Mexico Scores 11 of North America's 50 Best Bars

Mexico just became one of the hottest cocktail destinations in North America, landing 11 bars on the prestigious 50 Best list announced at a ceremony in Vancouver.

The country's bars claimed one-fifth of the entire ranking, with three breaking into the top 10. Only the United States placed more bars overall, while Mexico City secured more mentions than any city except New York.

Bar Mauro in Mexico City grabbed the No. 2 spot in its debut appearance, right behind New York's first-place winner. The Italian-inspired bar has locals raving about both its aperitifs and its surprisingly excellent cheeseburger.

Tlecān, also in Mexico City, landed at No. 5 with its pre-Columbian inspired cocktails featuring Mexican spirits. El Gallo Altanero in Guadalajara rounded out Mexico's top 10 entries at No. 10, becoming that city's highest-ranked bar for the second year running.

The recognition spans beyond the capital. Guadalajara placed two bars on the list, while San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca each earned a spot with bars showcasing regional ingredients and traditions.

Licorería Limantour at No. 20 holds special significance as the birthplace of Mexico's modern cocktail culture. Bekeb in San Miguel de Allende at No. 24 stood out for incorporating Mexican fruits, plants, flowers, seeds, and traditional elixirs into every drink.

The awards come from anonymous votes by diverse industry experts who chose bars where they had their best experiences over the past 18 months. The panel recognized everything from innovative lab techniques at Form + Matter to the cane alcohol traditions honored at Mecenas in Guadalajara.

The Ripple Effect

Mexico's bartending scene has transformed from emerging trend to global powerhouse in just a few years. These 11 bars are creating jobs, drawing international tourists, and putting Mexican cities on the map as must-visit destinations for cocktail enthusiasts worldwide. They're also reviving interest in traditional Mexican spirits, indigenous ingredients, and regional drinking customs that might otherwise fade away.

Mexico's cocktail culture isn't just mixing drinks anymore—it's raising the bar for an entire continent.