" Award
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The evening's festive presentation was kicked off by emcee Emma Sleight, Head of Content: Bars & Hotels for 50Best. Keeping the announcements moving on stage was charming Mexican actor and TV personality Diego Alfaro, working in front of a gorgeously edited, high-energy, multimedia stage show.
Announcer - Mexican TV personality Diego Alfaro
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The fast-moving presentation highlighted special award recipients including the "Altos Bartender's Bartender" winner Kate Boushel of Montreal's Atwater Cocktail Club (#50), the "Siete Misterio Best Cocktail Menu" winner Meadowlark (#32) from Chicago, and the "Micheters Art of Hospitality Award" went to New Orleans' Jewel of the South (#6).
Local San Miguel artist Isis Rodriguez - looking gorge in green chinoiserie - chats with the team from Meadowlark in Chicago - whose 1893 Chicago World's Fair-inspired drinks won Best Cocktail Menu Award
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The Michter's Art of Hospitality Award 2024 winners Jewel of the South (#6) from New Orleans
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A toast with Jewel of the South (#6) winners
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Guadalajara's El Gallo Altanero rose from #21 to #14 this year
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At the evenings conclusion, the team from Handshake Speakeasy graciously spent some time answering questions from the media. They openly and vulnerably shared their challenges and triumphs, secrets of great service, and managing the ups and downs that any service business faces in today's economy.