As much as we enjoy the thrill of an experimental cocktail, sometimes it’s a good old classic we want to kick Feierabend off with: Gin and tonic. When that’s the case, we want the spirit at its base to speak for itself — pure, dry and delicately laced with botanical flavors. Fulfilling those criteria is Spree Gin, Berlin’s first organic gin, hand-brewed in small batches in the Schlitzer Destillerie, said to be Europe’s oldest of its kind. The resulting liquor is characterised by hints of organic cucumbers (grown on the Spreewald’s Pretschen estate), bitter orange, lavender flowers and liquorice root — best poured over a large chunk of ice, topped up with tonic and finished with a sliver of cucumber. Spree Gin’s name serves as a declaration of love for Berlin by its creators, Gabriel Grote and Henning Birkenhake. You’ll find it at specialty liquor stores like Delicious Berlin or Gourmet Garage, and bars (e.g. Monkey Bar) across town. Take note for your next toasting occasion — or just Friday evening drinks with friends. (Text: Anna Dorothea Ker / Photos: Pamina Aichhorn)
