Internationally acclaimed mixologist Simone Caporale elevated Delhi’s cocktail scene with an exclusive bar takeover and masterclass at AABBCC in Delhi’s Vasant Vihar.
Co-founder of the world’s third-best bar—SIPS, Barcelona—Caporale came with remarkable experience, mastery, and expertise and made the event a one-of-a-kind experience for the attendees. The evening was part of a special collaboration between Cashmir Vodka and Camikara Rum, both from the house of Piccadilly Distilleries, alongside hospitality curators The Experience India. The takeover was all about well-crafted cocktails and an interactive session featuring Caporale’s exclusive tips on mastering mixology.
The Bar Takeover at AABBCC
At AABBCC, Simone Caporale hosted the evening with a specially designed cocktail menu crafted exclusively with Cashmir Vodka and Camikara Rum.
The exclusively curated tasting experience presented guests with a range of cocktails to choose from, blending classics with innovation and flavour-driven mixology.
Some of my favourite sips from the exclusive offerings included the Daiquiri On Fire, featuring rum, ginger extract, maple, and citrus; the Dry Grapes Martini with vodka, dry vermouth, brine, and raisins; and the Maple Leaf Old Fashioned with rum, sherry, maple, and oak water.
The vodka-based Pornstar High On Caffeine that paired passiflora nectar with coffee air took the guests by storm. It also happened to be one of my most favourite drinks from the evening. The cocktail tasted like a sharper sibling of a pornstar martini, with a side of that surprising caffeine kick. It was unexpected, delicious, and very smooth and strong. Each of these cocktails reflected Caporale’s signature approach to mixology—allowing ingredients to shine throughout the drinking experience.
The coolest part about the evening was witnessing Caporale take over the Omakase-style bar at AABBCC and preparing each cocktail in his signature style.
For mixology aficionados or just those who wish to dive deeper in the art behind crafting cocktails, this takeover proved to be a rare opportunity to witness the techniques and philosophy behind some of the world’s most progressive cocktail programmes. One that is served at a bar that ranks among the top 5.
Beyond the drinks, the event also included an immersive masterclass where Caporale shared insights into modern mixology—exploring everything from ingredient selection and what constitutes a functional serve to the evolving role of creativity within bar culture.
The bar menu also features a few of AABBCC’s most experimental and delicious cocktails, made with the go-to liquors of the evening: Camikara Rum and Cashmir Vodka. These included the Old Cuban made with rum, mint, citrus, aromatic bitters, sugar, and sparkling wine, the Cinnamon Appletini Collins made with vodka, Granny Smith, cinnamon, green apple water, citrus, seltzer, and rosemary tincture, and the Mango Payasam, made with vodka, kheer concentrate, amaretto, mango puree, sweet spices, milk oolong, and mango soda.
Who Is Simone Caporale?
Italian-born Caporale is widely regarded as one of the most influential bartenders and mixologists and among the premier industry experts of recent times. After starting his career as a mixologist in Italy in 2003, he first rose to global prominence during his tenure at the Artesian Bar in London, United Kingdom, where the venue was named the World’s Best Bar for four consecutive years.
Today, Caporale is the co-founder of SIPS in Barcelona, currently ranked among the world’s leading cocktail bars—number 3, to be specific. Known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary mixology beyond what you and I might imagine, SIPS has built a reputation for combining technical mastery with imaginative storytelling and immersive experiences.
His work has earned him numerous international accolades, including recognition as International Bartender of the Year in 2014, cementing his influence on how cocktails are conceived and experienced across the global hospitality industry.
Speaking during the bar takeover, Caporale emphasised the importance of flavour and purpose in cocktail creation. “For me, everything begins and ends with taste, product, and functional serve—every element in the glass must exist for a reason,” he said. He also noted that travelling beyond Barcelona allows new ideas and cultural exchanges to shape the experience of consuming a drink, which is exactly what he hopes to do.
A Defining Moment for India’s Cocktail Culture
As India’s premium spirits market continues to grow with new market entrants as far as products, bars, liquors, and experiences are concerned, initiatives such as this signal a broader shift in how the country participates in the global cocktail landscape. The presence of Caporale at AABBCC highlighted both the rising curiosity among Indian consumers and the increasing confidence in homegrown spirits.
For many attendees, the evening was more than sipping on cocktail; it was a glimpse into the future of mixology in India, where international expertise and locally crafted spirits come together to create entirely new drinking experiences.
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