[title]
New York’s cocktail scene is no stranger to world-class talent, but this September, the reigning champ of global mixology is making a rare—and brief—appearance on local turf.
From Wednesday, September 3 to Saturday, September 6, Handshake Speakeasy, the Mexico City cocktail den currently ranked numer one on The World’s 50 Best Bars, will stage an exclusive four-night takeover of MAD Bar & Lounge inside the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue. It’s the first time the team has popped up in New York and yes, it’s expected to be wildly hard to get in.
RECOMMENDED: The 30 best bars in NYC right now
If you’re not familiar with Handshake, it’s not your average speakeasy. Behind an unmarked door in Mexico City’s Zona Rosa district, the bar has earned global acclaim for its science-meets-sensory approach to cocktails. Drinks often take 24 to 48 hours to create in the lab-like prep kitchen, where culinary techniques and high-end ingredients combine into what can best be described as liquid wizardry.
Now, they’re bringing that same energy (alongside some New York-inspired twists) to Manhattan for four nights only.
“This is not just a cocktail bar—it’s a sensory experience,” says Carlos Salomon, the general manager of NH Collection New York Madison Avenue. “We’re proud to host a world-class team that’s redefining what it means to enjoy a drink.”
While the exact cocktail menu remains under wraps, you can expect high-concept presentation, inventive ingredients and a few exclusive collaborations that may never appear again. MAD Bar will be reimagined for the occasion, with limited seating and an intimate vibe designed to let the drinks (and drama) shine.
Reservations open Sunday, August 3 via Resy, and priority will be given to hotel guests, so if you're desperate to score a seat, consider booking a room.
In a city where great bars are everywhere, this may be your only chance to sip from the top shelf—literally.