Simone Caporale: Being named the world’s best bar is nice, but life goes on

editor editor Photo: Visitchef.com

„It’s more important to know what to do after you win than to be obsessed with winning itself — to use it as a springboard for your next step. If you don’t have that clarity, don’t chase rankings,” says Simone Caporale, one of the world’s top bartenders and co-owner of Sips Barcelona, which ranked first on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2023.

“Our bar is exclusive — but that doesn’t mean luxurious. It means: less, but done well. We wanted to create a community, and most of our guests are close friends. We’ve been asked to open in...
“Pre-made drinks are not a problem in my view, even though many people claim otherwise. It’s true that guests enjoy the theater of a cocktail being made right in front of them, but preparing drinks...
"When the Michelin Guide was about to come to Slovenia, I told my team that we would either get two stars or none at all. We’re not the type of restaurant for just one Michelin star, but zero was...
“Thirty-five years ago, I asked myself whether I drank spirits just to get drunk, or to share memorable moments and meaningful conversations with friends. Today, I feel this new era has arrived—one...
"At the beginning, it was important for me to learn how to ‘read’ the casks, to understand the wood, and to become a true expert and a genuine rum lover. As an expert, you know that there comes a...
"We want to open the new bar by autumn at the latest. I already have the team and the menu, and even the address. For me, a great cocktail is one you can actually finish—and have no problem ordering...
„It’s more important to know what to do after you win than to be obsessed with winning itself — to use it as a springboard for your next step. If you don’t have that clarity, don’t chase rankings,”...
"We all dreamed of three Michelin stars, but not everyone reached them. And when you do get them, suddenly you start playing defensively - you stop attacking and instead focus on protecting your...
"In keeping with its heritage, Mauritius offers all varieties of rum - Spanish, English, and French. The DNA of our rums is very important, as is the fact that we produce single estate rums, meaning...