As you cross the threshold of Lovis Bar at Hotel Wilmina in Charlottenburg, “cozy” is the word that immediately comes to mind. Formerly a women’s prison in the late 19th century, this striking cocktail den – characterized by its high vaulted ceiling and dim lighting – is the perfect spot for a pre-dinner aperitivo or a late-night drink. Guiding you on your journey through the bar’s offerings is Nils Lutterbach, the bar manager, who previously worked at Galander in Kreuzberg before being tapped to open Lovis. The bar’s philosophy revolves around minimalist, taste-focused mixology, with a particular emphasis on German, Swiss, and Austrian brandies. While brandies are the star of the menu, high-quality spirits such as bourbon, gin, scotch, and rum also feature prominently for classic cocktail lovers. One of Lutterbach’s favorite ingredients is Woodford Reserve Bourbon: Praised for its versatility and rich notes of fruit and chocolate, it brings depth and vibrancy to any classic or bourbon-forward cocktail. A must-try is the “Number 13”: a dry yet potent cocktail featuring Woodford Reserve bourbon, fat-washed with cacao butter, Oloroso sherry, cherry brandy, coffee liqueur, coffee eau-de-vie, and sweet vermouth. You might wonder why the drinks are named with numbers instead of more traditional or playful titles? The reasoning is simple: Lovis prefers not to distract from the essence of the drink itself. In keeping with this minimalist approach, the back bar is devoid of recognizable booze brands, opting instead for unlabelled bottles, inviting guests to make their choices uninfluenced by branding. If you’re looking for another standout option, we recommend “Number 83,” a delicate yet complex mix of distilled rice brandy, Mirabelle brandy, and coconut water. It’s Lutterbach’s personal favorite — and likely to become yours, too.
Text: Yolanda Evans / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Lovis Bar, Kantstr.79, 10627 Berlin–Charlottenburg; map
Woodford Brown-Forman-Distillery
Please drink responsibly.
@lovisrestaurant
@woodfordreserve
