World’s Best Bar Joins Forces with Fulham FC For Player-Inspired Cocktails Series

(Photo: Tequila Enemigo)

Handshake Speakeasy, recently named North America’s Best Bar for its second year in a row, is back in the headlines with an all-star collaboration toasting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The mixology hotspot has joined forces with Fulham Football Club and Tequila Enemigo to roll out a signature cocktail series celebrating English Premier League players. The first drink on the menu, the simply named Jiménez Handshake Margarita, pays homage to none other than Fulham striker Raúl Jiménez, who was born and raised in Tepeji del Río, Hidalgo. Though details are few and far between regarding the exact contents of the recipe, the brand says it incorporates Mexican culinary tradition with hints of hibiscus, lime, vanilla and subtle sweetness.

Handshake says it’ll roll out more player-inspired cocktails over the next year as fans hotly anticipate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Based on a few hints dropped in a press release, other footballers destined to get the mixology treatment may include Jorge Cuenca, Bernd Leno and Andreas Pereira.

“The Jiménez Handshake Margarita combines the passion and precision Raúl brings to the pitch with the tradition and expertise behind every bottle of Tequila Enemigo,” Rodrigo Urraca, Co-Owner and Head of Public Relations at Handshake Speakeasy, remarked.  “Bringing this to life with two brands rooted in Mexican history and artistry is a dream come true.”

Whatever form the Jiménez Margarita takes, we’re willing to bet it’ll have a flair for the extravagant. Like many venues on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Handshake Speakeasy has staked its reputation on ornate, painstakingly crafted drinks that occasionally veer toward the absurd. One of its most iconic recipes, the Salt N’ Pepper, reimagines the Paloma with strawberry-infused mezcal and a housemade yellow bell pepper soda. Other classics include its Butter Mushroom Old Fashioned and a “Peanut Butter Jelly” made with vodka, rose vermouth, vinegar and salt.

If you’re interested in a closer look at the process, be sure to check out the bar’s Instagram page. Handshake is fully transparent about the laboratory-like process behind each of its recipes — complete with bubbling beakers, tinctures, sous vides and gourmet foams. Just don’t expect to recreate anything at home.

The cocktail launch intends to celebrate Tequila Enemigo’s ongoing partnership with Fulham FC, reportedly the first Premier League sponsorship for a tequila brand. Founded in 2016 by Robin Clough, Sebastian Gonzalez and Max Davies-Gilbert, the brand currently offers a Blanco, Añejo Cristalino and an Extra Añejo.

“This is more than a cocktail, it’s a celebration of identity, Gonzalez added. “Raúl is a hero for the Mexican national team, and honoring his story through a drink that highlights our shared heritage fills me with pride. This drink and collaboration represents everything Enemigo stands for – bold vision, precision, and soul.”