A business trip to Berlin allowed me to reacquaint myself with the city from a different perspective -- a Kreuzberg perspective.
Whereas my last visit placed me firmly in the tony section of Mitte, this time I was going for hipster with a side of bohemia and an edge of artsy.
My client's headquarters was smack dab in the middle of this decidedly youthful, counterculture neighborhood. That made for access to some of the city's best Turkish food (yes, Adana Grillhaus is worth the fuss.) It also introduced me to the ever-so-elegant Oriana Hotel and its brilliant bar.
You know when you meet a bartender who you really connect with -- as a fellow cocktail nerd? I am lucky enough to say, I have a few bartending faves. Now, Julian Berger, the Oriana Bar's Bar Manager is among them.
Why? Let's just say that I caught the man making his own house non-alcoholic Amaro. Not enough? How about Peking Duck fat-washed Whiskey? Need more? Get a gander at this lovely...
Playfully enough, this cocktail is called a TonkaTruck. It includes Appleton Estate 8yr Reserve Estate Rum, Tonka, Coffee eau de Vie, a special Vermouth blend, Pedro Ximénez Sherry, and a Raspberry Cordial. Final flavor profile? A very surprising and very delicious perfectly ripe dark cherry.
Huzzah. I have my bar and my bartender in Berlin. Sehr gut!
Comments