Two Mexico City bars were recently named among the best in North America by North America’s 50 Best Bars. Rayo placed 17th overall and took the Best New Opening title, while Licorería Limantour ranked fourth overall. Rayo’s recognition is notable: it opened just 18 months ago and is the highest new entry on the list.
Rayo occupies the rooftop of a restored heritage estate in the Roma Norte neighborhood. The bar celebrates Mexico City’s history and regional spirits through a focused menu of 10 cocktails, each highlighting flavors and techniques from different spirit-producing regions of Mexico. Inspired by the legend of Mayahuel, the agave goddess, Rayo layers storytelling into its design and service, paying close attention to detail in both presentation and flavor.
© Courtesy of Rayo
The interior opens into an airy, blue-hued room punctuated by neon fixtures that evoke the lightning bolts said to have brought Mayahuel to earth. The physical menu is an intricately carved three-dimensional box that contains tincture bottles so guests can sample components before ordering a full cocktail. Each drink centers on a distinct Mexican spirit but explores creative techniques and flavor pairings—bubblegum-infused amaro, Negronis brightened with pandám (a botanical infusion), and edible garnishes such as puffed beef tenderloin are just a few examples.
Standout cocktails include “6,” a clarified honey-mezcal aperitif with fermented kumquats and yellow chartreuse; “7,” a whiskey-forward creation featuring clarified Jack Daniel’s and bacanora redistilled with citrus peels, finished with an emulsified lemon chia jelly; and “10,” a coastal Jalisco-inspired blend with carbonated yucca shrub and dehydrated cilantro roots.
No. 6 © Courtesy of Rayo
Licorería Limantour joins Rayo as a leading representative of Mexico City’s cocktail scene. The bar ranks fourth on North America’s 50 Best Bars and also appears on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Founded by Benjamin Padrón with José Luis León as bar manager, Limantour draws inspiration from their hometown, offering a menu that honors local flavors and classic techniques.
Since opening in 2011, Limantour has built a reputation for consistently well-crafted cocktails. Signature drinks include the Mezcal Stalk—mezcal with orange liqueur, pineapple juice and agave honey, finished with a worm-salt rim—and the popular Margarita al Pastor, a playful riff on a classic margarita that layers tequila, orange liqueur, a savory taco mix and lime for a balanced and memorable sip.
Both bars showcase why Mexico City is a global destination for creative cocktail culture: thoughtful storytelling, skilled technique, and a deep connection to regional ingredients and traditions. Their recognition on North America’s 50 Best Bars highlights a thriving, evolving scene where innovation and respect for local heritage go hand in hand.