SIPS, the cocktail maestros from Barcelona, have just shaken and stirred their way to the top spot in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023. Sponsored by Perrier, the awards ceremony in Singapore showcases the global excellence of the drinks sector, and was like the Oscars for bartenders but with more flair, fewer acceptance speeches, and a whole lot more bubbly.
The win marks the second consecutive year that a Barcelona-based bar has claimed the coveted top spot, following Paradiso’s triumph in 2022.
Located in the heart of Barcelona’s L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample district, Sips is the lovechild of Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez, two cocktail wizards known for their disruptive approach to mixology. The duo combine contemporary innovation and technical precision to deliver the best cocktails.
And the bar’s interior is like something out of a futuristic fairytale; muted pastels, gold accents and no traditional barriers between the bartender and the guests, that combine to create a fully immersive cocktail experience.
William Drew, Director of Content at 50 Best, couldn’t have put it better, saying, “Sips was destined for greatness even before it rocketed into the list at No.37 just a few short months after opening in 2021.” It’s like they started with the magic potion from day one.
And the Barcelona celebrations don’t stop there. Paradiso’s still hanging out in the top five at No.4, making Barcelona the reigning cocktail capital.
London continues to dominate the European scene with five bars on the list, including Ago Perrone’s Connaught Bar and Tayēr + Elementary in the top 10. Meanwhile other European cities, including Athens, Berlin, Oslo, and Paris, also made a significant impact on the list.
And other cities across the globe also brought their A-game. New York’s Double Chicken Please struts its stuff at No.2, while Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City gives Barcelona a run for its money at No.3. Sydney’s Maybe Sammy, the undisputed queen of Australasia, is back at No.15, making the land Down Under proud for the fifth year running.
And let’s not forget the newcomers making waves – Seoul’s Zest is the talk of the town with the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award at No.18, proving that kimchi isn’t the only thing fermenting in Korea.
In a surprising twist, Oslo’s Himkok climbs a staggering 33 places to secure the Nikka Highest Climber Award at No.10 with their local approach to cocktails.
But it’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the people behind the bar. Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni of Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires has been voted the Roku Industry Icon, proving that being a mixology maestro is like a fine wine – keeps on getting bette with age!
Meanwhile. Lady Bee in Lima was named Campari One To Watch, while Apoorva Kohli of Sidecar in New Delhi bags the 50 Best Bars’ The Blend Scholarship, proving that bartending truly is an art form, and scholarships are not just for academics.
As the global bar industry continues to evolve, these awards celebrate the diverse and dynamic contributions of bars around the world, inspiring cocktail enthusiasts worldwide.
So, here’s to SIPS, Barcelona, and the world of mixology – where the only thing more intoxicating than the mixed drinks, is the people making them. Cheers!
For the full list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023, take a look here.
