World’s Best Cocktail Bar Takes Over a Bar in Amsterdam

On a Monday, not the most usual cocktail night, Pulitzer’s Bar is absolutely packed. Every seat, right down to the last pouf, is taken. Although… staying seated turns out to be a challenge when Italian bartender Simone Caporale starts shaving pineapple snow behind the bar. He is, after all, the man behind SIPS, the best bar in the world.

Pulitzer’s classic Bar has always been a place where you can taste and try perfectly refined cocktails. But the crowds on this Monday evening are here because of the new—temporary—face behind the bar: Simone Caporale from SIPS is taking over the bar for one evening. It is a name that may not immediately mean much to you and me, but within the cocktail industry it causes an instant stir. Together with Marc Alvarez, Caporale is the brains behind the best bar in the world.

For a long time, Caporale was one of the faces of the Artesian, ranked number 100 this year. Simone managed to bring the London bar to number 1 in the World’s 50 Best Bars four times. In 2021, the Italian bartender left for Barcelona, where he completely reinvents cocktails at SIPS.

What makes a cocktail a cocktail

Together with the SIPS team, Caporale tries to look at everything that makes a cocktail a cocktail from a different perspective. What does the shape of the ice do to a drink? How does glassware influence the taste or experience of a cocktail? How do you create new textures in a drink? And why is a bar always positioned between the bartender and the guest?

The influence of the glass

On that Monday (April 29, to be precise), you can see his research reflected directly on the menu at Pulitzer’s Bar, where he serves four iconic SIPS drinks. All equally innovative and accessible. The first explores the influence of the glass: the Krypta cocktail, made with Ford’s Gin and kiwi, is not drunk from a pretty coupette but from Manos de Dalí, Dalí’s hands.

For the Daiquiri No. SIPS with Diplomatico Rum, Caporale cranks up a metal contraption standing on the bar to shave pineapple snow that keeps this classic rum cocktail cool. And when orders come in for an Espresso Martini by SIPS, the food processor kicks into action. On top of his blend of Jack Daniel’s Bonded, Palo Cortado and Cold Brew, he uses two spoons to scoop airy espresso foam. And his Woodford Oak-Fashioned follows a classic recipe with a touch of oak water.

Off to SIPS

Simone Caporale expertly balances on the edge between experimental and familiar. For cocktails that surprise while feeling surprisingly comfortable. Want to taste them for yourself? Then you’ll need to go to Barcelona. You’ll find SIPS at C/ de Muntaner 108. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.

Also read:

• These are the 5 best new ‘restobars’ in the Netherlands
• How to make the bartender your best friend
• 20 of the best and most beautiful rooftop bars in the world

With thanks to Roger Bloem