Handshake Speakeasy to host exclusive pop-up at MAD Bar and Lounge in Manhattan this September

This September, Manhattan’s cocktail scene will see a major event as Handshake Speakeasy, recently named the world’s best bar by The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and North America’s 50 Best Bars for both 2024 and 2025, brings an exclusive pop-up to MAD Bar & Lounge at the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue hotel. From September 3 to 6, 2025, the acclaimed team from Mexico City will take over the lounge, offering New Yorkers a rare chance to experience their innovative approach to mixology.

Handshake Speakeasy is known internationally for its scientific and avant-garde methods in cocktail creation. At its home base in Mexico City, located inside the NH Collection Mexico City Reforma hotel, the bar operates a dedicated laboratory where cocktails are crafted using a meticulous process that can take between 24 and 48 hours. This process involves a range of culinary techniques, from simple to highly complex, allowing the team to standardize flavors and ensure consistent quality in every drink.

The upcoming pop-up at MAD Bar & Lounge will transform the space into what organizers describe as a “liquid innovation lab.” Guests can expect a curated menu of cocktails that blend cutting-edge techniques with high-value presentation. While the specific menu has not yet been revealed, organizers say it will draw inspiration from both scientific principles and the energy of New York City itself.

Carlos Salomon, General Manager of NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, said that hosting Handshake Speakeasy is about more than just serving drinks. “This is not just a cocktail bar — it’s a sensory experience,” Salomon said. “We are proud to welcome a world-class team that is redefining what it means to enjoy a drink. This exclusive pop-up gives our guests and the city an opportunity to taste the future of mixology.”

Attendance for the event will be limited, with priority given to hotel guests and those who book in advance. The collaboration reflects NH Collection’s ongoing commitment to providing elevated and unexpected experiences that combine premium offerings with cultural relevance.

Located in Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, NH Collection New York Madison Avenue continues to attract both travelers and locals with its European charm and refined hospitality. The Handshake Speakeasy pop-up is expected to draw significant interest from cocktail enthusiasts across the city. Reservations will be required for this limited-time event running from September 3 through September 6.