Lemon verbena, pineapple sage, crushed juniper and two citrusy-floral hop varieties end up in the “Berliner Zitrone”, one of Mondhuegel’s gins. Like all spirits, essences and ferments at Mondhuegel Bar in Kreuzberg, it’s produced in-house with regional ingredients and no additives. “Naked drinking” is the name of the game, because “we want lots of flavor,” says Philipp, one of the co-founders. And the drinks certainly have it — smokey ginger, gin lemon and classics such as the Negroni do not disappoint. Non-alcoholic options like the Sober Neukölln, a cocktail of ginger, kaffir lime and grapefruit essence, are also available. While only the best ingredients make it through Mondhuegel’s door, it’s by no means elitist. Everyone can sit at the table, no matter how deep their pockets. After the first drink, you can pay what you want or can afford to. Founders Philipp Schmitz and Benito Opitz have been producing drinks under the name Mondhuegel since 2021, and the bar has been located in the former corner pub “Oase” since last fall. You can still see remnants of pithy charm (meant as a compliment!). In summer, enjoy a cold drink outside on Bürknerstrasse. The owners and their neighbors from Ammazza che Pizza have created something special. Since April 2024, the “Kiez Aperitivo” has been available Tuesdays to Sundays from 4 to 7 p.m. — meaning every Spritz ordered comes with a slice of focaccia. It’s like vacationing in Italy.
Text: Inga Krumme / Photos: Laura Markert
Mondhuegel, Bürknerstr.6, 12047 Berlin–Neukölln; map
@mondhuegel
