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For the past few years, my hometown of Mexico City has finally been recognized as a giant in the global beverage scene, and this year, a Mexico City bar, Handshake, was named the number one bar in the world.
But there's another Mexico City bar that's my personal favorite—it's called Hanky Panky, and it has also been recognized as one of the world's best many times over since it opened in 2016. Next Thursday, May 22, Hanky Panky is popping up New York City for one night, and you should definitely try it for yourself.
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If you've never been, going to Mexico City's Hanky Panky is a whole experience. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Juarez, it's not an easy spot to find—I walked aimlessly up and down the same block at least three times in search of it. It turns out that the bar is hidden behind a nondescript taco restaurant that looks like dozens of others in the neighborhood. You have to ask the person behind the counter about the bar (they won't willingly tell you if you walk by looking lost), and if you're lucky enough to get a reservation, you'll be led to a secret staircase behind a fridge stacked with Modelo beers.
The bar itself is indescribably chic, with velvet booths and floating bookshelves that give it that members-only feel. It's clear from the jump that the spirits are the focus here—the menu is organized with text and images that walk you through the background of each spirit as well as the ingredients in each cocktail. Admittedly, I must have had close to six drinks when I was there, with my favorites being the mezcal-forward cocktails.
Hanky Panky is popping up at The View, New York's only revolving restaurant, which is located in the heart of Times Square. The pop-up was brought to New York by Tequila Enemigo, and Adrián López from Hanky Panky's very own team will be there serving the drinks. A variety of cocktails from the iconic bar will be served, but the focus will be its famous Paloma, which traditionally includes tequila, lime juice and a grapefruit-flavored soda. Coincidentally, all of will take place on World Paloma Day, May 22.
If the pop-up is anything like the Mexico City experience, expect to be educated and wowed by the depth of flavor and range of Hanky Panky's drinks. Make sure to make a reservation sooner rather than later to guarantee a spot. The event will begin at 7:30pm, and you can RSVP for it here.