"The line outside Sips is the first hint that something special is afoot, and the second is the doorperson telling you that you won’t get in without a reservation. This sexy, intimate cocktail lounge has an advanced booking system, but seats sell out quickly and some punters try to walk in on the night. Everyone is here for the cocktails made with minimal gimmicks, shaken or stirred either at the island bar or right at your table. Yes, you’ll still find non-melting ice that cools a perfectly balanced bergamot Negroni without watering it down or icy fruit pearls that add flavor and texture to a colorful drink made with lychee, rhubarb, lemongrass, and bone-dry fino sherry—but the stunts feel intentional. If you’re someone who would name your first-born Margarita, consider the liquid tasting menu at Esencia, Sips’ bar within a bar (10 sips for €75, or 15 sips for €97)." - Isabelle Kliger
