Simone Caporale, co-owner of SIPS, Barcelona, ranked the world’s No. 3 bar, was invited to India by Piccadily Distilleries along with Cashmir Vodka and Camikara Rum, marking his first visit to India. We caught him making some statement cocktails and throwing deep insights on how innovation and creativity have a major role to play on bartending, what’s the recipe for a winning cocktail and how a a world class bar can be differentiated from a good one.1. What makes a cocktail truly memorable for a guest?It’s everything that surrounds the drink. Hospitality, service, and how you make a guest feel play an enormous role in shaping that memory. Of course, taste matters; a well-balanced drink made with quality ingredients will always stand out. But the human element is just as powerful. A genuine smile, attentive service, and the bartender’s ability to create a warm moment, these can completely elevate the experience. When guests feel seen and at ease, even a simple cocktail leaves a lasting impression.2. Do you think simplicity or complexity wins in modern bartending?What truly wins is whatever you can execute at your absolute best. Complexity often comes with experience — it’s something a bartender grows into over time, crossing many bridges throughout a career. But simplicity takes real courage. Today, too many bars seek validation through unnecessarily complex cocktails that are, frankly, poorly executed. A well-made, simple drink can be far more impressive. When every ingredient has a clear purpose and the balance is precise, simplicity can reveal a deeper mastery than complexity ever could.
3. How do you know when a new concept is “ready” to be shared with the public?I use two measures. First, it has to genuinely excite me. If the idea doesn’t energise or inspire me, it’s unlikely to translate into a compelling experience for guests. Second, it must have a strong, authentic vibe while also feeling timeless. Trends come and go, but the most enduring concepts carry their own identity: something that exists on its own terms. When you control how people perceive time around a concept, making it feel both current and permanent, you gain far greater control over how it’s received in the market. 4. What trends in the bar world are you most excited about right now?Honestly, I try to stay away from trends rather than chase them. The moment you follow one, someone else is already working on the next thing or doing it better. I find it more meaningful to develop a strong point of view and refine your own craft. When a bar or bartender builds an identity rooted in creativity, quality, and authenticity, it naturally stands apart. Trends may come and go, but a clear philosophy and a distinctive style have far greater longevity.5. How important is storytelling in creating a great bar experience?It’s essential, as long as it isn’t overwhelming. A good story adds depth to a cocktail, helping guests understand the inspiration behind the ingredients or the technique. It creates a connection and makes the experience feel personal. But it has to be effective and concise. A short, well-delivered story can spark curiosity and elevate the drink, while keeping the cocktail itself at the centre of the experience. The moment the story becomes the main event, something has gone wrong.
6. What separates a good bar from a world-class bar?It often comes down to how a place makes people feel. Great cocktails and quality ingredients are essential, but the true difference lies in the emotional experience. Guests return to bars where they feel comfortable, welcomed, and genuinely looked after, almost like being at home, or sometimes even better. That combination of great drinks, warm hospitality, and a strong sense of place is what ultimately elevates a bar from good to exceptional. It’s a very personal thing; everyone is looking for a bar that feels like their own.7. How do you keep innovation approachable instead of intimidating?Regardless of how creative or experimental an idea may be, the final result must be something people can understand and enjoy. If guests feel intimidated by what you’re presenting, it usually means the concept hasn’t been communicated in the right way. True innovation isn’t only about pushing creative boundaries — it’s about translating those ideas into an experience that feels simple and accessible. When innovation speaks an approachable language, more people can connect with it.
8. What role does atmosphere play compared to the drinks themselves?It’s just as important as the drink itself and the principle is the same as what makes a cocktail memorable. The surrounding elements shape the entire experience. Hospitality, service, and how guests are made to feel can dramatically change their perception of what’s in the glass. A warm welcome and positive energy can elevate even a simple drink. The atmosphere changes the taste of everything.9. How do you create an experience that keeps people coming back?By entering their hearts and their memories. Beyond great drinks, it’s the emotions and memories associated with a place that truly matter. When a bar creates moments that make people feel welcomed, valued, and comfortable, it naturally becomes somewhere they want to return to. Thoughtful hospitality, meaningful interactions, and memorable experiences are what ultimately build lasting loyalty.10. Where do you see the future of cocktail culture heading?It will be a consequence of what we are doing now and how we are doing it. That says it all. Every country is experimenting in its own way, sometimes getting things right, sometimes learning along the way, but almost always with genuine intention to improve. Cocktail culture today is truly a collective effort, driven by hundreds of thousands of bartenders and hospitality professionals around the world. As ideas and influences continue to exchange globally, the culture will keep evolving by becoming more creative, collaborative, and beautifully diverse.
