Handshake Speakeasy, the number one cocktail bar in the world, to host exclusive pop-up at MAD Bar & Lounge located in the hotel NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, this September

London, July 10, 2025 —This September, Manhattan’s cocktail culture reaches a new pinnacle as the MAD Bar & Lounge, at NH Collection New York Madison Avenue, 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 flavour, Handshake’s acclaimed team will bring their groundbreaking cocktail artistry to New York City for a limited engagement.

From the 3^rd - 6^th of September 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 utilised 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), creates perfectly consistent flavours 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 premium quality with cultural relevance. Located in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad neighbourhood, the NH Collection New York Madison Avenue continues to attract travellers and locals alike with its European charm and refined hospitality.

The pop-up will run for a limited time from the 3^rd - 6^th of September 2025, and reservations are required. 

About Handshake Speakeasy

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 LGBT community and the so-called urban tribes. The Handshake experience is a 32 seats the first space on the upper deck that is connected to a second experience of 50 seats in the basement level. The service is very professional, but at the same time personal, relaxed and calm. Handshake focuses on quality drinks, high-end glassware and ice. However, the ultimate goal is for their clients to enjoy themselves and feel at home.

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

About NH Collection:

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 travellers stays that evoke extraordinary feelings, NH Collection perfectly combines comfort, innovation, intuitive service, an elegant atmosphere, and surprising flavours, all embedded in the local identity.

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognises 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.