At the heart of Berlin, Kink Bar is shaking things up with its latest cocktail menu, offering a bold fusion of mixology and culinary artistry. Housed in a 19th-century former brewery, this vibrant hotspot embodies the dynamic hospitality vision of co-founders Oliver Mansaray and Daniel Scheppan, who bring their expertise in gastronomy, engineering, and design to create a space brimming with creativity and surprises.
Long or Short? Your Cocktail, Your Way
The standout feature of Kink’s latest menu is the option to enjoy every cocktail in two styles: short or long. The short version delivers an intense, concentrated hit of flavor, perfect for those who love a bold sip. The long version, on the other hand, stretches the cocktail into a lighter, more leisurely experience, retaining the essence while adding a softer, more relaxed touch.
Each drink showcases ingredients like beetroot, corn, green shiso, and Piquin chili, sourced directly from the kitchen and transformed using modern techniques in the bar’s in-house lab.
Innovation in Action: The Lab at Kink Bar
Kink Bar‘s lab, visible through a reclaimed vintage window from the original site, lets guests watch the magic happen as mixologists push the boundaries of flavor. Led by head bartender Laurie Howells, the team employs cutting-edge techniques like fermentation, sous-vide, and redistillation to craft unique flavor profiles.
Using Algorithmic Pairing, they discover harmonious yet unexpected combinations, such as Piquin chili, fig leaf kefir, and pandan. These blends evoke a comforting sense of nostalgia while exploring bold new flavor territories.
Unmissable Cocktails
Highlights from the menu include the Paris Pennsylvania, which features beurre noisette-washed cognac, peach-infused rum, and Earl Grey. The short version offers an indulgently rich and decadent profile, while the long version, topped with house-made peach soda, transforms into a lighter, more refreshing highball. The Naked Lunch is another standout, built on bourbon redistilled with peanuts, banana, and maple syrup. In its short form, it’s creamy and nutty, with a luscious finish, while the long version, lengthened with pandan soda, introduces earthy vanilla notes for a completely different take.
For a modern twist on the classic Pisco Punch, the Bank Exchange combines pisco, pineapple, raspberries, and a touch of spiced ruby port. In the long version, the ruby port is swapped out for fig leaf kefir, adding a fresh, subtly sweet finish that’s impossible to resist.
Zero-Proof Options That Shine
For those steering clear of alcohol, Kink Bar’s zero-proof offerings are just as imaginative. The Pea & Physalis combines a non-alcoholic spirit with tomato Pai Mu Tan tea, strawberry, and verjus, delivering a complex, satisfying flavor. Other options, like the alcohol-free Negroni and VirGin Tonic, ensure that everyone gets to enjoy a rich and rewarding drink experience.
With its innovative mix of culinary craftsmanship, daring cocktails, and a setting steeped in Berlin’s history, Kink Bar has cemented its reputation as a must-visit destination for mixology enthusiasts. Whether you’re there for a quick short cocktail or a relaxed long sip, the experience promises to be anything but ordinary.
Images courtesy of Kink Bar Berlin
