Quality of Hong Kong’s cocktail bars has exploded, says Simone Caporale of ‘World’s Best Bar’

Bartender Simone Caporale, co-founder of Barcelona-based cocktail bar Sips – last year voted as the “Best Bar in Europe” and “World’s Best Bar” – was in Hong Kong last month for a one-off shift.

The Italian took part in an exciting week of events as the city marked the second time it had hosted Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony, which was supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

He reunited with his peer, Jay Khan, founder of Hong Kong’s Coa, ranked fourth at this year’s ceremony hosted by William Reed, a food and drinks event company which organises the annual 50 Best lists based on the votes of industry experts, for a special guest shift as bartender mixing cocktails at the bar in Central.

“Jay and I met 10 years ago and he suggested doing something together as we celebrate Asia’s 50 Best Bars in Hong Kong,” Caporale said. So on a hot Monday afternoon during Hong Kong’s sweltering summer weather, fans and cocktail enthusiasts were treated to special concoctions created in collaboration with Coa, Sips and also the Mexico City-based Handshake Speakeasy.

A long queue had already formed on the steps outside the entrance to Coa before the start of the event, which was part of the Signature Sessions organised by Asia’s 50 Best Bars in partnership with the HKTB.

“Just seeing the amount of people waiting to go in is super exciting because it shows that there’s a real appetite for 50 Best to be brought directly to consumers, despite it actually starting out as an industry event,” Emma Sleight, head of content of bars and hotels at 50 Best, said.

“These Signature Sessions give people a taste of the best, and the amazing cocktail culture, both internationally and locally here in Hong Kong.”