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It’s fair to say Berlin does a few things better than anywhere else. Most exclusive and inclusive clubs on the planet? Check. Effortlessly cool culture? Check. But did you know the cocktail scene is also on another level? From vinyl-centric venues to dive bars, the cocktail options in Germany’s capital feel somewhat endless, so we’ve rounded up the best for a tour you can smash out on your next trip. Bottoms up.

1. For Inventive Cocktails: KINK 

The Run-Down: KINK, based in the heart of Berlin’s lively Prenzlauer Berg, is a part restaurant and part bar venue. Both the bar programme as well as the Michelin-recommended kitchen have an equally strong emphasis on sustainability. The Interiors of KINK are truly striking, making use of different levels and expressions, allowing for distinct functions and ambiences embellished by an eclectic and ever-evolving collection of contemporary art and sculpture (KINK also remains the only public space in Europe where Bill Copley’s S.M.S. (short for “Shit Must Stop”) can be seen almost in its entirety.)

Known for its inventive cocktails and gourmet dishes, KINK offers a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for a leisurely dinner and drinks. Begin your night here with a curated dining experience that showcases innovative cuisine made from fresh, local ingredients.

Address: Schönhauser Allee 176, 10119 Berlin

2. For a Vinyl-Only Bar: Wax On

The Run-Down: Located in the heart of Berlin, Wax On is the kind of place where cocktails are brewed with the precision of a mad scientist and the flair of a mixology maestro. The real magic happens in the basement lab, where potions are perfected before being sent upstairs to be assembled and garnished right before your eyes. This cosy, vinyl-only bar offers a soundtrack as eclectic as its cocktail menu, making it the ideal spot to keep the night rolling. Expect a laid-back yet lively vibe, where the music’s always spinning and the drinks are always top-notch.

Address: Lychener Str. 11, 10437 Berlin

3. For a Phone-Free Experience: Buck and Breck

The Run-Down: Behind an unmarked door with a ‘Closed’ sign, Buck and Breck is a speakeasy that takes exclusivity to the next level. With a sleek, Swiss-designed bar seating just 14 guests, it’s an intimate oasis where sophistication meets secrecy. Don’t bother flashing your credit card or snapping a selfie – this place is strictly cash-only and phone-free. Here, it’s all about the art of conversation and expertly mixed cocktails.

Address: Brunnenstraße 177, 10119 Berlin

4. For a Weekly Changing Menu: Velvet Bar

The Run-Down: Velvet is a seriously handsome hostelry, located in the Neukölln district far from the madding crowds of the Mitte. Operated by a close-knit team, they collaborate on a fresh menu every week, centred around foraged plants from in and around Berlin. It’s worth noting that every Tuesday the bar closes so the team can get to work in the laboratory installed out the back of the bar, distilling, infusing and fermenting that week’s herbal bounty. Drinks are delicate but complex, like the Cherry Blossom which mixes brandy, cherry blossom liqueur, Pinot Blanc, verjus and saffron tincture, letting those foraged ingredients take centre stage

Address: Ganghoferstraße 1, 12043 Berlin

5. For an Understated Vibe: Bar Immertreu

The Run-Down: Tucked away behind an unassuming doorbell lies one of Berlin’s chicest cocktail lounges, a hidden gem that whisks visitors from the bustling streets into a stylish, intimate retreat. True to Berlin’s understated vibe, the décor here is minimalist, with dim lighting and red curtains casting a cosy glow over the space, creating a relaxed yet inviting ambience. Despite its laid-back feel, this is a refined venue that exudes sophistication, albeit with a subtle touch. The bar offers expertly crafted classic cocktails alongside inventive takes on beloved standards, where every detail matters – from exquisite vintage glassware to the impeccable service.

Address: Christburger Str. 6, 10405 Berlin