Bluish light beckons us into the narrow Wax On bar at the top end of Weserstraße. We find ourselves seats at the corner of the wide concrete bar. Here, the focus isn’t on an overwhelming array of drink options, but on a small, carefully-curated selection. The bar team is attentive and welcoming — engaging with us while executing each action with precision, and before we know it, our drinks are placed in front of us. They are our simple yet elegant companions for the evening as we transition from one conversation to the next. We opt for something light, with yuzu, mandarin and basil, a refreshing drink loaded with summer-evening nostalgia. For those yet to enter a summer mindset, there’s the bartender and co-owner Sam Orrock’s signature. “Rusty Nail” features bourbon from the distillery Woodford Reserve, and takes the drinker on a journey from strong grain and wood to sweet aromas, spices and fruity florals. Combined with ginger and honey, this is a classic Old Fashioned bourbon cocktail with an exciting twist. To accentuate the herbal notes, Sam adds a homemade clove infusion. In fact, an array of homemade infusions stored in small pipettes are infused into the cocktails for tantalizing flavor bombs. This creativity is on-brand for Wax On. The team regularly collaborates, experiments with new ingredients, and isn’t afraid to step out of their comfort zone. The result? Drinks you won’t find anywhere else. It’s no wonder Wax On was recently voted in the 50 best bars in the world.

Text: Maria Mayer / Photos: Sophie Doering

Wax On, Weserstr.208, 12047 Berlin–Neukölln; map

Please Drink Responsibly. Woodford Reserve is a registered trademark. ©2024 Brown-Forman Distillery, Inc. All rights reserved.

@waxonberlin
@woodfordreserve

As of a few weeks ago, Berlin has a new museum for contemporary art, photography and culture: Fotografiska. Art has returned to the iconic and historic building with its heritage listed staircase. And now, upscale drinking has returned as well. In keeping with the spirit of the place, community, creativity and solidarity are top priorities – so here come the new aperitivo hours, daily from 16-18h. The Northern Italian concept combines good drinks and small appetizers before dinner. The Fotografiska bar on the first floor serves complimentary small Mediterranean snacks: grilled vegetables, a good selection of cheeses, olives, bruschetta, and more. Exquisite half-size cocktails at half the price entice you to taste your way through the entire menu. Best of all, drinks are allowed in the galleries, too! What better way to start the evening than consuming Berlin’s hippest culture with your favorite people and your favorite drinks? After all, one should “…offer the body something good, so that the soul feels like dwelling in it.” It’s a good thing that Oranienstrasse is now offering both.

Text: Alina Herbel / Photos: xxx

Café Bar at Fotografiska, Oranienburger Str.54, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
Mon–Sun 10–23h, Aperitivo Hours Mon–Sun 16–18h.

@fotografiska.berlin