Handshake Speakeasy, Named Best Cocktail Bar in the World, to Host Exclusive Pop-Up at NH Collection New York Hotel

This September, Manhattan’s cocktail culture reaches a new pinnacle as the MAD Bar & Lounge at NH Collection New York Madison Avenue Hotel welcomes an exclusive pop-up experience from Handshake Speakeasy, the bar recently crowned number one in The World's 50 Best Bars 2024, and North America's 50 Best Bars (2024, 2025). Known globally for its avant-garde, science-forward approach to flavor, Handshake’s acclaimed team will bring their groundbreaking cocktail artistry to New York City for a limited engagement.

From September 3-6, 2025, the pop-up will transform the elegant MAD Bar & Lounge into a laboratory of liquid innovation. Guests will be invited to explore a curated menu of cocktails that blend cutting-edge techniques with high-concept presentation.

At their Mexico City headquarters within the NH Collection Mexico City Reforma hotel, Handshake has a dedicated laboratory space utilized solely to prepare their cocktails, each taking between 24 to 48 hours to make. This process, using a variety of culinary techniques (from simple to complex) allows perfectly standardized flavors and quality.

Behind Each Drink

"This is not just a cocktail bar — it’s a sensory experience," says Carlos Salomon, General Manager of NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, where MAD Bar & Lounge is located. "We’re proud to host a world-class team that’s redefining what it means to enjoy a drink. This exclusive pop-up offers our guests, and the city, a chance to taste the future of mixology."

The yet-to-be-revealed cocktail list will draw inspiration from both science and the surrounding city, merging the best mixology with New York’s timeless energy. Seating will be limited, with priority given to hotel guests and advance reservations.

The partnership aligns with NH Collection’s ongoing commitment to delivering elevated, unexpected experiences that blend premiumness with cultural relevance. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad neighborhood, the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue continues to attract travelers and locals alike with its European charm and refined hospitality.

The pop-up will run for a limited time from September 3-6, reservations are required and will be open on Resy from August 3, 2025. For inquiries about reservations, please contact madbar.nhcollectionnewyork@nh-hotels.com.

Handshake is a cocktail bar with a secret bar concept. Focusing on providing the customer with a unique experience from the service, drinks, appearance and atmosphere of the bar.

Located in Zona Rosa, which is considered one of the main zones of tolerance in the city for the LGBT community and the so-called urban tribes, the Handshake experience consists of a 32-seat space on the upper deck that is connected to a second, 50-seat space on the basement level. The service is highly professional yet personal, relaxed, and calm. Handshake focuses on quality drinks, high-end glassware, and ice. However, their ultimate goal is for clients to enjoy themselves and feel at home.

Learn more at handshake.bar and connect with Handshake on Facebook and Instagram.

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts is a premium hospitality brand with more than 100 properties across Europe and the Americas and a growing global footprint in Asia, the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, and beyond. Offering worldly travelers stays that evoke extraordinary feelings, NH Collection perfectly combines comfort, innovation, intuitive service, an elegant atmosphere, and surprising flavors, all embedded in the local identity.

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Visit nh-collection.com for more information and connect with NH Collection on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with over 560 hotels, resorts and branded residences across 57 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks and iStay – and a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.

Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.

Discover our world at minorhotels.com and connect with Minor Hotels on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.