Chicago’s dynamic nightlife and bar scenes are set to reach new heights as the acclaimed Handshake Speakeasy, recently crowned The World’s No. 1 Bar by The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, takes over the luxurious Mile High Cocktail Club at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
This highly anticipated, limited-time collaboration transforms the intimate 46th-floor lounge into an exclusive destination, offering Chicagoans and visitors alike a taste of globally recognized mixology excellence. The residency marks a significant moment for the city’s trending bar scene, bringing an international award-winning establishment to the heart of the Magnificent Mile.
The Reign of Handshake Speakeasy
Handshake Speakeasy, a hidden gem nestled in Mexico City’s vibrant Colonia Juárez neighborhood, has rapidly ascended to global acclaim. In 2024, it achieved the coveted title of The World’s No. 1 Bar, a first for any establishment in Mexico. This recognition follows a string of prestigious accolades, including being named the Best Bar in North America in 2024 and retaining that title in 2025, alongside top rankings in previous years of The World’s 50 Best Bars lists. The bar is celebrated for its avant-garde approach to cocktails, employing molecular mixology and advanced culinary techniques, often developed in its on-site laboratory. Bar Director Eric van Beek and his team are renowned for crafting complex, innovative drinks that often require extensive preparation, delivering unexpected textures and profound flavors.
A Sky-High Speakeasy Experience at the Four Seasons
The Mile High Cocktail Club, a signature experience at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, provides the perfect elevated stage for this collaboration. Situated on the hotel’s 46th floor, it offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The exclusive speakeasy, designed by Kehoe Designs, envelops guests in an opulent atmosphere characterized by plush velvet banquettes, candlelight, intricate suspended copper chains with Edison bulbs, and emerald-hued neon accents. The design, inspired by greens and emeralds to honor the hotel’s 35th anniversary, also features whimsical touches like a “Sands of Time” bathtub filled with crystals and gems, paying homage to the space’s former hotel suite origins.
The experience begins with a welcome glass of Champagne at the hotel’s 7th-floor Adorn Bar, followed by a guided journey to the secret lounge on the 46th floor. With an intimate capacity, the Mile High Cocktail Club ensures a personalized and sophisticated evening.
Curated Cocktails and Local Flair
Guests at the Mile High Cocktail Club can savor a meticulously curated menu featuring Handshake Speakeasy’s signature creations. These include popular concoctions like the “Salt-n-Pepper” (Ilegal Mezcal, strawberry, yellow bell pepper, habanero) and the “Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned” (Angels Envy Bourbon, brown butter, mushroom, maple, walnut), alongside innovative drinks such as the “Earl Grey” (Bombay Sapphire Gin, Earl Grey tea) and “Olive Oil Gimlet” (Cazadores Blanco Tequila). A unique highlight for the Chicago residency is the “Handshakes Handshake,” a secret menu cocktail that offers a refined take on the traditional “Chicago Handshake” (a pairing of Malört and local beer). This special rendition blends Bombay Sapphire Gin with grapefruit, Malört, dry vermouth, and grapefruit soda, offering a local twist to the world-class offerings.
In addition to the exquisite cocktails, guests can expect elevated bites, though specific details are scarce. The ambiance is further enhanced by live Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, and bossa nova music, with Chicago DJs contributing to the vibrant atmosphere on select nights. [Initial Context]
An Exclusive Engagement for Chicago’s Scene
The Mile High Cocktail Club, in its celebrated collaboration with Handshake Speakeasy, has extended its engagement beyond its initial announcement, running through various periods, including through March and even into June of 2025, underscoring its popularity and the demand for such world-class experiences in Chicago. While reservations were initially required and made via Tock, some periods also welcomed walk-ins, adding a layer of accessibility to this exclusive venue.
This partnership not only brings a globally recognized bar to Chicago but also significantly elevates the city’s reputation as a premier destination for craft cocktails and sophisticated nightlife. It represents a fusion of international prestige and local charm, offering a truly unforgettable experience that appeals to both seasoned cocktail aficionados and those seeking a unique night out. The collaboration underscores the ongoing evolution and sophistication of Chicago’s bar scenes, making it a trending hotspot for discerning drinkers.
