Helmed by one of Mexico’s most successful bar owners, Walter Meyenberg, and run by superstar bartender Gina Barbachano, Hanky Panky is one of CDMX’s most loved – and always packed – cocktail bars. When it opened in 2016, it was one of the city’s first speakeasies – getting a reservation is still a tall order.

Its name pays homage to the cocktail of the same name, the Hanky Panky, which was created by Ada Coleman, the first female head bartender at the American Bar in London’s The Savoy hotel. Situated in La Juarez, one of Mexico City’s most energising neighbourhoods, while Hanky Panky might be miles away from the English capital, it lays down the gauntlet in terms of striving for quality and prestige.

Menus at Hanky Panky are always fun and carry a travel theme, with the 2024 menu being a perfect example. Viewed through a nostalgic view-master, the resulting cocktails are juxtaposingly contemporary. Named Twelve Wonders of Mixology, it takes inspiration from the travels of the Hanky Panky team and each of the 12 cocktails reference a city through its food, culture and landmarks. The contraption is complemented with a hard-cover book which explains the inspiration behind each cocktail as well as six exclusive cocktails which have been created from bartenders around the world, and six classic cocktails too.

High-calibre service and energy from the team is matched with visually stimulating drinks. One drink is green to reflect Singapore’s vertical gardens; another showcases the colours of the Argentinian flag. Garnishes are all edible and cleverly constructed, and glassware delivers on fun too, such as the spinning top-shaped glass complete with a spherical ice cube.

Mexico is lucky to have some of the best local ingredients in the world and the team makes good use of them. They use ingredients that are easily found all year round, while techniques like fat washing, macerations, clarification, and infusion are delivered to a quality that ensures consistency.

One of its best sellers is Thalassaki, made with tequila infused with melon, lemon verbena with basil cordial and herbal vinegar. Four of its cocktails can also be made alcohol free. Due to its location it is no surprise that Hanky Panky works closely with tequila and mezcal too which is a good opportunity for tourists to explore the agave category.

The best spot, as usual, is at the bar where the bartenders still manage to chat with guests while being constantly busy. The central section of the back bar also showcases awards, industry gifts, postcards, and memorabilia, while the neon ‘We Are Hanky Panky’ sign right at the end of the bar is perfect for photos.