Located in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, Glass by Sips offers inventive cocktails inside a chic hotel bar setting.
Glass by Sips sits inside Hotel Urban in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras and is the sister bar to Sips in Barcelona, which in 2023 was named the Best Bar in the World by 50 Best Bars. Its location and lineage are immediately visible through its inventive cocktails, as well as the beautiful space they are served in. Glass Bar originally opened over 15 years ago, but the team behind Sips, Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez, didn’t take over until 2022.
Koke Clos Casellas is responsible for refurbishing the space, which nods back to the 1920s and to the modern era with its wenge wood paneling and backlit back bar made entirely of alabaster. The bar itself is one long smooth piece of wood meant to “bring a new meaning to the relationship between customer and bartender,” the rest of the space meanwhile features a mix of large armchairs and a Italian-designed sofa.
Barman Oscar Durán tells us…
Please describe Glass by Sips as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
The first thing in Glass by Sips is to give a warm welcome to customers, once accommodated, either at the table or at the bar (the place where the most curious will have the opportunity to see live and in short distances the elaboration of cocktails and to consult with the bartenders any doubts that may arise).
When customers have had the opportunity to see a little of our offer, we help them in choosing their drink and check what they are looking for. From there, the only thing left to do is to enjoy the experience in liquid format with exclusive designs and accompanied by an unbeatable atmosphere.
How would you describe Glass Bar in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
Place to be.
Other than Glass by Sips, what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
Glass by Sips is located inside Hotel Urban 5* GL in Madrid, and very close to these walls we can find wonderful places to have cocktails, such as our friends at Salmón Gurú, Isa Cocktail, Lovo Bar. In addition, the gastronomic offer in the area is delightful. Our colleagues at Cebo Restaurant, the Urban restaurant, who just became the winners of a Michelin Star, is the very best option to get to know Spanish food with the most depurated techniques. Just a work of art.
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
We begin to have affluence from 18h in the afternoon, although the peak moment is usually the night hours from 20h.
Describe the average drinkers that you serve?
A good part of them are customers who come to us to have the opportunity to drink signature cocktails from Sips Drinkery house and some others customers are local customers who already know our bar and want to repeat their experience with us.
Please tell us more about your drinks menu.
Cocktails with complex techniques, fresh products and, most of the time, served in specially created tableware, a trademark of the house.
What’s your signature drink–or your favorite drink currently on the menu–and why should I order it?
Difficult choice! I have many favs, but I think I’d say the Primordial Cocktail. Made with Toki Whiskey, Nashi Pear and Port Wine. Inspired by what we believe could be the first tableware in the world. Served in a unique dinner service made exclusively for the Sips brand. I think you should order this cocktail because in addition to using this exclusive tableware, the harmony between the nashi pear, port wine and whiskey, makes this cocktail a balanced and velvety drink that I would say is suitable for all palates.
How much do drinks cost?
From 12€ to 16€.
Is there anything to eat? If so – what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
We have some snacks and little sandwiches. Small jewels, made by rib, pastrami, truffled ham or anchovies. You can’t miss the rib sandwich at low temperature with barbecue sauce.
What are the distinguishing features of Glass by Sips?
In addition to our cocktail offers, I think we are distinguished by our tableware along with the decor and ambiance of the space.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Glass by Sips stereo?
We play different music styles: from funk and soul to disco music from the 80s and 90s.
Hours:
Monday: 11am–2am
Tuesday: 11am–2am
Wednesday: 11am–2am
Thursday: 11am–2am
Friday: 11am–2am
Saturday: 11am–2am
Sunday: 11am–2am
Reservations:
Walk-ins welcome.
Website:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/glassbar_urban
Address:
Cra de S. Jerónimo, 34, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain