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
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